For RV owners, using propane is essential as it serves many purposes in the camper. These include help warm and cook food, runs the fridge to make it cold, heats the temperature inside the RV, and many more.
Propane tanks are made of combustible fuels hence a significant fire hazard primarily when used inside a mobile home. For our safety, prevention is not enough. We must also learn how it works and correctly put it to safety when we use it.
We must know how to practice propane tank safety measures in our RV to prevent catastrophic disasters during any trip. We have provided some in-depth data and tips regarding this compatible tank. This includes inspecting your propane tanks and what types of equipment to use when on the road for safety.
Knowing about Propane
Propane, also commonly known as Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), is a flammable hydrocarbon that is a clean, portable, and efficient energy source used by people worldwide. Liquefied through pressurization, profanes act as a fuel used to cook and warm food, heat water or a room during cold weather, run a vehicle, and many more.
Compared to other fuels, it emits low energy; hence it is considered green energy. It also does not leave a residue on waterways when it spills because it is released as a gas. Propane, like other fossil fuels, is a finite resource when used,
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Storage and Transportation
Storing a propane tank inside your RV is safe and convenient. The ideal storage and transportation method for it is liquid propane. The reason for it is that you can fit many in a small space. The usual weight for liquid propane is 4.23 pounds, producing around 270 gallons of propane gas. It is stored in steel tank containers for safety.
.For motorhomes, their propane tanks are permanently inside their frame; hence it must be driven to the profane filling station when it’s empty. Meanwhile, RVs with a fifth wheel and travel trailer has storage that allows the propane tank to be removed for refills.
The Danger of Liquid Propane
Liquid propane is extremely dangerous, so it needs extra caution when used and stored during your travel. For liquid propane to turn into gas, it has to absorb the heat of the air outside its tank. The gas burner controls and slows down this process.
Now, this is where it becomes dangerous. When or if for some reason the liquid propane leaks or sprays out, it will quickly absorb the heat from anything that it touches. The object that came in contact with it will have rapidly drop -44 degrees, causing damage, especially when it hits your skin.
Propane Tank Safety Tips
1. Maintain Proper Position
It is essential to always maintain your portable tanks in your camper or motorhome in an upright position, ensuring that the valve’s handle is on the top. This is because the liquid at the bottom of the tank will boil once it is turned on, creating the propane gas at the top. The Gas will then be pushed out into the propane system.
So, if it’s in an improper position, such as tilting sideways or upside down, the pressure of the gas will force the liquid profane out of its container hence damages its components.
2. Always Inspect Your Tank
Always inspect or check your tank and its mounting storage for any damages, rust, and corrosion. Steel containers are very durable unless it is dealt with damages, resulting in the leaking of the propane.
Rust breaks down the iron, hence weakening the propane’s storage tank. It also builds up, making the metal in it weaker. So make sure to remove it as soon as you see one on your tank. The same goes for dents and bulges. A bulge and dent in the body indicate a compromise of the tank’s integrity and failure during use.
3. Requalify your Tanks
Your propane tank needs to be requalified 12 years after its manufacturing date. The date is placed at the collar of the bottle. It must get a visual inspection after 12 years to know if it’s still suitable to use for five more years.
Every requalification date is stamped onto the tank, so make sure to find and check for the latest one.
4. Inspect Hose and Vents
Lastly, make sure to check your tank’s hose and vents regularly. Examine properly the visible hose that goes from your tank into your RV. Many factors such as weather, road debris, and old age can damage the hose.
Check for any cracks and damages by tracing the line as far as possible. Below are some of the typical locations of propane vents:
- Heating System vent
- Water Heater Vent
- Refrigerator Vent