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Old 07-28-2003, 03:45 PM   #1
RockyMtnRay
TrailManor Master
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 816
Default Safety Recall on **some** TM Propane tank OPDs

Got a letter today from a company named Recall Management, Inc that advised me that the overfill protection device (OPD) on my TM's propane tanks were installed with an incorrect valve. If you have tanks that meet the following criteria and do not get your own letter from Recall Mgt, you probably should call them at 800-420-7511.

Recall criteria:
1. Only applies to horizontal tanks (e.g. those on the front slide models).
2. Tank must be made by Manchester Tank (name is stamped on the tank collar.
3. Tank manufacture date must be between 01-02 and 10-02 (date is stamped on the tank collar).
4. Tank must NOT have the name "Sherwood" stamped on the valve handle.

If your TM's tanks do not meet all of the above criteria, you don't have a problem.

Unfortunately, mine did meet the criteria and my tank serial numbers are within the range of recall serial numbers. But, the good news is there is a local propane company that Recall Mgt likes...and the fix will only require taking my tanks in to have new valve assemblies installed. And they'll even replace the propane that's currently in the tanks. Parts should be shipped tomorrow and I should be all fixed up by the end of next week.

The bad OPD can allow the tank to be filled to more than the proper 80%. Combine an overfilled tank with a hot day and the overpressure valve will start to vent excess propane...which could be quite dangerous in a closed area such as a garage. And pretty much that exact scenario occured with my right tank about 6 weeks ago...had the tank filled, put it back on the TM, pulled the TM out into the hot afternoon sun to get it ready for a trip the next day (sun was shining directly on the tanks), and by around 5 pm I was hearing a slight hissing and could slightly smell gas around the right tank. Not enough to be really alarming but enough to be a bit unsettling. By evening the sun wasn't hitting the tank and the air started cooling and the tank quit hissing so I felt safe about putting the TM in the garage overnight. And I made sure to use the fuel in that tank first during that trip. No problems since...but I also haven't refilled the right tank since then either. So, other than the nuisance factor, I'm kinda, sorta glad this recall is happening.
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