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Propane Tanks
- By Janet H
- Published 12/27/2008
- Getting Started
Janet H
Janet lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and one neurotic Border Collie.
View all articles by Janet H
Almost all Airstreamers use propane. The most common type of LP gas container is the propane cylinder, also known as a bottle or tank. Propane tanks are usually made of steel, but can be found in aluminum and composite materials as well.
Most Airstream trailers have 2 propane tanks but the tank size varies depending on the model and vintage of the trailer. It’s possible to change the bottle size on your trailer but be mindful of additional weight when considering this possibility.
Propane cylinders under 40 pounds are required to be equipped with an OPD (Overfill Protection Device) Valve. Propane bottles equipped with OPD valves have a triangular hand wheel at the top of the valve itself. OPD valves have been required for bottles used in the US since 2002 and more recently in Canada. Old style valves are no longer permitted however you can have your tanks revalved to meet current requirements at many commercial propane dealers. This is especially worth doing if you own expensive aluminum tanks.
Cylinders need to be recertified within twelve years of their manufacture date and every five years after that. Bottles also must have ledgible markings showing that they are intended for propane use. Protective collars, a foot ring and are also required and should be a reflective color.
Almost all areas of North America require that a certified or trained technician fill your propane tanks but actual bottle filling policies and prices vary by station. Some charge to fill the cylinder but others may charge by the gallon. Charging by the cylinder is a fairly common and you need to understand that you may be charged for the cylinder volume even if your bottle isn't rally empty..
Many propane tanks are made of steel, and they are inclined to rust. This rust can cause pitting on the outside of the tank and make the tank useless. If you find rust on your tanks try cleaning with a wire brush and then repainting.
Many Airstreamers prefer rust-free aluminum tanks. While substantially more expensive that their steel counterparts, these tanks are much lighter weight and match the classic aluminum exterior of Airstreams. Aluminum tanks when new have a flat finish but can be polished to a gloss with some elbow grease. Many airforums members have polished tanks to a high sheen. Here’s one in progress by airforums member bredlo.
Resources: Aluminum Tanks at Vintage Trailer Supply
Most Airstream trailers have 2 propane tanks but the tank size varies depending on the model and vintage of the trailer. It’s possible to change the bottle size on your trailer but be mindful of additional weight when considering this possibility.
Propane cylinders under 40 pounds are required to be equipped with an OPD (Overfill Protection Device) Valve. Propane bottles equipped with OPD valves have a triangular hand wheel at the top of the valve itself. OPD valves have been required for bottles used in the US since 2002 and more recently in Canada. Old style valves are no longer permitted however you can have your tanks revalved to meet current requirements at many commercial propane dealers. This is especially worth doing if you own expensive aluminum tanks.
Cylinders need to be recertified within twelve years of their manufacture date and every five years after that. Bottles also must have ledgible markings showing that they are intended for propane use. Protective collars, a foot ring and are also required and should be a reflective color.
Almost all areas of North America require that a certified or trained technician fill your propane tanks but actual bottle filling policies and prices vary by station. Some charge to fill the cylinder but others may charge by the gallon. Charging by the cylinder is a fairly common and you need to understand that you may be charged for the cylinder volume even if your bottle isn't rally empty..Many propane tanks are made of steel, and they are inclined to rust. This rust can cause pitting on the outside of the tank and make the tank useless. If you find rust on your tanks try cleaning with a wire brush and then repainting.
Many Airstreamers prefer rust-free aluminum tanks. While substantially more expensive that their steel counterparts, these tanks are much lighter weight and match the classic aluminum exterior of Airstreams. Aluminum tanks when new have a flat finish but can be polished to a gloss with some elbow grease. Many airforums members have polished tanks to a high sheen. Here’s one in progress by airforums member bredlo.
Resources: Aluminum Tanks at Vintage Trailer Supply
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11 Responses to "Propane Tanks"
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said this on 11 Jan 2009 11:19:56 AM CST
I have a 1977 27' overlander and it did not come with tanks. What size of tanks do I need and where can I purchase the holder?
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said this on 11 Jan 2009 12:46:03 PM CST
You can pick up a tank rack at most rv parts suppliers. Vintage Trailer Supply has one listed in their website as well. As far as tank size, you can choose the size that best fits your needs, but it's likely that 30# tanks were originally on a 27 footer. Larger tanks will add extra weight and mat obstruct windows, smaller tanks run out faster.
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said this on 19 Jan 2009 12:38:20 AM CST
I understand that the Propane systems are the best on the Airstream Trailer aye. I would like to know where I can buy this system for my trailer aye.
Thank you. |
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said this on 20 Feb 2009 10:18:34 PM CST
Hello,
A slightly related question, can aN Airstream be lived in year around in the cold winters of the Midwest? I've always had the fantasy of doing just that for a couple of years. Thanks. Jim |
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said this on 04 Apr 2009 9:53:14 AM CST
Jim - You inquired about living in an Airstream in he winter. After selling our home in the Sierra Nevada we bought a used 84 34'. We just spent the winter in it and I was pleasantly surprised at how tight the trailer was and relatively easy to keep warm, considering it's basically an aluminum heat sink. Mike Boyd
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said this on 05 May 2009 4:42:09 PM CST
Janet,
A few years ago my wife and I bought a large box of Christmas items from an estate sale. Inside the box was another box full of color slides of a vacation taken probably in 1960. There were many pictures of the people who went on this vacation, and they had two Airstreams, #2979 and #3164. I cannot imagine that any relative would part with these pictures willingly. I would like to know if there is a way to learn who owned these trailers in 1960 so I could attempt to contact their relatives (the people pictured in the slides lived in my own town of Wenatchee, Washington, so possibly relatives might be here). I know this is probably never going to go anywhere, but I felt that I owed it to the relatives of the elderly couple in the slides to at least attempt to make contact with them so I can return the slide. Thank you for any help you can give me. |
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said this on 05 May 2009 4:49:52 PM CST
Steve - it is likely that someone would like to have them. The numbers may be traceable and I suggest that you post on the AirForums asking this same question. it is possible that someone has a wbcci member handbook from that time period and could tell you who the trailers belonged to based on the numbers. The red numbers were actually issued by the wally byam caravan club and were an easy way to ID other members on the road. The club is still active today and many members belong to the forum. You will have to register to post on the forums if you have not already www.airforums.com (or click on the forums tab at the top of this page. Thanks for preserving a bit of history.
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said this on 15 Jun 2009 11:58:10 AM CST
Please provide a quote on 33 1/3lb propane tank refilling and cage rentals for a busy Mississauga Printer. This product is used for our forklifts. Is there an office located in the Mississauga area?
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said this on 02 Sep 2009 11:15:13 AM CST
Janet - A odd but related question. How much usage does the pilot light on the stove and oven use in respect to the capasity of a propane tank. I would guess this would be in cubic inches per.....day? This question is ask due to the older units (mine is a '94) having these and some time forgetting to turn them off.
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said this on 05 Nov 2009 4:01:33 PM CST
Good question and I'm not really sure. Anyone else know??
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said this on 12 Jan 2010 8:24:14 AM CST
After reading the post of the person having their tank dragging on the ground and sparking I put a heavy strap around our tanks and anchored them to the tongue jack. Have had 7 rvs and always have the gas turned on for the refrigerator to operate.
Another thing, after remodeling our Airstream , checking all lines for leaks, we installed a gas detector, it seems impossible to cook with the gas stove in the winter without it going off. Finally we took battery out of it. Husband is paranoid about gas so we keep a window cracked when parked. |
