Propane cylinder overfilling prevention devices (OPD)

Q & A by Mark Polk

...with Mark
Q. Mark, Recently at the Propane filling station/office I noticed a sign that said something about a new rule from the department of transportation stating that tanks on RV's that were older than 12 years would not refilled. My stamp says the tank was manufactured in Sept of 96. I have not read anything in any of the other literature regarding this new rule. Could you fill me in and is it legitimate? I know that there are many RV's out there with tanks(built-in) that are older than 12 years. Thanks!

By the way, we have your RV educational DVD's and being a novice RV owner for the first time, these DVD's were extremely helpful in getting us prepared to live in RV. We had a two hour orientation at the dealer's when we picked up our RV, but it was just too overwhelming to remember everything. Your DVD's saved us.

Mark Says:
I think there are two issues here. For many years, once a propane cylinder reached 12 years in age it had to be re-certified before it could be re-filled. This required an inspection process for continued use of the older cylinder.

Since 1998 Overfill Protection Device (OPD) valves have been required on all new 4 to 40 pound LP gas cylinders manufactured. OPD valves are basically a safety shut off device that prevents the cylinder from being overfilled. You can tell by the on-off handle if the cylinder has the valve installed. The handle is triangular shaped rather than round.

Then in (I believe 2002) there was a new LP gas code published by The National Fire Protection Association. This new code not only required that all new cylinders (from 4 to 40 pounds) be manufactured with OPD valves, but also any 4 to 40 pound cylinder without an OPD valve can no longer be refilled by anyone. The LP gas company can retrofit old cylinders with the OPD valves.

Follow-up response:

Thanks for the information. I really do appreciate it. Have you covered information like this before? I read almost everything that you publish in the journals and magazines. I guess I just missed it. Thanks again. I believe that you fill a big gap out there for those of us who are new to RVing.