Emergency Recall of Lite Propane Tanks

In late May, the Department of Transportation issued an emergency recall of composite propane tanks made by The Lite Cylinder Company. The tanks are easily identified by their plastic outer case and translucent inner epoxy tank. The recall noted several cases where the tanks ruptured, and one documented case of an injury.

Shortly after the recall was issued, the company closed its Franklin, Tennessee manufacturing facility and essentially told distributors and tank owners to take a flying leap. "The company is financially insolvent and will not be able to recompense cylinder owners, dealers and distributors for the expenses incurred in complying with this Emergency Recall Order," they said in an email to retailers. 

Tanks with the following markings are the subject of the recall: DOT-SP 14562, DOT-SP-13957 and DOT-SP 13105. (Note that the recall only applies to Lite Cylinder tanks, not Trident or any other manufacturer’s product.) The order requires consumers and distributors to return the affected tanks to Lite’s facility, which is now closed. Since they can’t be filled, moved or used legally, customers are stuck with holding on to them until further notice.

There are more than 55,000 affected tanks out in the wild, including on many boats. Unfortunately, if you own one, not only is the tank potentially dangerous, but it’s also useless as it’s now illegal to fill or even use them. It’s unlikely a consumer would be prosecuted for using one, but they could get blown to bits and that would ruin just about any cruise-out!