Chinese DOT certified SCBA tanks

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Centercut

Centercut

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It appears that Acecaretech (a Chinese CFFC tank manufacturer) is now getting some of their tanks certified DOT (DOT-SP14621-4500psi), and making the neck threads compatible with our standard 7/8"x14 threads. See the link below for $360 - 6.8 liter (66 cu ft - 45 minute) tank. An SCBA tank valve can be purchased used on eBay for about $30. This throws a wrench in the "reconditioned" tanks that are now being sold by a few vendors through the LE (life extension) program...

https://ebay.us/JHbBAN

1534520736_21418911445b76eda09ccb28.38961659_ACECARETECH CFFC tank DOT.jpg



 
Mike, I too just saw this this morning and was actually going to send you a pm to ask you about it. The DOT cert I read is good for tanks mfr'd through 2019. They are even cheaper on AliExpress, less than $260 with free shipping for the 6.8L (~45 minute) tank. I'm thinking of pulling the trigger on one.

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32885262493.html?pid=808_0000_0101&spm=a2g0n.search-amp.list.32885262493&aff_trace_key=d023 okf0db2ce140d8848cfb428bb9eeaf-1534438757516-01208-6enyUdZ&aff_short_key=6enyUdZ&aff_platform=msite


 
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Simple, maybe dumb, question.... Do you trust them to truly be US DOT certified? Lots of good Chinese companies, but lots are also good at 'clones' (appearance wise). A label wouldn't be difficult to replicate and I did not research the certification. I don't do everything I should with/for my tanks but I do feel comfortable that I started with a good product. I've been bored and hot while sitting in parking lots today so maybe I missed something....
 
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Simple, maybe dumb, question.... Do you trust them to truly be US DOT certified? Lots of good Chinese companies, but lots are also good at 'clones' (appearance wise). A label wouldn't be difficult to replicate and I did not research the certification. I don't do everything I should with/for my tanks but I do feel comfortable that I started with a good product. I've been bored and hot while sitting in parking lots today so maybe I missed something....
Click to expand...


That label looks quite real to me. Has all the right info, even a barcode like they have now. I looked up the SP # and found the DOT stuff on the company. Looks legit from here.
 
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I actually ordered a 6.8 liter DOT certified tank from AliExpress yesterday. $257 and free delivery. Ordered with 7/8-14 threads so an SCBA valve fits (I have a few spares lying around). This tank is for Danny, the guy that bought my Renegade, who asked if I could set him up and he’ll pay me back. I offered used SCBA tanks off eBay, but he said he’d prefer new and for that price why not? Darrel (Kayaker) gave me two used Scott SCBA valves so I’ll just pay it forward. Will take a few photos once I receive the tank. 
 
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@dhart, I agree. This is an eye opener for all of us I'm sure. If you look at the tank for $257 (as I described above), and then the tank valve used SCBA:

https://ebay.us/CMvvzo

for approx. $30, and then the SCBA fill rig:

https://ebay.us/8d4Ubz

for approx. $40, and you have a complete set up for about $327, good for 15 years (with hydro every five years).


 
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Since I fill my own tank, I bought a non-DOT Acecare tank last year - that way I know everything that has been done to it since the beginning. The bottles are identical, save for the DOT label (and maybe the standard US valve thread). Mine at least seems high quality. Getting ready to buy another one, and might spring for the DOT label but that's probably only useful to me if I want to sell the bottle at some point.

Def recommend this as a good option.
 
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Ahhhh, there's always something when ordering from China (AliExpress this time).

As I said above, I ordered the 6.8L DOT certified CF tank with 7/8-14 threads. Was notified Tuesday night that they had no 7/8-14 threaded tanks in stock (even though they (Acecaretech) had them advertised in numerous places on AliExpress and eBay). They asked me via message if I would accept a M18*1.5 threaded DOT 6.8L tank in its place? I told them no, since I already had a SCBA CGA-347 valve with 7/8-14 threads ready to go. But, if they included a M18*1.5 DIN 300 valve free as part of the deal, I would take it. So it took them a day, then last night they agreed to my proposal. Luckily I have a DIN 300 fill rig from somewhere in my spare parts box, so I'm still good to go on the tank for Danny who bought my Renegade. 

Be careful when ordering non standard (for them) sized tanks (neck threads) if ordering and confirm in stock prior to placing the order. 
 
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Ahhhh, I knew there had to be a catch. Now I know there is. Whatever price you pay through eBay or AliExpress with shipping, you'll need to add $99. Since the tanks have "DOT "on them the U.S. DOT needs to get their cut. So my $257, which included shipping, has turned in to $356. And, your tank will get stuck in Customs for a week or two until you are contacted, make an official statement that it isn't a vehicle(?), and then it'll continue on its merry way. Count on at LEAST 3 weeks from the time you order. 

My recommendation, skip it. Lots of effort for some savings, but buying a used SCBA tank with a few years service life left is still the best deal IMHO. If I would have known all this, and the hassle involved, I would not have done it. Thought I had something there... Turns out I didn't. ;(
 
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I was looking at them last week and I thought I had found a good price. The item involved was a 6.8- litre tank and reg. Looking at the specifications underneath the main add, it was described as only 3 litre and the dimensions matched. I also noticed that in another ad, the 3- litre bottle and reg was the same price. I sent them a message before I ordered to avoid a dispute later. The ad was a mistake and they changed it quick-smart. I also noted that the DOT approved models are almost double the price before shipping. As you know, if you fill yourself and don't plan on selling, you don't need the stamp. Here in Aus, we have our own red tape and DOT or any other compliance means nothing to scuba shops or paintball clubs.
 
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