Propane tank- composite

[Landshark]

Went Suburban Propane today in Anchorage to have my composite propane tank filled. They would not do it. I was told that a new Suburban Propane policy forbids recertification or filling of any composite propane tank. Does anyone have experience with composite propane tanks they want to share?

 

[mvweebles]

Not good experience. I looked at them closely a few years ago. I even found one new that was a few years old but never installed. The seller wanted very little for it. But I discovered as you have that nor everyone will fill them, and recertifying often means sending back to the manufacturer. I opted for standard steel tanks - Costco sells them new for about $30. I'll get 5-10 years out of them, more if I do the cylinder exchange.

Good luck.

Peter

 

[tiltrider1]

Going back some 20 years ago, a company got a temporary permit to make composite propane tanks. The tanks did not come with any expiration date as they were still under testing to determine what life propane tanks should have. The company never finished the paper work and quietly went out of business.

A fire marshal spotted a composite tank in the Seattle Boat Show and demanded proof of certification. This of course could not be provided. This fire marshal then declared the tanks illegal in his district. He threatened Suburban if they got caught filling any composite propane tanks. Suburban didn’t need this harassment so immediately banned the filling of the tanks at all its locations.

It was later determined that composite tanks should have a 10 year life. Unlike steel tanks there is no way to re-certify and extend the life of a composite tank. Unfortunately there are lots of composite tanks out there with no date coding. Suburban felt it was just easier to not deal with composite tanks then get caught filling timed out tanks.

You are the victim of being in the 1% crowd.

The facts are that composite tanks have no more usable life than steel, cost more than steel by more than double. Their only true advantage is they are lighter.

 

[soin2la]

Their only true advantage is they are lighter.

And see through.

 

[Landshark]

Composite tanks

I see numerous advantages of composite tanks:
*- they are lighter, and
*- they are translucent to the extent that one can see the contents, and
*- they are quieter, and
*- impervious to chemicals and sea water.

The apparent disadvantage is nobody will refill or recertify them.

 

[mvweebles]

I see numerous advantages of composite tanks:
*- they are lighter, and
*- they are translucent to the extent that one can see the contents, and
*- they are quieter, and
*- impervious to chemicals and sea water.

The apparent disadvantage is nobody will refill or recertify them.

That about sums it up. Would add that they don't rust, they should last a very long time, and while more expensive than steel, they are less expensive than aluminium.

I really wanted to go with them. But if you can't get propane in, well, you know....

Peter

 

[O C Diver]

I have 2 of them and am very happy with them.

In addition to being lighter and able to see the liquid level, they don't corrode and the plastic shell prevents marking painted surface unlike aluminum and steel propane tanks.

I purchased 2 tanks to use with my propane outboard and gas grill. The outboard (Lehr) proved to be garbage, so now the tanks are for my boat grill.

The minuses:

They only have a 15 year life from date of manufacture.

There are some places that won't fill them. To be fair, there are some places that won't fill aluminum tanks. And some that won't fill any size steel tank except for the standard 20 pounder. I know that sounds ridiculous, but they employ high school and college kids and only want to fill barbecue grill tanks.

So, you figure out who will fill your tanks, and patronize there business. I've had good luck with campgrounds, Ace hardware stores, and off brand propane companies. One of my favorites used to be a propane company that does 99% of their business as delivery. The bigger purchases (Food trucks) at there filling station are done through the office. The 20 pound bottles (if paying cash $8, without needing change) are lunch money for the employees. Everybody gets a turn from the owner on down. When was the last time you had a woman in a dress filling your propane tank.

Ted

 

[tiltrider1]

I see numerous advantages of composite tanks:
*- they are lighter, and
*- they are translucent to the extent that one can see the contents, and
*- they are quieter, and
*- impervious to chemicals and sea water.

The apparent disadvantage is nobody will refill or recertify them.

Lighter yes.

Translucent yes but not an advantage quality steel tanks have reliable gauges.

Quieter? Tanks don’t make noise if secured.

Impervious to chemicals and sea water yes but not much advantage as a steel tank will make it 10 years which is the legal life of a composite tank

 

[AlanT]

I've been using a composite tank for about 5 or 6 years. I did once have a problem with a particular person refusing to fill it at my local gas/propane station about 4 years ago. I returned to the station with the data that the faulty tanks were a different manufacturer and that there are no restrictions on my brand (sorry I dont have that info available here). I have not had a problem since and I love the fact that they are light and do not leave rust stains in my propane locker. I also heft this tank to shore for crab boils and it is friendlier to my dinghy than a steel tank.
~A

 

[GoneFarrell]

I sliced a piece of pvc tubing. Put that on the foot ring of the tank. No rust rings.

