LITE CYLINDER EMERGENCY RECALL- ALL MODELS

TangoBlue

Adventurist
Senior Staff
Founding Member
Wow... received below email this evening - this is very disturbing. I've enjoyed my Lite Cylinder for a couple-three years now without a problem; such a great piece of gear. Now we are mandated by law turn them in or be in violation subject to incarceration and fine. Meh... good practice for when they seize our guns... ;)

Email follows...


Sheree@litecylinder.com

May 30, 2013

Attention: All Retailers, Distributors and Users of Composite Cylinders manufactured by The Lite Cylinder Company,

Subject: Emergency Recall Order

The US Department of Transportation has issued an “Emergency Recall Order” for all LPG composite cylinders manufactured by The Lite Cylinder Company as per the following Emergency Order No. 2013-002. The recall notice specifically identifies those cylinders manufactured under DOT-SP 14562 (and DOT-SP 13957 as authorized therein), DOT-SP 13105, any cylinder re-qualified under H706, and any cylinders manufactured under M5729.

Lite Cylinder Company has submitted a Petition for Review with DOT seeking to amend several portions of this Recall Order. It is unknown as to when or to what extent, if any, portions of this recall may be modified. Until such time, users of this product are directed to immediately cease use of the cylinders identified in the recall.

All cylinder sizes are involved in this recall: 10#, 20#, 25# and 33#

lite cylinder.jpg


Please note that the directive states “Under no circumstances should a cylinder described in this emergency recall order be filled, refilled, or used for the transportation of hazardous materials.” The cylinder’s identifying markings may be found on the label affixed to the dome of the cylinder.

To effectively comply with this recall, cylinder owners must:
1. Take proper safeguards in identifying and handling the affected cylinders identified in this order.
2. Cease use of all specified cylinders until notified of DOT response to Petition for Review.

3. Arrange to have all propane gas removed from cylinder. This should only be done by qualified persons, trained in handling cylinders in accordance with Federal regulations. (Note: All propane dispensing agents should meet this criteria.) This person must discharge all gas, purge, and remove the valve per the recall.
4. Return the empty, purged, valve-less cylinders, to the manufacturer, freight prepaid, at:
The Lite Cylinder Company
139 Southeast Parkway Court
Franklin, TN 37064

Please note that Lite has petitioned to amend Recall Order to allow specified cylinders to be field destroyed. We will promptly advise if Order is so amended.

A copy of the Recall Order (3 pages) is attached for your reference. http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/staticfile...ecall_Order_The_Lite_Cylinder_Company_Inc.pdf

While Lite is in sharp disagreement with the extraordinary and overwhelming harshness of this action, we will make every reasonable effort to comply. We clearly recognize there are associated financial implications as well as considerable inconvenience to our loyal and valued customers. Our team is currently trying to assess solutions to address these concerns and will communicate a response at the earliest possible date.


The Lite Cylinder Company
 
Wow. I almost bought one of those... Glad I bought a traditional cylinder instead. What a PITA for all involved!
 
Yup I got one, and I will continue to use it until the day the propane man says he cannot refill it, then I guess I will turn it in. Mine has been GREAT
 
If they are making me turn it in...i doubt they will be selling them anymore..in that case I will find alternatives
 
I'll have to check mine tomorrow. I have a custom bracket made for mine on my swing out. This will suck if I have to turn it in.:rant
 
Ok, I'm in the recall. The email above is polite but "associated financial implications as well as considerable inconvenience" is hardly comforting. So we're supposed to find someone qualified to drain the tank, arrange shipping, then wait for what will likely be a bankrupt corporation to get back to us regarding our "financial implications and considerable inconvenience." Or, we ignore the DOT and hope we do not experience whatever caused the emergency recall. The tight of a dangerous fiberglass bomb on my rear bumper, five feet from 25 gallons of fuel isn't real comforting either.
 
Do we even know anyone who has even heard of anyone who has had an issue with one of these tanks?

What's the issue all about?
 
Yes, everyone loses and Lite Cylinder will likely be out of business since it is their entire product line. A pretty severe penalty for not complying with the law, however the alternative is far worse. It's a shame, I've not had a problem with my tank. Any hope for compensation will depend upon some sort of class action law suit I suppose.

Although I liked the idea of buying American, I guess I'll be looking at a Ragasco...
 
Do we even know anyone who has even heard of anyone who has had an issue with one of these tanks?

What's the issue all about?

I know of no incidents. The document says in essence faulty tank seams and no evidence of quality control procedures. Compressed volatile fuel in a cylinder is something I want to know that's been checked and double-checked.
 
The DOT doesn't come across in the linked pdf as all that concerned about the problems with the tanks. They are pissed because the company didn't report those problems to the DOT.
In spite of all of the legalize (the old, tired, & very condescending "ignorance is no excuse" statement, I tell such espousers that it guarantees non-compliance.), you can not respond to something that you know nothing about. I'm sure that even with the company's due diligence that there are owners whom they have not reached. Would the DOT really go after those folks for penalties? What possible good does that serve?
 
Would the DOT really go after those folks for penalties? What possible good does that serve?

Sounds like they're willing to shakedown anyone they can for the purpose of shaking down anyone they can.

And if we go by everything else this administration does as an example, the whole thing smacks of shakedown.

Just my opinion.
 
Mine works just fine AND I'm keeping it! THEY can have it if they refund what I paid for it. Those things are NOT cheap!
 
That report is pretty damning. They plodded forward disregarding regulations left and right. No hope for Lite, I'm afraid. Having one of those burst during a family outing would be disastrous.
 
I don't own one, but the potential of a faulty propane tank is not something I would risk.
 
Like Dave, I almost bought one myself. Glad I procrastinated on that item...
 
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