Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (July 2009, week 3)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
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?)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

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


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.