 

[DDW]

They don't scratch the deck and topsides when you drag them around. I've not had any problem getting them filled.

 

[BruceK]

Try sitting the tank in neat fitting plastic plant pot saucer glued in position. Obviously you need to further secure the tank but it`s an easy inexpensive start.
The I36 had a custom 2 tank set up with wooden tank retainers and twin switchable connectors, so you could switch between tanks, useful when one was empty.

 

[Landshark]

More bad news about composite tanks from Suburban Propane. Today Suburban Propane confirmed to me it is company policy to not fill composite tanks. That means a nationwide propane supplier will not fill composite tanks. Is that not a stake through the heart of that product?

 

[tiltrider1]

More bad news about composite tanks from Suburban Propane. Today Suburban Propane confirmed to me it is company policy to not fill composite tanks. That means a nationwide propane supplier will not fill composite tanks. Is that not a stake through the heart of that product?

Sadly yes. I really loved my composite tanks but after the controversy, the ban on filling them, then the reintroduction with a fixed non extendable life I was left with a very expensive tank that could only be filled by uneducated gas station attendants. I really liked the tank for its light wait but not enough to put up with the cost and hassle.

 

[O C Diver]

More bad news about composite tanks from Suburban Propane. Today Suburban Propane confirmed to me it is company policy to not fill composite tanks. That means a nationwide propane supplier will not fill composite tanks. Is that not a stake through the heart of that product?

This doesn't change anything for me. When they reach their 15 year drop dead date, I may or may not buy another. This is no different than my home insurance. The carrier I have it with is leaving Florida. I'm not about to move out of state because a company made a business decision.

Ted

 

[Peter B]

I picked a composite tank up really cheaply here in Brisbane about 15 years ago from BBQs Galore. The sales guy said it was cheap because locals were 'suspicious' of them, because not made of steel. I saw the advantage straight away. No corrosion, much lighter, (held 15L and weighed less than a standard 10L steel tank), and see through meant no being caught out with an empty tank. Sorry, but disagree with the gauges used on steel tanks being much use.

I Loved it, but sadly when the 10 yrs was reached it became clear that to pressure test it, it would effectively be destroyed, because the valve is sealed in, and cannot be removed. No-one would fill it unless it was certified, so I reluctantly parted with it, but hated doing so.

I suspect the 10 yr expiry talked about is purely arbitrary, and not based on any real scientific or real-time testing evidence, as the substance they are made of is similar to fibreglass resin, so probably would last almost indefinitely if out of the sun, but I guess they had to decide on some time limit to keep the lawyers/insurance co's happy.

 

[mvweebles]

I suspect the 10 yr expiry talked about is purely arbitrary, and not based on any real scientific or real-time testing evidence, as the substance they are made of is similar to fibreglass resin, so probably would last almost indefinitely if out of the sun, but I guess they had to decide on some time limit to keep the lawyers/insurance co's happy.

I too believe this. I have a cabin with a 250 gal propane tank that dates from the 1950s. I've owned it for over 30 years and only recently had the regulator replaced, but the tank and valve assembly is original. I have heard of tanks rusting or a pinhole leak, but the valve assemblies appear to have a much, much longer service life than the 10-15 years specified on portable propane tanks.

Too bad. The composite tank is a great idea, and boats are a perfect application for them. I was definitely a buyer.

Peter

 

[Brooksie]

The flip side of this, if I may, on steel tanks.
I have been in the habit of exchanging my propane tank (rusty sometimes) for a full "Blue Rino" tank.
Last one, I kept smelling propane every time I opened the locker. Soaped and checked everything, no leaks. At the end of the season I removed the tank and submerged it in a settub, lo and behold a TINY pinhole in the new looking tank. The dealer told me that they have all been blasted, repainted, and certified many times so a flaw could be uncovered.

 

[jgwinks]

Can't help with the composite tank, but this is why on the three boats I converted to propane cooking I built the lockers to fit standard patio grill tanks. That and being able to exchange them maybe across the street from the marina vs travelling miles to refill.

