Coat new propane tanks?

[Mastercraft]

Should I apply additional coating to new propane tanks to prevent rusting. Old tanks from 2017 R29 were pretty rusty.
Costco on-line had the best price.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

The short answer is yes. Here is a long discussion

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=18925&hilit=Propane+tank+coat

But no easy answer. This is a design challenge (a polite way of saying flaw) because the base of your tanks are awash in saltwater. And friction between the base of your tank and the swimstep erodes most anything you put on the base of the tank. But anything too thick makes it hard to fit them back. So far, rubber latex coating works best for me. And recognize that deciding that you will replace the tanks every four years if you are in salt water.

Jeff

 

[rpmerrill]

The bottom rim on my tank was pretty rusty.
I sanded and cleaned it up. Then I shopped around to find a piece of rubber weatherstrip at the hardware store. It fit nicely on the bottom rim with adhesive.
I don't own the boat any more so I can't say how it is holding up.

 

[knotflying]

We never used our oven. A friend of ours never replaced his tanks and just used the larger Coleman small tanks with an adapter and stored spares for future use in the locker. He would get six hours of use from one tank.

 

[scross]

I’ve added a one gallon (5 pound) propane tank to the swim step of our R25 Classic. The propane tank is strapped down to the step in the vertical position.
Used this edge protection on the bottom of the tank. Also used it where the straps go through the holes at the top of the tank to prevent abrasion. Very durable stuff - hard plastic with imbedded metal structure. See below for brand and description.
Take the tank off the step after each cruise and wash it down with fresh water. Kept off boat between cruises. After one season no appreciable rust.
The one gallon bottle lasts us 3-4 weeks of cruise time before needing a refill. We are just supplying the Magma grill though, not a propane stove.

o Kaixuan KX Edge Trim Black Small, 1/8" Fits Edge, PVC Plastic Edge Trim U Shape Black Large Edge Protector (10 Feet)

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Should I apply additional coating to new propane tanks to prevent rusting. Old tanks from 2017 R29 were pretty rusty.
Costco on-line had the best price.

Are there no aluminum tank alternatives?

 

[bob daily]

They make a composite propane tank with great safety reviews, a company named Viking inc. Sells them the price is more than the standard steel tanks but in the long run you will save money by not having to replace every few years and labor to keep rust from bleeding all over the boat will make the extra price more tolerable. Bob

 

[Mastercraft]

I could not find composite or aluminum in the Ranger Tug size propane tanks. I coated new tanks with Flex Seal.

 

[Oh Well]

We have a 2020 Ranger 27 OB. Yes came with two tanks for the oven/stove. First year had a bit of rust on the bottom due to the salt or rain water. Sanded and repainted bottom with Rust Oleum. Also had a couple of plastic strips from window blind in the bottom of the storage locker. Sort of worked but this past winter sanded and painted less.

The above said this past winter sanded and painted again. UGH. Plastic strips are gone.

This year I took the bottom off a couple of 1 gallon jugs (windshield wiper fluid). Cut them high enough so that the tank itself is resting on the cut edge and the bottom is approximately 3/8" off the bottom of the storage locker. Will see what happens.

 

[Ourgoknot]

I used truck bed liner coating. Applied halfway up not to cover any of the labeling. Going on four years and still looks good.

 

[ridesn]

Having experienced the rusting propane tank issue this year I proceeded with the Flex Seal solution. It worked surprisingly well so far after 4 months. I also cut some circular sections of rubber floor mat from a former vehicle to place under the propane tanks to reduce Flex Seal damage caused by vibration. So Far So Good!

 

[TwoFootitis]

I don't have a propane tank yet but reading this post I would suggest having the tank(s) Rhino Lined. I had my 2010 Tundra bed lined and it has stood up very well. It has not been exposed to salt however.

 

[srhawk454]

I used truck bed liner coating. Applied halfway up not to cover any of the labeling. Going on four years and still looks good.

Same here - I used truck bed liner to coat tanks in summer 2021. I still see some occasional very light weeping (coming from uncoated areas) but not excessive bleeding as before. For me it made a world of difference. Do not coat the labeling as Bob said.

 

[Jfrano]

I did the flex seal last season. It’s holding up well, I also cut 2 pieces of a 10 mil tarp and sat the tanks in them. Tarp comes about 3/4 way up tank. This should keep the salt water off the tanks.