SECTION 5 –
PROPANE GAS
5-2
Selecting Propane Fuel Types
We recommend using straight propane in your
propane tank. Propane gas is commonly available
at all propane gas outlets in the U.S. (According
to the National Propane Gas Association,
propane gas outlets in the United States do not
offer any other type of liquefied petroleum gas
than propane to the general public.) Check local
phone directory yellow pages for locations of
local propane gas refilling stations or bulk
dealerships.
NOTE: If you travel outside the U.S. with your
motorhome, you may find butane or
propane/butane mixtures available in
addition to propane. Because gas-
burning RV appliances are designed to
run on propane only, we recommend that
you request straight propane only.
Butane burns about 30 percent hotter
than propane and can overheat some
appliances, particularly refrigerators,
and cause permanent damage. Other
appliances designed to operate on
propane can become sooted and lose
efficiency by using butane fuel.
Air in the Propane Gas Tank
If your gas appliances do not stay lit or require
frequent adjustment, even though you know the
propane tank contains sufficient fuel, the
problem may be air in the propane gas tank. Air
in the tank mixes with the propane gas vapors
causing them to burn poorly. This condition
could linger for weeks if the air is not purged
from the tank. Most propane gas dealers have
equipment for purging air from propane gas tanks
and will purge before refilling the tank.
SAFE USE OF THE PROPANE
GAS SYSTEM
The propane system is designed and built with
strict adherence to national, state, and
recreational vehicle industry requirements for
mobile propane gas equipment.
For your safety, there are many safety devices
and backup systems installed, such as tank fill
overflow valves, an interior propane gas detector/
alarm, and an interior carbon monoxide (CO)
detector/alarm.
Propane gas also contains an odor additive
that you can smell if propane is present in the air.
Here are a few precautions to observe that will
help you to use the propane gas system safely:
DANGER
DO NOT FILL CONTAINER TO MORE
THAN 80 PERCENT OF CAPACITY.
FAILURE TO COMPLY COULD RESULT
IN A FIRE OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Make sure the motorhome is level when
filling. It is possible to accidentally overfill
the tank if the vehicle is not level, with the
fill valve on the uphill side. Overfilling the
propane gas tank can result in
uncontrolled gas flow, which can cause
fire or explosion. A properly filled
container will contain approximately 80
percent of its volume as liquid propane
gas.
All pilot lights must be extinguished
and appliances and their ignitors turned
off, and supply valve closed before
refilling propane gas tanks or vehicle fuel
tanks.
Do not smoke or expose an open flame
while near a propane refueling area.
Propane gas is heavier-than-air and
extremely flammable.
Never
fill the propane tank with engine or
generator running.
Before opening the supply valve, check to
be sure all controls for gas appliances are
in the “Off” or “Pilot Off” position. If this
step is not performed, propane gas could
accumulate inside the motorhome
creating a fire or explosion hazard.
Never use an open flame
to test for
propane gas leaks.
Replace all protective covers and caps on
propane system before filling.
