Propane and RVing

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Basics of Propane

Propane, as we know it, is a flammable gas. Propane has a pretty low boiling point (-44° F is pretty low in our book) which makes it a great candidate for a portable fuel source. Because propane will so readily jump to a gaseous state when not under pressure, it doesn’t require a carburetor to make the fuel burnable in your stove or water heater. This is a pretty cool property of propane, but it also means that your propane needs to be pressurized and compressed to stay in a transportable liquid form. This is why Propane is stored in special tanks designed with safety features that are particular to propane.

Propane Storage Devices

When you’re using propane in an RV, you’re going to be storing it in one of two types of container. The most common type of propane container is the DOT cylinders that you’ll see perched up on the front of a travel trailer. DOT cylinders sit upright, and are designed to be easily moved for filling. ASME tanks are equally common but seen much less often because they’re built into the internal structure of a motorhome, and are designed to remain in place for filling.

Propane tanks are generally rated by weight (in lbs.) however it’s not uncommon to see a tank labeled by volume (gallons). The weight rating is more accurate than the volume rating, because a ‘5 gallon’ tank, will never actually hold five gallons, in part because a propane tank should never be completely filled so the gas has room to expand at the top of the cylinder.

Propane on the Road

So what do you need to do when you travel with propane? Are there any special precautions you need to take? What about your refrigerator? These are pretty common questions, and there are several opinions surrounding this issue. Many RVers are perfectly comfortable travelling with their propane on and the fridge running right along. Some people insist on shutting off the propane valves, and extinguishing the pilot light for the fridge and water heater.

While both of these approaches are valid, we recommend the latter. The reason is that when you pull into a gas station you can easily forget that your fridge has a pilot light lit, even though it’s hidden behind a panel in your RV. This becomes a legal issue, because as everyone knows it’s illegal to have an open flame near a gas pump. Having your propane off and your appliances shut down will save the extra effort of making a stop before you can pull into a gas station. If you’re really worried about the food in your fridge, invest in a modest cooler, or check out a fridge with 12V backup, so your food will stay cool even when your propane isn’t flowing.

Whether you’re looking for a new tank, or need some assistance with the one you got, Lone Star RV has the experienced and friendly staff to answer all your questions on any propane tanks, their usage, and safety. Stop by our dealership today in Houston near Conroe, Beaumont, and League City, Texas to learn more.