 

[O C Diver]

Can't help with the composite tank, but this is why on the three boats I converted to propane cooking I built the lockers to fit standard patio grill tanks. That and being able to exchange them maybe across the street from the marina vs travelling miles to refill.

That's certainly a good reason, convenience versus time. I have a hard time mentally with exchange bottles. Next time you get a full exchange bottle, weigh it. Then weigh it empty later. It's like buying a half gallon of ice cream in the traditional appearance container, only to find out later it's 1.5 quarts.

Ted

 

[LargeMarge]

...quality steel tanks have reliable gauges....

.
re -- five-gallon twenty-pound BBQ bottles
.
After-market in-line gauges -- they screw in between valve and hose -- measure the propane pressure, not remaining fluid propane.

 

[LargeMarge]

The flip side of this, if I may, on steel tanks....

.
[off-topic]
.
2018.
Eugene, Oregon.
We purchased a new steel 'Manchester' brand twenty-pound five-gallon BBQ bottle.
New, not exchange.
Purchase included a "...free!..." fill.
.
The valve was a problem-child after the first year... after the warranty expired.
Clunky chunky, leaking slightly, a royal pain in the patootie.
Last month, after four years of fiddling with the dang thing, the valve screwed part-way out of the neck.
.
Sad part:
* we just filled it.

 

[LargeMarge]

...get a full exchange bottle, weigh it. Then weigh it empty later. It's like buying a half gallon of ice cream in the traditional appearance container, only to find out later it's 1.5 quarts.

Ted

.
Yes indeedy.
The exchange bottle label states 'Fifteen Pounds', not the twenty it is engineered to hold.
And not the twenty the re-fill station can jam in.
.
Total rip.

 

[jgwinks]

That's certainly a good reason, convenience versus time. I have a hard time mentally with exchange bottles. Next time you get a full exchange bottle, weigh it. Then weigh it empty later. It's like buying a half gallon of ice cream in the traditional appearance container, only to find out later it's 1.5 quarts.

Ted

It's true they only fill them about 3/4 for about the same cost as a refill. They say it's for safety but it's really their profit margin. But if you had to take a taxi or something to the refill, the exchange is probably cheaper. When I'm at home with my car, I refill. Then there was one time when I had an expired tank, needed recertificaton. I took it to the exchange, they didn't even look at the date, just gave m me a new one.

 

[mvweebles]

That's certainly a good reason, convenience versus time. I have a hard time mentally with exchange bottles. Next time you get a full exchange bottle, weigh it. Then weigh it empty later. It's like buying a half gallon of ice cream in the traditional appearance container, only to find out later it's 1.5 quarts.



Ted

You don't have to weigh it. It's right on the label that it only has 15 lbs, or 75% full. When you go to a filling station (Tractor Supply is my favorite- I keep threatening to get some chicks) they will fill to 80%. It's only a pound, but hey, it's BS.

I believe the word is "shrink-flation."

Peter

BTW - anyone use Cynch propane delivery? Send an email and leave your empty wherever you tell them it will be and a day or two later you get a refill. For that I'm happy to give up a slightly short fill. I discovered them during the Covid lock down. That and Total Wines delivery kept me sane.

 

[tiltrider1]

.
re -- five-gallon twenty-pound BBQ bottles
.
After-market in-line gauges -- they screw in between valve and hose -- measure the propane pressure, not remaining fluid propane.

These gauges measure remaining fluid.

 

[O C Diver]

I like the guys at Ace Hardware! They fill it till the float in the tank shuts the valve off. Can't ask for more than that.

Ted

 

[koliver]

I sliced a piece of pvc tubing. Put that on the foot ring of the tank. No rust rings.

I use the lid from an Ice Cream bucket. Perfect fit. And you get the ice cream first.

 

[Flatswing]

Went Suburban Propane today in Anchorage to have my composite propane tank filled. They would not do it. I was told that a new Suburban Propane policy forbids recertification or filling of any composite propane tank. Does anyone have experience with composite propane tanks they want to share?

Won't help in Anchorage, but most Camping World & large RV dealers sell propane and happily fill the Fiberglas tanks, as will most independent retailers if the tank is within certification. The issue becomes recertifying. Here in SC/GA finding anyone to hydro test & recertify is a nightmare with 6mos wait. Local large volume gas retailer says he no longer bothers with any custom size tanks as they rarely return to him!

 

[Hammer]

composite Use in Caribbean

I was in the Caribbean last year and the boats we were on all have composite tanks.