I pulled the horizontal propane tank from the underside of the Brave last weekend. The tank is original and was covered with a thick patina of flaking rust.
I had been refused once already by a propane distributor to fill this old tank. I found a new Manchester (top of the line) tank on eBay for $300. This is a $600 tank. I had plumbed up a regulator that attaches to a BBQ tank so there is no rush to replace this tank. I passed on the eBay tank. I went to Suburban propane to ask the if they refurbished and re-certified old tanks.
The guy told me that horizontal RV tanks are exempt from both OPD valves and re-certification. He said he would inspect my tank for leaks and replace valve seals a needed. He also suggested that I just clean the tank up first.
I found a place in Santa Clara that sand blasted the tank down to bare metal for the price of a case of beer. After blasting the model number plate was very readable. The tank was manufactured in 1976. I'll primer and paint the tank this weekend and drop the tank off at Suburban on Monday.
Now that I have propane hooked up I was able to test the last few things in the rig. The new fridge stayed nice and cold over night on propane. The furnace and stove-top worked flawlessly. ( I don't know how to light the oven so that's still a mystery) and the water heater heats!
Unfortunately, the water heater also leaks water...but at least it leaks to the outside. It is an Atwood brand and has an aluminum tank. Very good quality. The leak is around the heater tube where the pilot lights.
A new Atwood with optional electric element will fit perfectly into the old hole. Since the tank is aluminum it does not need an anode rod to prevent corrosion. Hopefully Camping World has one in stock!
I also was able to test the fresh water systems. The water pump works fine and both sink faucets, shower, and the toilet work great.
My new tanks are holding the clean test water flawlessly. I'll dump the clean water in the black and gray tanks at the stalag.
The Brave is ready for Dark Skies!
Before Burning Man I plan on putting Bilstien shocks all around and helper springs on the rear to level out the ride.
Bring on the summer!
skid
