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Old 06-20-2010, 06:05 PM   #1
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Propane Tank Leak

On our recent trip we were awakened by the propane detector. I shut off the valve on the tank and aired the entire coach even though the propane smell was only "slight".
Bubble tests on the tank found the leak to be from a crack at the location where the mounting brackets are welded to the tank on the back side of the tank. See photos of mirror view showing the bracket, magnified bubble test, and tank label.
I contacted Winnabago and they said that although some tanks had been recalled, mine was not one of them. They asked for photos (which I sent) and they forwarded these to Manchester Tank. They declined to offer any assistance and I was forced to buy a new tank at $1300 (did not have the time to shop around as we were on the road).
I was wondered if anyone else had a similar tank failure.

Last comment: Thank goodness we had the good sam extended warranty

jim & debbie, 04 Journey 34H + suzuki toad
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Old 06-20-2010, 06:11 PM   #2
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WOW! THANKS I have a 2004 Journey and will go out and look the tank. Even tho' propane is heavier than air and is supposed to go down to the ground and dissipate that is scary and has real potential for a very major problem. I'm happy you found this before a serious accident happened.
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Old 06-20-2010, 07:32 PM   #3
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The tank could probably be repaired and stamped with a repair stamp at an ASME certified shop for less than a new tank.

Does the new tank have a reinforcing pad at that location.

Ken
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Old 06-20-2010, 08:26 PM   #4
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Ken,
The tank does not have a reinforcing pad. The brackets are set perpendicular to the tank and then welded on one side.

My brother said he would only weld it if we could be sure that the tank was empty, but I was afraid to vent it to the air.
thanks

jim & debbie, 04 journey 34H + suzuki toad
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Old 06-20-2010, 08:35 PM   #5
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I believe a ASME certified tank is certified against all defects for a period of 10 years. We had a problem with the blow out plug leaking on our tank (defective weld). Even though the coach was well out of warranty I took pictures and contacted Winnebago. I made sure they understood the problem was a defective weld and also asked they present it to Manchester. Manchester at first wasn't interested in replacing the tank untill I questioned exactly what the 10 year warranty covered. When the response was "defective materials and workmanship" I asked why a defective weld would not come under that definition. With little further discussion they replaced the tank. Our only charges were for shipping and a new tank of propane.
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Old 06-20-2010, 08:56 PM   #6
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Tanks can be welded providing they are steamed cleaned first and steam is run in the tank while welding. This is a proven and accepted method for weld on any fuel tank.
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Old 06-20-2010, 09:50 PM   #7
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The cracked mount appears to be the same as the mount on my 03 Journey. Mine was recalled and they installed a different bracket that wraps around the tank.

I don't know why they would not include the pictured tank also as it appears to be the same.
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Old 06-20-2010, 11:26 PM   #8
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Thanks for the replies. I was not aware of ASME and the possibility that they could repair the tank. Thanks for info

jim
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Old 06-22-2010, 08:18 PM   #9
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Same problem, same cost of repair, on our 2004 Journey 32T. Winnebago took no responsibility for problem, took forever to ship the replacement, which was 1 of 2 in stock. The recall for similar sounding problem did not include ours with a January 2004 production date.
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Old 06-22-2010, 08:26 PM   #10
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Report Date:
June 22, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Search Type:
VEHICLE
Make:
WINNEBAGO
Model:
JOURNEY
Model Year:
2004




Results :3|All records displayed
Make: WINNEBAGO
Model: JOURNEY
Model Year: 2004
Manufacturer: WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
Mfr's Report Date: FEB 20, 2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V114000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number:N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE:LPG TANK ASSEMBLY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 5143
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTORHOMES, THE LP TANK HAS STRESS ON WELD JOINTS AT THE POINT WHERE MOUNTING BRACKETS ARE WELDED TO THE TANK.
Consequence:
THIS COULD CAUSE STRESS CRACKS AT THE WELD JOINTS AND LEAD TO AN LP LEAK AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR VEHICLE DAMAGE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REINSTALL A CRADLE-STYLE CARRIER, AND, IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE LP TANK. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 25, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 641-585-6939.
Notes:
WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 90. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Check to Request Research. Submit below.



Make: WINNEBAGO
Model: JOURNEY
Model Year: 2004
Manufacturer: WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
Mfr's Report Date: SEP 23, 2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V608000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number:N/A
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6201
Summary:
CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES ON SOME MOTOR HOMES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LOAD REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence:
THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY UNLATCH IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT AMSAFE AT 1-574-266-8330 OR WINNEBAGO AT 1-800-537-1885.
Notes:
WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 92. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.
Check to Request Research. Submit below.



Make: WINNEBAGO
Model: JOURNEY
Model Year: 2004
Manufacturer: WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES, INC.
Mfr's Report Date: SEP 02, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 05V407000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number:N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1367
Summary:
ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES, THE ROOF VENT FOR THE OPTIONAL 4-DOOR REFRIGERATOR WAS INCORRECTLY LOCATED.
Consequence:
THIS CAN ALLOW EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO IGNITE SURROUNDING MATERIALS, RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY AND/OI VEHICLE AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE ROOF VENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WINNEBAGO AT 1-641-585-6939.
Notes:
WINNEBAGO RECALL NO. 96. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION¿S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236; (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO http://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Check to Request Research. Submit below.



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Old 06-23-2010, 10:47 AM   #11
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Complaint registered with NHTSA after Winnebago again refused responsibility based on VIN of our 2004 Journey 32T. If you have had similar experience with your Journey please register complaint with NHTSA as Winnebago said will only respond when sufficient number incidents are reported. Found cavalier attitude on part of Winnebago disturbing, particularly since this is a significant safety issue.
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Old 08-22-2010, 01:09 PM   #12
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Ticeman,
My mistake, after viewing the backside of the new tank I found that the new tank does in fact have reinforcing pads under the mounting brackets.

jim & debbie, 04 Journey 34H, suzuki toad
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Old 08-22-2010, 02:02 PM   #13
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Very Interesting. Being a ASME certified welder. My tank is good. We fill the gas lines with nitrogen then weld. Must have been a friday tank from Manchester. Long lunches. C U LATER.
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