Propane 101: What Responsible RVers Need to Know
05-21-2018
Author: in Education
Brrr—waking up on a cold winter night, running out of hot water during your after-hike shower, being unable to cook your morning meal… little is more annoying—and potentially dangerous—than running out of propane. Although you have options, many—if not most—5th-wheels and RVs are equipped with a propane tank for heating and cooking. How do you make sure this doesn't happen? Is propane even the best option? What do you need to do to make sure you're prepared, as well as safe? Here are some of the top tips for knowing and using propane in your RV.
Filling Your Propane Tank
If your water heater, cook stove, and/or furnace run on propane, you're likely to have either an onboard American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) tank or Department of Transportation (DOT) cylinders, which are outboard tanks that fit on the tongue. The DOT tanks are typically used for campers, fifth-wheels, and travel trailers, and they can be purchased at convenience stores, grocery stores, and places like Camping World. ASME tanks, however, are installed in motorhomes. They need to be filled either at a propane company like Ferrellgas, some truck stops, and some RV Parks. Accommodating companies in some states will even deliver propane and fill your tank at your RV's location. Since regulations change over time—and based on state—it's a good idea to check the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) site for current and local details.
Propane vs Electric vs Solar
For many people, the power source they use is likely dependent on how their rig is outfitted. Even those that use shore power often have propane options. For example, some RVs have propane cook-stoves, a furnace that is propane-fueled, and a water heater that uses electric or gas, or both. This allows owners the option of using shore power when plugged in, the generator when not, but also allows the use of propane when it's more economical.
Installing solar requires a whole new set up. Along with an inverter, panels, and additional wiring, solar takes a bit of money to initially install, but may cost less in the long run, especially if you plan to boondock frequently. Basically, you need to consider your lifestyle, and your RVing plans to determine what the best option is for you.
Propane vs Charcoal vs Mesquite for Grilling
Many RVs are equipped or can be equipped with a grill, and everyone who BBQs has a very strong opinion about which fuel-source works best. Those who prefer charcoal like it for its low coast, accessibility, and the added flavor. The folks who like propane enjoy its clean burn with no added flavor. Mesquite can either be used as the primary source of fuel, or it can be added as a cooking flavor to either a propane or charcoal burn.
Although a full tank is an extremely handy thing to have, propane is potentially quite dangerous. The fumes are poisonous, and the gas is highly flammable; therefore, certain precautions are required for its safe use. For adequate propane safety, it's essential that you have at least one of each: an operational carbon monoxide detector, propane leak detector, and a smoke detector.
Propane gas can leak from any of the appliances that use it, as well as from any connector or the lines going to those appliances. This isn't normal and it definitely isn't safe. If any of the detector alarms sound, or you smell the rotten egg odor added to propane gas, avoid turning on any electrical devices including cell phones and lights, and extinguish any pilot lights and other open flames. If you can, turn off the gas supply and open the doors and windows, and then leave the RV. Once you're at a safe distance, call a propane service professional, 911, or the local fire department. Alert any neighbor's whose RV might be in danger if a fire breaks out.
Along with checking the propane fuel gauge, there're several other things you want to assess before pulling out of your campsite. Check all the exterior vents and remove any obstructions like sticks or debris. Make sure the brackets and mounts of your tanks are secure and rust-free. Then, inspect the tank connections and fittings for frays or damage. These should also be professionally inspected annually, and any repairs should be done by a certified professional.
Generally, running any of your propane-fueled appliances while driving down the road is unnecessary. The refrigerator will stay cold for hours after being without power, especially if the door remains closed. Even during cold winter locations, the furnace isn't required when the RV's cockpit heater is running. If it's particularly chilly, the heater's warmth can be contained by using thermal curtains behind the driver and passenger seats.
Plus, not only is it recommended to shut propane tank valves before driving, in many areas it's illegal to leave them open when traveling. It's also a necessary safety precaution to shut off the propane supply valves, appliances, ignitors, and pilot lights before refueling. In fact, the easiest option is to flip the main house breaker to turn everything off at once. Also have everyone leave the vehicle during refueling. If you smoke, make sure to refrain from lighting up when you're near the tanks.
In Conclusion
Some of the main things to keep in mind when using propane are the security issues, such as proper filling procedures, emissions, when to shut valves, whether to use it while driving, etc. Much of the decision regarding whether or not to use propane depends on your RV, as well as your camping habits. Using electricity makes sense when you're plugged in to shore power. When you aren't plugged into shore power, you may find you're able to reduce your generator use by using propane. With the prices of unleaded gas, diesel, and propane costs constantly changing, it's a good idea to keep options open.
