This blog post doesn’t fall under the category of electrical stuff, but it is timely and a situation that maybe you can help with. Apparently Flying J is doing some training for their employees who are responsible for filling propane vessels. Unfortunately, some of those employees either didn’t understand, or received incorrect information on what is required before a propane container can be refilled. I have been in contact with FJ regarding this problem and they have asked for specific locations where it has occured so that they can correct the situation at those locations.
Here is what happened: recently I pulled into a FJ to have the tank on my motorhome refilled and was told by the employee that she couldn’t fill it because I didn’t have a recent inspection sticker on it. I was confused and decided to investigate this situation.
Here is what I found. Under the category of propane containers, there are two types that are commonly used in RVs. There are “cylinders” and there are “tanks”. Cylinders are manufactured under specifications from the DOT, the department of transportation. Tanks are manufactured under specifications from ASME, “the American Society of Mechanical Engineers”. DOT requires periodic inspections of “cylinders”, but have no control of “tanks”. The inspection requirements for cylinders must be observed before a propane refill station is allowed to refill your cylinder. This DOES NOT apply to ASME tanks and should not prevent a refill station from refilling the tank which is permanently mounted on most motorhomes. Cylinders are more typically mounted on travel trailers.
When I found this out, I contacted Flying J to advise them about the problem. I also posted my situation on one of the RV forums where I frequently post. From that I heard that others are having a similar problem. My Flying J contact has requested any information on specific locations where this has occured so that they can take corrective action.
If you have had this problem at a Flying J, please let me know the location so that I can pass it on to them.
Thanks, Larry