siderman 1,131 Posted October 9, 2016 I've got several 20lb tanks for my grill both OPD correct but have passed the 12 yr expiration date. They are in very good shape no rust, does anyone have experience of getting them re-certified vs buying new ones? Cost of course being the big concern... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyB 4,289 Posted October 9, 2016 Take your old tank to a propane exchange and trade it for a full tank. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhunted 887 Posted October 9, 2016 I don't think you can. When turned in, they might be reinspected and rebuilt or cut up for scrap. Trying to get them recert will prob cost you more than a new tank. When I worked for gas company, we only recerted welding style bottles. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Purple Patrick 638 Posted October 9, 2016 If you are near berkeley heights I'll fill them as long as they look fine. I've seen 10 year old tanks in better conditions then 2 year old ones this signature exceeds the 15 character capacity count Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
W2MC 1,699 Posted October 9, 2016 New tanks are good for 12 years. Afterward they need to be hydrostatically tested to be re-certified. For a big tank, its worth the test....with new tanks $25-30 (and perhaps $20 on sale in the spring) its not worth it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
siderman 1,131 Posted October 9, 2016 If you are near berkeley heights I'll fill them as long as they look fine. I've seen 10 year old tanks in better conditions then 2 year old ones this signature exceeds the 15 character capacity count right answer- wrong location lol . Take your old tank to a propane exchange and trade it for a full tank. dont trust the pre filled tanks, heard on the internet they underfill them so it must be true. New tanks are good for 12 years. Afterward they need to be hydrostatically tested to be re-certified. For a big tank, its worth the test....with new tanks $25-30 (and perhaps $20 on sale in the spring) its not worth it. I was afraid of that.....was hoping a $5, $10 thing Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T Bill 649 Posted October 9, 2016 Got mine re-certified at Modern Gas in Tannersville, PA. Was only 10 bucks I believe. First recert is only a visual inspection and dip test, I believe. Then good for another 10 years. Anyway I wait till I need several filled as it is $9.95 cash on a 20lb tank. Jersey sucks even for propane refills. Or take them to the home depot for exchange on a full tank. Most clerks don't care. New filled tank. Of course you only get 15lb in it (cheap B........s) Last time I bought them at Modern they were 30 bucks new, filled. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaveMcL 18 Posted October 9, 2016 I have a few Blue Rhino tanks that I got from my local DPW recycling center. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oakridgefirearms 224 Posted October 10, 2016 Take them to Home depot or Lowes, they don't check the dates on the trade ins. Yes you only get 15 LBs in the tank, but you get an in date tank and can fill it to 20 LBs after it runs empty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisJM981 924 Posted October 10, 2016 Why are they only filled to 15lbs? Are they advertised that way? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeteF 1,044 Posted October 10, 2016 Why are they only filled to 15lbs? Are they advertised that way?Yep, buyer beware. You get what you pay for. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
W2MC 1,699 Posted October 10, 2016 Why are they only filled to 15lbs? Are they advertised that way? they aren't advertised that way, but the exchange industry is rife with it. And since there isnt a gauge on most tanks, people dont know the difference. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PK90 3,569 Posted October 10, 2016 Take your old tank to a propane exchange and trade it for a full tank. +1000 Who cares if it is a few pounds less, unless you are using one per week. If you are, get a big ass tank installed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
liquidskin 3 Posted October 11, 2016 Just did the tank exchange "trick" on an old tank that had a tare weight of over 18 lbs. The guys at the gas station assume all tanks are 16.6 so I was getting screwed out of 2lbs of propane for a while till I realized. Easier to get a fresh blue rhino instead of explaining to the gas station guys who barely speak English Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeteF 1,044 Posted October 11, 2016 they aren't advertised that way, but the exchange industry is rife with it. And since there isnt a gauge on most tanks, people dont know the difference.There was a class action lawsuit about this. Blue rhino wound up with a 25million settlement. After that they started posting that you really aren't getting 20lbs of propane in a 20lb tank. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeerSlayer 241 Posted October 11, 2016 There's a place in Rockaway Twp. That will re-cert the tank. But it's just easier to exchange it at a gas station. Half the time they never check the dates on the old tanks anyway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites