Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:21:07 -0700
Reply-To: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: New Propane Tank Cost etc. Info (Long but useful?)
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Hi all.
Finally got my propane tank hooked up.
The $ skinny. (for other Canadians)
In Vancouver B.C., a new tank, no regulator, NOT installed, ranged from
~ $650 to ~ $850. Lowest price = at least a month wait. Of note, a
local RV shop confided that his cost was $500. I do not know it these
prices included the skid plate.
New tank/skid plate from Bus Depot, less Vanagon list discount, in
Cnd. funds (YMMV):
Tank incl. shipping via FedEx: $401.91
GST/PST tax + FedEx $10 fee: $50.05
Total $451.96
AFAIK, duty shouldn't apply. This Manchester tank is made in the U.S.
(Should fall under NAFTA) BUT.... on FedEx receipt it says, "Parts for
auto 25 yrs or olde". Not sure if that's the reason no duty was
charged.
Of note.
My old tank had "longer" newer style "Rego" regulator. I assumed new
tank + this regulator would line up with copper lines. Nope. Main
valve on new tank is in a slightly different location than old one.
Existing copper lines needed to be "moved". (again) Went to licensed
RV shop. Tech saw that line to/from tank to fridge slightly "kinked".
Presumably in an effort to fit new longer regulator. (Not by me. PO)
Tech said if he connected new tank, he *had* to replace this line. I
agreed for this reason, plus lines had been "moved" already. Possibly
they might be slightly work hardened?? Yah I worry too much! I also
suggested replacing the regulator. After install done, he showed me
old regulator. Turns out there were signs of oil in it. New regulator,
copper line to/from tank to fridge, installed and leak tested, ~ $200.
One mystery was how I would have tested for leaks had I installed and
connected tank. I figured I'd have to take it and have it purged, then
partially filled to check for leaks. FWIW, tech connected a small test
bottle of LP via an adaptor(s), to POL end of regulator. As such he
was able to test for leaks at all unions save for the union between
regulator and main shut off valve on tank.
And again, FWIW, the reason for the funny "U" shape of lines at wall
of cabinet interior, is to allow "wiggle" room for adjusting the lines
in case work needs to be done. Kind of figured that was the reason,
but just had ask tech.
Oh yah. If you decide to replace the regulator, save the splitter that
is likely attached to your old one. This part can likely be used over.
Tech did so with mine.
I saved money by removing the old empty tank and ordering a new one
online. Sure, it might take a week+ for shipping, but I feel it's well
worth it. And, likely more money could have been saved had I sent the
new tank to a U.S. address.
Hope that helps!
Neil.
--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"
http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/
http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines