34
Servicing and Filling LP Containers
WARNING:
Because your vehicle has exterior combustion air inlets, all
appliance pilot lights should be turned off during gasoline or propane refuel-
ing. Laws in some states require this.
Filling an LP container correctly is very important and should be performed by a
qualified person who knows the proper inspection and safety procedures. Any new
container must be carefully purged for best performance and must NEVER BE OVER-
FILLED.
CAUTION:
DO NOT use tools to open or close tank valve. HAND TIGHTEN
ONLY.
CAUTION: Never smoke during the filling of LP tanks. Keep the RV away from the
immediate filling area when possible or extinguish all gas pilot lights.
LP gas expands 1½% for each 10° increase in temperature. It is imperative to leave
sufficient space inside the container to allow for the natural expansion of gas during
warmer weather. Each propane container is equipped with an overfill device built into the
main valve. This device must remain open during the filling. When the container is filled
to 80%, the maximum level for safety, a liquid will appear replacing the vapor. Stop
filling immediately and close both valves; HAND TIGHTEN ONLY.
WARNING:
A propane container should never be filled beyond 80% of its
capacity.
If your tank becomes overfilled and is not allowed to “bleed off” before installation to the
RV system, it may gain pressure from exposure to direct sunlight and will begin “blowing
off” pressure from the overflow valve. This will be detected by the strong odor around
the tanks. Keep open flames away from this area. It is best to find a technician qualified
in releasing an overfill from the container. If that is not possible, remove the bottle, take
it to a safe area at least twenty-five feet from any source of combustion, and “bleed off”
the excess pressure by opening the valve slightly and closing it when discharge has been
sufficient, one to two minutes.
WARNING:
LP gas containers are equipped with safety devices which
relieve excess pressure by discharging gas into the atmosphere. Do not bring
or store LP gas containers, gasoline or other flammable liquids inside the
recreation vehicle. Disregarding this warning may result in fires or explosions.
