RV Propane Tank Maintenance

Propane Tanks & Your RV
An invaluable source of energy for RVers, Liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas) is key to providing creature comforts on the road. After a long day of hiking, sightseeing, biking or driving, your family can enjoy warm showers, cold drinks and a hot meal thanks to the miracle of propane.

Propane Tank Maintenance

Although care and maintenance of your LP-gas cylinders doesn’t require much effort, there are a few important steps and safety precautions to take when handling and using LP-gas.

Inspect Your Tank
Take your RV to a qualified propane gas supplier or RV dealer each year – no matter how often you use your RV during the year.

What are they checking? They’ll inspect the regulator, valves and fittings and check the system for leaks. Suppliers will also inspect the propane tank for excessive rust and dents, which if serious enough must be replaced immediately. Ask your RV dealer to inspect the appliances, air intake and exhaust vents as well.

You should also conduct periodic inspections on your own. You can visually inspect for rust, gouges and scrapes. Especially check the bottom of the tank. To check for leaks, use a mixture of water and mild soap (that do not contain ammonia or other harsh chemicals) or commercial leak-detecting solutions.

Never use an open flame to check for leaks.

Propane gas is odorless and colorless but has a safety odor additive, which resembles the smell of rotten eggs. If you’d rather not rely on your sense of smell, install a gas detector.

If you want to measure the amount of propane left in your tank, you can either use a scale or the moisture method. To use a scale, simply weigh the cylinder and subtract the tare weight (TW) as stamped on the guard. The difference is the weight of the fuel. Propane weighs 4.24 pounds per gallon.

Using the more informal moisture method, inspect the tank on a cool morning. When the liquid propane can’t absorb the heat needed to create the amount of gas your appliances demand, it becomes refrigerated, similar to moisture collecting on a glass. The visible line between moisture that has accumulated and the dry area indicates the level of LP-gas. In warmer weather, you can even pour a glass of water over the cylinder tank after use and you’ll notice a difference in the way the water bubbles over the full and empty areas.

Care for Your Tank
Using a light, reflective color, paint your propane tank. After it’s passed the annual inspection by a qualified professional, you can touch up minor rust spots. Sand away the rust until the metal beneath is white and shiny, then prime and paint. Make sure the warning labels remain visible.

Always use the propane tank in its proper position. Arrows indicating the correct position are embossed in the metal of the tank. A horizontal tank should never be used in the vertical position and vice versa.

Note: Filling personnel are not allowed to fill a DOT cylinder more than 10 years older than its manufacturer’s date.

Safety Precautions
Follow proper refueling procedures at all fueling filling stations. When refueling, turn off the engine, all appliances and the electronic re-igniters. All passengers should exit the RV.

After refueling is completed, turn on the gas and listen to the gas regulator. A continuous hissing sound indicates the presence of a leak. If you’re concerned about a leak, follow the instructions on the tank and contact a propane dealer immediately.

If you smell gas: (1) exit the camper/trailer and do not use any electric switches or appliances; (2) leave the door open to air out the vehicle; (3) shut off the propane tank; and (4) call a propane gas supplier or the fire department from a nearby phone. Do not return to your vehicle until the odor clears.

To read more valuable articles on RV Maintenance Tips or how to keep your RV safe for travel, visit the Good Sam RV Emergency Road Service website, www.goodsamers.com

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