Pony bottle logistics

[Reelman1]

I didn't want to hijack the thread about pony bottles, I have questions about the logistics involved with traveling with one...in order to fly with it, my understanding is that it has to have the valve removed...so I empty it, remove the valve, get to Cozumel ( or wherever), find a torque wrench, replace the valve...find someone to fill it, then at the end of the trip, repeat the process...ok...so,questions...1. Have I voided the VIP? 2. Is finding someone with the tools and a place to get a fill a problem? 3. Check it or carry on? 4. Am I missing anything?
On the surface ( yeah yeah, I see the pun) it seems like a substantial addition to the logistics and cost involved with the trip...how many of y'all are doing this, and have you encountered any other problems?
Thanks!

 

[Wookie]

A VIP is a visual inspection. It can't be voided, as it is only good right up until someone puts something in the cylinder, like compressed air. Or compressed air mixed with oil. Or compressed air and spaghetti.

If I were traveling with my pony, I would call the dive shop I was planning to dive with and ask them to put the valve in for me. Ask what the charge is. Ask if they will do so in any case.

Carry on. You can explain it to the TSA goober in front of you. If you check it, you have to leave a note with all of the regulations of why it's OK to travel, and they still might not like it.

Alternatively, ask if they have the same size pony for rent, and if they do, bring my rigging and rent theirs.

 

[CuzzA]

I've never traveled with a pony, but why couldn't you just bring a transfer whip and self fill your pony on day one?

 

[tbone1004]

I wouldn't void it for an air only VIP, but it is not O2 clean after you take that valve off.

No torque wrench required.... "sufficiently snug" is about all it needs.

 

[Wookie]

I've never traveled with a pony, but why couldn't you just bring a transfer whip and self fill your pony on day one?

Another good option. The weight of the whip is high. I assume the OP is flying.

 

[northernone]

Tank balancer using two first stages works nicely for a transfil whip in a strange location with an empty tank. It's detailed on this forum. Provided the regs are equipment you already have, it's just an adapter, wrench and HP hose to travel with. Or a personal reg and borrow another on site.

If you're coming into cozumel this winter I'll have a 13 or 30 you're welcome to use and save the hassle of bringing one. I'd have the hardware too.

If a shop will fill a pony depends on their mood and policy. I transfill when needing to fill dive shop unacceptable tanks.

As already said, flying with a tank is a crap shoot if it will arrive at your destination. Just make sure the opening is 100% open. I've had a friend have one confiscated because of a clear tape cap blocking the neck which "could have contained dangerous gas".

Again, snug valves are fine, no torque wrench absolutely necessary.

Another way I've done it is use a full size horse... a vacation al80 slings pretty readily too and avoids hassle of transporting and caring for a pony.

Enjoy!
Cameron

 

[shurite7]

Some shops will state if the tank is empty or the valve has been removed then the tank has to go through a VIP inspection. Personally I think this is going too far, especially if there is a VIP sticker on it. However, I'll take a look inside the tank, but not charge the person. In short, double check with the fill station operator as to whether or not the tank has to be VIPed.

I have flown with a pony bottle with no issues. As stated above, take the valve off, cover the tank neck to ensure nothing gets inside of it. Do wrap the valve so that the dip tube doesn't get damaged.

Here is the one issue that I have come across when I used to take a pony bottle with me on vacation, the dive operators always seemed to have a reason why the bottle wasn't filled, most commonly they forgot. This happened too many times that I stopped taking one on trips.

 

[uncfnp]

Valve off. Plug from lds (comes in new tank when shipped, they gave me several). Put in checked.

Arrive at destination, replace valve (I use a new o ring) hand tight and tap with piece of wood. Fill with the diy project whip
mentioned by @northernone

I am quite literally in Atlanta returning from Mexico with a 13 cf as I am writing this.

Tank Equalizer for $2.50

Edit: I meant checked not carry on.

 

[uncfnp]

If you're coming into cozumel this winter I'll have a 13 or 30 you're welcome to use and save the hassle of bringing one. I'd have the hardware too.

Enjoy!
Cameron

Hi Cameron. We are planning a Feb. trip. Might take you up on the offer if still a available.

 

[rek_diver]

Here's my personal experience. I usually carry the pony bottle on with my regs, computer, masks, accessories but last time I was able to keep my bag under the limit even with the pony bottle so I tossed it in checked luggage to make my carryon lighter and less bulky. It's always valve off, and I don't usually cover the opening. I mean, what's really going to get in there when the pony is in the middle of your clothing.

I get to my destination, turn it upside down and give it a couple of taps in case anything did get in there, screw the valve on and bring it to the nearest dive Op or wait until my first dive and get there early enough to get it filled, depending on time and schedule.

Even if the VIP sticker is current, I've had some shops say "If the valve was off I'm supposed to do a VIP and charge you for it". No one ever did though.

Since I was told that, my canned response is going to be "The valve has not been removed since it was last filled". How do they know whether I dived with it earlier in my trip or whether I live locally or whatever? Prove otherwise.

Edited to add: You're concerned about finding a place to get it filled on a dive vacation: Safe to say you can get it filled where you dive. They have tanks and compressors there.