Best Practices for Travelling with Propane

Be safe, smart, and cautious to avoid serious accidents on the road.

Words by Dave Brannam

Propane is a great source for powering appliances like fridges, ovens, stoves, or furnaces in trailers, fifth wheels or motorhomes. It's commonly used by RVers as it’s less expensive than gas, widely available, and environmentally friendly. Although practical, following a number of smart practices during travel and when using it at a destination to operate your appliances will simply ensure the utmost safety for you and your family on the road.

If you’re buying a used RV or upgrading to one with a propane system, it may be equipped with a DOT cylinder (that is certified by the Department of Transport), TC cylinder (that is certified by Transport Canada) or an ASME tank. While DOT/TC cylinders are commonly used in pairs and mounted on the tongue or bumper of travel trailers and pop-up campers (as well as in designated compartments in fifth wheels), ASME cylinders are often fix-mounted in larger motorhomes or used for park models or RVs that serve as a full- or part-time residence.

Regardless of the tank, both require safety measures to practise since propane is highly flammable and can potentially explode when the tank (s) come into contact with excessive heat or when they are damaged. Listed below are a few ways to stay extra safe while using propane in your RV.

What to Consider When Buying a Propane Tank

When you’re buying a new or used propane tank, it’s important to check some important documents and components to ensure it functions properly.

Proper Certification

First, be sure to check the stamp and date of certification of the cylinder or tank. For example, if you have a new DOT/TC cylinder(s), it doesn’t need to be recertified for 10 years. If it’s a used tank, make sure that it has a valid certification and check to see when it needs to be recertified. The original date of when it was manufactured and any subsequent re-testing dates are found on the cylinder collar. Remember, it’s illegal in Canada to fill an outdated cylinder or tank and must be certified by a qualified technician.

Gauges

Secondly, if you use an ASME tank for your RV, check the gauge for wear or tear, be sure that indicates the correct amount of pressure/propane in the tank, and is working as it should. All ASME tanks have one, but DOT/TC don’t. Nonetheless, aftermarket gauges are widely available to monitor how much pressure or propane is in the tank.

Relief Valves

All new cylinder tanks are equipped with these and protect the tank from building up excessive pressure. Relief valves are held - and closed - in place by a strong spring. Should the pressure increase and rise beyond the spring, the valve will open and create a hissing sound. Additionally, in the event the pressure increases a lot, the valve will fully open and make a loud ‘popping sound’  releasing the gas. When the pressure once again goes below the spring, the valve closes.

Tank Cover and Holder

DOT/TC cylinders are mounted on the trailer tongue with a designated bracket and base plate to keep them secure in place. These brackets work well and many aftermarket options are available. A cover is also essential to protect the tanks from the elements, dust, and grime. Since these cylinders are not fixed in place like an ASME tank, they can easily be removed when they need to be refilled.

Propane Tank Maintenance

Fortunately, there’s not a lot of maintenance needed for propane tanks but not adhering to the basics can be fatal. For instance, leakage from propane tanks can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal, while damaged or cracked tanks (that can cause leaks) are likely to catch fire and explode. Therefore, always follow these key tips:

  • Make sure to always clean your RV’s furnace before use.
  • Always blow out the propane lines every six to seven months.
  • If you’re going on a trip after your trailer or motorhome has been in winter storage or sitting idle for an extended period, inspect all protective tank components and systems (e.g. detectors, etc) in the RV to ensure they are working properly.
  • Regularly check the cylinders for leaks and scratches.

Refilling Propane Tank

If you use a pair of DOT/TC cylinders, you can easily remove them from the trailer bracket and take them to the gas station or another certified business. However, fixed ASME tanks are not as mobile and you’ll need to fill these tanks with your RV. Be sure to follow these important points for everyone’s safety:

  • No one should ever be inside the RV while the tanks are being refiled.
  • Make sure all sources of ignition are off.
  • Check the valves after refilling and make sure they are closed.

Propane Tanks and Travelling

Before you hit the highway, double-check that all the appliances are off and valves are properly closed. The propane system should never be on during travel as a safety precaution and if you commonly take along some extra cylinders, they should be stored securely in a well-ventilated space and in an upright position.

Check for Leaks

This is a simple process. Just mix an equal amount of soap and water. Turn off the appliances and apply the mixture to the tank’s connections. If you see any bubbles, there’s a leak. Take prompt action and get your tank inspected by a licensed professional.

What to do if there is a Leak

Propane tanks contain several odourants to make leaks easier to detect and have a foul scent similar to boiling cabbage or rotten eggs. If you smell these odourants, take immediate action by turning off the valves (if it’s safe to do so), leaving the RV and calling the local fire department.

Using Propane Appliances in Your RV

Not every propane appliance is designed specifically for RVs. Appliances for trailers or motorhomes are specifically-certified and always check the license of the appliances before using them. Also, keep an eye on the flame with appliances like the stove. The flame should be blue or sometimes yellow. A consistent yellow flame indicates a warning of incomplete combustion and can potentially cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

More Key Safety Tips

  • Never smoke inside an RV with a propane system.
  • Avoid open flames near the appliances.
  • Never use the oven or stove to heat the interior.
  • Be sure to check the certification of a pre-owned RV.
  • Try not to paint the tanks. If they are looking old or dusty and want a ‘refreshed look,’ choose a light or dull colour like silver, grey, or white, and use a paint that’s specific for metal surfaces. If there’s rust on the cylinder, it should be properly removed before you paint it. Always consult with a certified expert to remove rust or replace the tank altogether, if needed.
  • Make sure fire extinguisher(s) in the RV are approved and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

Propane and RV Care

After a trip or even when storing your RV, make sure all of the valves and appliances are off and all vents are open. It’s also good practice to store your RV in a well-ventilated area. If this isn’t possible, simply remove all of the portable cylinders and store them in a safe area.

Propane Tanks Inside an RV is Dangerous

First, always avoid travelling with a propane tank inside the living area of your RV as

It's very risky and will most likely raise some questions if you’re ever pulled over by the local police.

Most DOT/TC cylinders are vented and release water vapor into the air when the internal pressure rises from the safe point. If the tank is inside the living space of your RV should this happen, these vapours can’t ventilate properly and consequently, the chances of an explosion increase. Propane is a flammable gas and there are multiple sources of ignition and any single source can ignite it in seconds.

Added Tip and Suggestions

Be extra careful when opening the valve of your DOT/TC propane cylinders. Always turn them slowly as opening them too quickly can restrict the flow, resulting in improper functioning of your RV’s appliances. If this happens, turn off the valves and detach the hose. Once the hose is reattached, open the valve slowly - this will work!

Conclusion

Travelling in an RV with propane requires taking acute precautionary measures to prevent explosions and accidents. By also buying a new, certified tank, having a contingency plan in case of an emergency, installing detectors/safety devices in your trailer or motorhome and just using common sense will ensure a safe trip every time you hit the road.

Article courtesy of the RV Water Filter Store, the manufacturer of a vast selection of water filter solutions, systems and products for travel trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes. Based in Poway, CA, owners Dave and Tracey Brannam took over operations in 2014 and continue to provide a line of effective products to ensure clean and safe water for enthusiasts on the road. For more details visit www.rvwaterfilterstore.com