Filling Your Propane Tank
If your water heater, cook stove, and/or furnace run on propane, you're likely to have either an onboard American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) tank or Department of Transportation (DOT) cylinders, which are outboard tanks that fit on the tongue. The DOT tanks are typically used for campers, fifth-wheels, and travel trailers, and they can be purchased at convenience stores, grocery stores, and places like Camping World. ASME tanks, however, are installed in motorhomes. They need to be filled either at a propane company like Ferrellgas, some truck stops, and some RV Parks. Accommodating companies in some states will even deliver propane and fill your tank at your RV's location. Since regulations change over time—and based on state—it's a good idea to check the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) site for current and local details.
Related Read: Propane- Questions Answered
Propane vs Electric vs Solar
For many people, the power source they use is likely dependent on how their rig is outfitted. Even those that use shore power often have propane options. For example, some RVs have propane cook-stoves, a furnace that is propane-fueled, and a water heater that uses electric or gas, or both. This allows owners the option of using shore power when plugged in, the generator when not, but also allows the use of propane when it's more economical.
Installing solar requires a whole new set up. Along with an inverter, panels, and additional wiring, solar takes a bit of money to initially install, but may cost less in the long run, especially if you plan to boondock frequently. Basically, you need to consider your lifestyle, and your RVing plans to determine what the best option is for you.
Propane vs Charcoal vs Mesquite for Grilling
Many RVs are equipped or can be equipped with a grill, and everyone who BBQs has a very strong opinion about which fuel-source works best. Those who prefer charcoal like it for its low coast, accessibility, and the added flavor. The folks who like propane enjoy its clean burn with no added flavor. Mesquite can either be used as the primary source of fuel, or it can be added as a cooking flavor to either a propane or charcoal burn.
Related Read: How To Save Propane When It's Cold
Propane Safety
Although a full tank is an extremely handy thing to have, propane is potentially quite dangerous. The fumes are poisonous, and the gas is highly flammable; therefore, certain precautions are required for its safe use. For adequate propane safety, it's essential that you have at least one of each: an operational carbon monoxide detector, propane leak detector, and a smoke detector.
Propane gas can leak from any of the appliances that use it, as well as from any connector or the lines going to those appliances. This isn't normal and it definitely isn't safe. If any of the detector alarms sound, or you smell the rotten egg odor added to propane gas, avoid turning on any electrical devices including cell phones and lights, and extinguish any pilot lights and other open flames. If you can, turn off the gas supply and open the doors and windows, and then leave the RV. Once you're at a safe distance, call a propane service professional, 911, or the local fire department. Alert any neighbor's whose RV might be in danger if a fire breaks out.
Propane Safety Check Before Travel
Along with checking the propane fuel gauge, there're several other things you want to assess before pulling out of your campsite. Check all the exterior vents and remove any obstructions like sticks or debris. Make sure the brackets and mounts of your tanks are secure and rust-free. Then, inspect the tank connections and fittings for frays or damage. These should also be professionally inspected annually, and any repairs should be done by a certified professional.
Propane Safety on the Road
Generally, running any of your propane-fueled appliances while driving down the road is unnecessary. The refrigerator will stay cold for hours after being without power, especially if the door remains closed. Even during cold winter locations, the furnace isn't required when the RV's cockpit heater is running. If it's particularly chilly, the heater's warmth can be contained by using thermal curtains behind the driver and passenger seats.
Plus, not only is it recommended to shut propane tank valves before driving, in many areas it's illegal to leave them open when traveling. It's also a necessary safety precaution to shut off the propane supply valves, appliances, ignitors, and pilot lights before refueling. In fact, the easiest option is to flip the main house breaker to turn everything off at once. Also have everyone leave the vehicle during refueling. If you smoke, make sure to refrain from lighting up when you're near the tanks.
In Conclusion
Some of the main things to keep in mind when using propane are the security issues, such as proper filling procedures, emissions, when to shut valves, whether to use it while driving, etc. Much of the decision regarding whether or not to use propane depends on your RV, as well as your camping habits. Using electricity makes sense when you're plugged in to shore power. When you aren't plugged into shore power, you may find you're able to reduce your generator use by using propane. With the prices of unleaded gas, diesel, and propane costs constantly changing, it's a good idea to keep options open.
Comment
CharlesBuckOctober 9, 2018 | 12:49 PM
Unfortunately not all RV parks can offer propane refill services. If you must transport your propane tank to a refill station, NEVER lay it on its side. Doing so can cause the safety relief valve to become inoperable and could lead to an explosion if the bottle is inadvertently overfilled. The propane bottle must remain upright during transportation. An inexpensive plastic ring can be purchased at most any RV dealer to keep the bottle upright in your car or truck during a trip to the refill station.
MobileRVing TeamOctober 10, 2018 | 09:02 AM
Thanks for that helpful tip Charles! Safe transportation is so important.
Author: Carrie Todd
