Propane and Your RV: Safety and Maintenance Dos and Don’ts

Posted: July 12, 2018

Summer is a great time to take to the road and enjoy the freedom that a propane-powered RV can bring you. But that freedom does come with some responsibilities – especially when it comes to keeping your family safe.

Here is a quick guide to propane safety for your RV before, during, and after your great 2018 road trip adventure.

Before your trip

Before you hit the road,

• Inspect propane cylinders and their mounting hardware for wear, rust, or damage; if you spot a problem with your cylinders or other propane hardware, have your equipment professionally serviced.
• If you are carrying extra propane cylinders, store them securely in an upright position in a well-ventilated area; never store a propane container inside your RV.
• Inspect propane appliance hoses for frays, kinks, or damage.
• Never paint propane containers, valves, or mounting hardware.
• Make sure your system is inspected at least once a year by a trained service technician; never attempt to repair any propane-related component yourself.
• Make sure your RV has working propane, carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors (these are required by law). You should also have at least one fire extinguisher (Class 5-B:C for trailers; Class 10-B:C for motor homes). If you need to replace a detector, follow manufacturer’s instructions and use a model that is approved for use in RVs.

If a detector sounds

• Exit the RV immediately.
• If the propane detector goes off,
  • Immediately extinguish all cigarettes, pilot lights, and other open flames.
  • Do not operate lights, appliances, or cell phones, which can produce a spark.
  • Exit the RV immediately.
  • If possible and safe, turn off the gas supply valve on your cylinder.
  • Leave the area an call 911.
  • Before you turn on any propane equipment, have it inspected by a qualified propane technician.
• If the CO detector goes off,
  • Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately
  • Look for symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
  • If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, call 911 or the local fire department.

On the Road

• Turn off your propane supply at the tank while driving.
• Shut off propane supply valves, pilot lights, ignitors, and appliances, during refueling; have everybody exit the vehicle.
• Do not smoke near tanks, filling stations, or any other location where gasoline or propane may be present.
• Turn off propane supply valves before entering tunnels or enclosed areas. Follow all rules and warnings posted around restricted areas.

At Campgrounds

• Open a window or roof vent and turn on your exhaust fan when cooking.
• Never use your stove for space heat.
• Never use outdoor fuel-burning equipment inside the RV.
• Keep propane tanks and cylinders at least 10 feet away from heat sources.

In storage

• Turn off all propane supply valves and appliances and keep vents open.
• If you store your vehicle in an enclosed area, remove all portable cylinders and store them securely in an upright position, in a well-ventilated area. Never store a cylinder indoors or in an enclosed area such as a basement, garage, or shed.
• Have your RV’s propane system inspected before you use your RV.

Need propane for your summer RV adventure? We can help! Contact us today for more information on propane cylinder refill and regulations.