Propane- Questions Answered
05-20-2016
Let’s take a minute to talk about propane and your coach. This topic can sometimes bring about a lot of questions and concerns. Taking a little time to do some research will allow you to answer your questions and maybe even relieve some common concerns that coach owners have when it comes to propane usage.
What is Propane?
Propane is a gas that is derived from the natural gas process and the refining of oil. It is a clean fuel source and is considered to improve the environment when used as a substitute for other fuels. When using propane you can reduce the greenhouse effect and air pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. Being that propane is made in the USA, production and distribution of this fuel results in employment for thousands of Americans. Propane is affordable and is abundantly available. The down sides of propane are that the filling stations are not always easily accessed and there are some dangers as well. Propane can be lethal if inhaled and is extremely flammable, which means it should be used as directed and system should be checked often for malfunctions.
What is it used for?
Propane can be used in your coach for a number of things. Your furnace, water heater, refrigerator and other appliances can run on propane. There are also generators that run on propane which can keep all of your electricity running strong. Propane can be used by hooking up either permanent tanks, removable tanks, or using smaller cylinders to store the propane. Some people choose to have a permanent tank and a backup portable tank as well. Whatever way you choose to go, if your coach does not come with a propane tank installed, find a reputable shop to install one for you or to set-up a portable system with easy attachments to your coach. Be sure to ask about which propane regulator they will be using during installation and for instructions on maintenance of your regulator.
How Long Will It Last?
One common question is how long one tank of propane will last if you use it regularly. There are a couple of things you can do to figure this out. First, keep a log of usage after you know that your tank is full. Monitor what items you are using and how long you run them. Keeping the log will give you an idea of what type of time frame you are looking at. It might be a good idea to monitor your usage 2-3 times before you go out on a month long boon docking adventure. There are also some mathematical equations you can use to figure out how far your propane goes, but I will not attempt to explain it. I found a great example of the equation at: http://www.fmca.com/polks-top-7/2892-polks-top-7-tips-for-calculating-propane-usage-in-your-motorhome.html?tmpl=component&page=
Propane has proven to be: cleaner and safer for the environment; cheaper and more abundant than other fuels; and positive for the US job market. I hope that you have had several of your questions answered and that you might understand propane a little more. If you have any other question please feel free to ask or comment below. Happy trails!
For other ways to be Green and RV Read:
What is Propane?
Propane is a gas that is derived from the natural gas process and the refining of oil. It is a clean fuel source and is considered to improve the environment when used as a substitute for other fuels. When using propane you can reduce the greenhouse effect and air pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. Being that propane is made in the USA, production and distribution of this fuel results in employment for thousands of Americans. Propane is affordable and is abundantly available. The down sides of propane are that the filling stations are not always easily accessed and there are some dangers as well. Propane can be lethal if inhaled and is extremely flammable, which means it should be used as directed and system should be checked often for malfunctions.
What is it used for?
Propane can be used in your coach for a number of things. Your furnace, water heater, refrigerator and other appliances can run on propane. There are also generators that run on propane which can keep all of your electricity running strong. Propane can be used by hooking up either permanent tanks, removable tanks, or using smaller cylinders to store the propane. Some people choose to have a permanent tank and a backup portable tank as well. Whatever way you choose to go, if your coach does not come with a propane tank installed, find a reputable shop to install one for you or to set-up a portable system with easy attachments to your coach. Be sure to ask about which propane regulator they will be using during installation and for instructions on maintenance of your regulator.
How Long Will It Last?
One common question is how long one tank of propane will last if you use it regularly. There are a couple of things you can do to figure this out. First, keep a log of usage after you know that your tank is full. Monitor what items you are using and how long you run them. Keeping the log will give you an idea of what type of time frame you are looking at. It might be a good idea to monitor your usage 2-3 times before you go out on a month long boon docking adventure. There are also some mathematical equations you can use to figure out how far your propane goes, but I will not attempt to explain it. I found a great example of the equation at: http://www.fmca.com/polks-top-7/2892-polks-top-7-tips-for-calculating-propane-usage-in-your-motorhome.html?tmpl=component&page=
Propane has proven to be: cleaner and safer for the environment; cheaper and more abundant than other fuels; and positive for the US job market. I hope that you have had several of your questions answered and that you might understand propane a little more. If you have any other question please feel free to ask or comment below. Happy trails!
For other ways to be Green and RV Read:
Solar Power in your RV (part 1)
Solar Power in your RV (part 2)
Conserving Water When You Are a Full-timerComment
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Author: Tammy Daly
