Propane
A Guide to RV Propane
The propane system is an integral part of most modern RVs. If you’re new to RVing or if you’ve never taken the time to study the propane system, it might still be kind of a mystery to you. And while propane is an extremely helpful modern convenience, it also poses some hazards, especially to anyone who doesn’t respect its power.
Below, we’ll cover the basics of propane including its benefits and risks as well as its history and its use in RVs. Read on to learn more. If you own an RV and need propane system repairs or any other maintenance, give us a call here at Golden Gait Trailers. Our team of talented technicians might be able to help you out. We’re located near Charlotte, North Carolina, in Concord.
What is Propane?
So what exactly is propane? Essentially, propane is fossil fuel that was discovered in the 19th century. It’s derived from the gas refining process, meaning it’s quite plentiful, inexpensive, and widely distributed. At your average room temperature and at normal pressure, propane is a clear, odorless gas. To make it easier to distribute, propane manufacturers compress the gas into a liquid which is shipped in high-pressure tanks.
In RVs, there are two main types of container: ASME and DOT tanks. ASME tanks are designed to be built into your RV whereas DOT tanks are free standing tanks that can be removed from the RV and used for other devices.
Why is it Popular?
Propane is commonly used because it’s relatively stable, abundant, and inexpensive. With a propane system, you can carry several days worth of energy wherever you want. Through its unique properties, propane can be used in several different applications. It can be used in a stove as well as the water heater and furnace. Some RVs even feature refrigerators that run on propane. This broad utility is extremely helpful to RV owners who go boondocking. Otherwise known as dry camping or dispersed camping, boondocking is the practice of camping away from an established campsite and off the electrical grid. Even those who are camping with access to an electrical grid often rely on propane for the stove and furnace.
Since many gas stations also stock propane, you can basically count on finding a place to refill your tanks wherever you go. Availability is a key factor if you’re spending a major portion of time on the road since you’ll need to be able to find a refill wherever you go.
Is Using Propane Risky?
A common question from new RV owners is “how risky is propane?” After all, propane is a fossil fuel that is potentially explosive under some conditions. Because propane turns into a gas as soon as it leaves the tank, many people are somewhat unsure of how to deal with it. After all, you can’t just clean up a gas leak with a rag and some soapy water.
In reality, propane is very safe as long as you take the necessary precautions. Make sure you have a propane gas alarm inside your RV to alert you to any leaks before they become a problem. A carbon monoxide alarm is another good investment since it will help you determine if you’re having ventilation problems related to burning propane. Make sure to protect your propane tanks from any damage, especially traumatic impacts or drops. It’s also important to make sure you get regular service checks on your propane system. Unless you have professional training with propane systems, you probably will want to leave this to the professionals.
The team of skilled technicians here at Golden Gait Trailers can make sure your RV propane system is in the best shape possible. Give us a call if you live in Charlotte or Concord, North Carolina!