RVing with Propane
Propane is a flammable gas. If that’s all you know about propane that’s okay, you’re in the right place. This awesome substance makes many of the amenities of a modern RV possible. In many RVs, propane is necessary for cooking, cooling, and staying warm, so if you’re planning on RV travel it’s good to know a little about propane before you head out on the road. Niels RV is ready to help you with all of your RV propane needs, so if you have any questions, come in and see us and our service department will be happy to answer your questions and help you find any components or parts that you need! Niels RV is happy to serve the areas of Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, Valencia, Montclair, and Simi Valley, California.
Propane Introduction
Propane is a flammable product created during the refining process of oil. At room temperature, propane exists as a gas, however that makes it very difficult and inefficient to transport, so the propane tanks that you travel with are filled with liquid propane. Propane has a very low boiling point, as in -44° Fahrenheit, this means that it’s a perfect fuel for instant use, because you never have to use a carburetor to get propane into a burnable state. This also means that in order to keep propane in a liquid form, you have to put it under very high pressures. This is why propane tanks are specifically designed for the task.
Storing Propane
In your RV, you have one of two different types of RV container: A DOT Cylinder, or an ASME tank. DOT cylinders are pretty easy to spot, they sit upright, and are typically located at the front of a travel trailer above the hitch. ASME tanks are built into motorhomes laying in a horizontal configuration, unlike DOT cylinders, they’re not meant to be removed in order to refill them.
Both of these types of tank are classified by their rating in lbs of fuel. While you may occasionally see a tank referred to in terms of gallons, it’s a misnomer (a five gallon cylinder will not actually hold five gallons of fuel).
Most RV propane tanks only come in one color: White. The reason is that white helps the tank reflect more heat than other colors, making it easier to maintain pressure as the outside temperature fluctuates. Don't go and paint your propane tank to match your RV’s style.
Your tank should be clean, and have a smooth uniform shape. If you have any rust, dents, or dings, you may be unable to refill the tank, or more importantly, you may be at risk for a leak. The rubber fittings on a propane tank can also wear out. To keep an eye on the health of your propane tank’s health, use a spray bottle with water and soap and spray a light mist on the fittings and hoses, bubbles will clue you off to a potentially dangerous leak.
Propane on the Move
So you’re about to head out on your trip, propane hooked up and ready to go. Are there any precautions you need to take off? Isn’t it dangerous to travel with a flammable liquid!? Well, no, not really. Your car is full of gas and that’s pretty safe. There is a fairly contentious debate on the RV world on whether or not propane should be shut off before RV travel, especially since propane may be powering your fridge and keeping your food from spoiling.
Many RVers have driven for decades with the propane turned on and humming along with no problems. On the other side it only takes a cursory search to find some pretty dramatic pictures of RV fires ignited during an accident. To be abundantly cautious, we recommend shutting off your propane and propane appliances before you travel: Here’s why.
The only law that relates to propane use while driving is not related to propane at all. It is unlawful to enter a gas station with a lit ignition source or open flame. Guess what always needs an active pilot light? Your fridge. Best to avoid having to pull over before every fill up, and pack your sensitive foods in a cooler, and you’ll save yourself a potentially dangerous situation.
Now you’re armed with a little information about Propane. We hope this helpful guide will assist you in making informed decisions when you travel, but if you have any reservations, questions, or need some parts and components for your RVs propane system, come in or give us a call at The Outpost RV, proudly serving the areas of Los Angeles, Valencia, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, and Montclair, California.