Propane fill valve.

[Brad Buchanan]

We have a 2004 Horizon 40wd. I went to get the fixed tank filled and it would not take propane. Went to another dealer that knew a bit more and he said that the one way valve should move with the propane pump pressure.

I know the tank is just about empty so that kind of narrows it down.

Has anyone changed one of these out? The fill valve has a flexible hose connecting to the bottom of the tank.

With the tank empty and some fresh air circulating (perhaps a fan) I figure it should be pretty safe to remove the flexible hose to change the valve. Thoughts?

 

[CharlesinGA]

I've owned exactly one ASME fixed tank on a motorhome, a 2007 Winnebago View, and have seen pics and looked at diagrams of them, but have never seen one with a hose from the "fill valve" to a connection on the tank. I do know that some are mounted on the inboard side of the frame where they are basically inaccessible and require a remote fill valve. That is what yours appears to have based on the 2004 owners manual.

I would seek out at least one more LP dealer that is knowledgeable as there can be an issue with the equipment not opening the valve on the fill port (it has to push it open) as DonTom has experienced this same issue and carries an adapter with him.

I cannot comment on your replacement of the valve except to say that you need to be certain that the tank is totally and completely empty of any liquid.

Charles

 

[Kirk]

The ASME tanks that I have been around were all of them arranged pretty much the same as in this picture.

Note that the fill valve is not on the bottom of the tank but is located near the top as you can see the edge of the blue label staying fill. If yours is not physically accessible it could have a hose connection, as some RVs are built that way. A remote fill kit allows you to reposition the fill and bleeder valves for easy access. This is useful when the tank is in a location that is difficult to reach, such as when it's mounted further under the RV's body or in a more protected area. If you replace it yourself, you need to first ensure that no propane remains in the tank and that means venting it somehow. Once you do that you will need to find the appropriate fitting and once it has been installed, the tank must be purged of any remaining air for safety reasons. If it were mine, I would find a propane supplier who has a service tech and get them to replace the needed parts.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

As Charles explained, you probably have a tank with a remote filler. If your filler looks like the photo in post #2, be sure to follow the instructions for opening the fill valve switches. The propane seller can't just unscrew the cap as he would on the tank primary filler (as shown in Kirk's post #3).

If the switches aren't working, it's more likely an electrical or switch problem rather than the one-way valve (aka check valve).

 

[1blue78]

I dont know about filling these tanks but I would caution you about venting the remaining propane and distributing the vapour with a fan. Propane is heavier then air and can build up in low spots. Your fan will have arcing and is a source of ignition. If emptying the tank is required I would burn it off using the stove, or firepit if you have an external connection.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I would caution you about venting the remaining propane and distributing the vapour with a fan.

Just place the fan several feet away, pushing air toward the tank rather than sucking it. The tank is under the RV, so any fumes will be clinging along the ground, not accumulating inside the RV.

 

[1blue78]

Just place the fan several feet away, pushing air toward the tank rather than sucking it. The tank is under the RV, so any fumes will be clinging along the ground, not accumulating inside the RV.

or just burn it off - safer and better for the environment too