ok a few months ago I bought a new dot aproved fork lift propane tank off ebay for $5 and it was only about 20 miles from me, I figured I use it for propane on the truck someday or for the grill, or in worst case I use it as an Air tank since it's never had propane in it. the only port it seams to has is a liquid out with shut off valve. on it then it have a vapor port with what looks like a quick conect under a yellow cap. I always thought that I need to pull the vapor to run a grill off of. right or wrong. I would like to use the tank on a portable grill,or a buddy heater. I know that I will need the adapter for like a 20 pound tank for that. so thats where i stand . and I would like to have some what of an idea if it's useable for me before I put any propane in it. I attached a pic of what the tank looks like hopefully it loads. can some one shead some light on this one form me. thanks Cole

 

Yes, you need vapor for your grill. The yellow cap is covering the fill adapter, which is in the vapor port. Your local welding gas distributor can revalve it with an OPD valve in the vapor port (and remove the liquid valve and plug that port) if you really want to use it as a BBQ tank. I would just ask them if they'd be interested in swapping the forklift tank for a 30 or 40 # BBQ tank if you just want a bigger tank for your grill. I know the place I work for would be thrilled to swap an aluminum forklift tank for a 30# BBQ tank.

 

Is there any type off addapter that I can put on the vapor port, I would think there is some thing out there, there are threads on it.. thats why I say that. it's a steel tank not a al one like in the picture. other than thats it's the same.

 

I recieved an education on these when I bought my manlift. I have an air cooled wisconsin engine therefore no water circut to heat a vaporizer. I had to buy the tanks for my lift as the propane place didnt want my type mixed up with their liquid ones.
You need to pull the valves on your bottle and swap positions. This will fill the liquid and draw as vapor.
To use the gas for a grill, go to a forklift repair place and buy the hose fitting and start cobbeling up enough fittings to fit your grill.
I did that because my manlift seems to not be able to get all the liquid to vaporize leaving a bit in each tank even though I run out. There is no credit for any left in a forklift tank as I am charged for a 10gal fillup. I finish emptying my tanks with a radiant heater for the garage in the wintertime. (Summer seems to get most out in the lift.)

As stated before, for a gas grill backup you would be better off going to Menards or Lowes or ????? and buy a real grill bottle.

 

It's a one-way valve for filling only.

What electrifried said will work, but as somebody in the industry I'd rather you didn't swap the valves around yourself. No disrespect intended to your mechanical abilities, you just don't have the tools needed to do it right.

I think a tank swap is the best way to go. I know we'd jump on that swap in a heartbeat, those aluminum tanks are expensive. I bet you can find a welding supply or propane service in your area that would give you a filled 30 # or a couple of full 20#'s for your forklift tank.

 

Ok , Well I guess I will see if the local propane company would be willing to trade . or what they will charge to change the valve's over for me. And agin I will Add that It's a STEEL tank not an al one like in the picture. I like the size of this tank , that it would fit in my truck box and that it's a dot approved tank. I'll have to give them a call to find out some time nexted week.