Propane is a key component to comfortable RV travel! This awesome substance allows you to keep your food cold, your water hot, and your RV warm. Because it’s such an important part of RV travel we want to make sure that you know some basic information about propane so you can have a safe, comfortable, and fun trip the next time you head out on the road. RVs and Boats for Less is here to answer any of your questions about propane in your RV, help you find the parts you need, and take care of the maintainence your RV needs. RVs and Boats for Less proudly serves the areas of Pocatello, and Idaho Falls, Idaho; as well as Salt Lake City and Logan, Utah.
Propane Facts
So we’ll start with some more obvious information about propane: Propane is a flammable gas. To easily transport propane it must be put under high pressure until it condenses into a liquid form. Propane will boil a -44 degrees fahrenheit, meaning that as long as you’re not taking your RV to antarctica, this will be a viable fuel source for you. The low boiling point is one of the reasons that propane is such a great tool for RVing and travel, because no matter what kind of device you hook it up to, all you have to do is open the valve and ignite without needing to be vaporized first. One thing that occurs on a chemical level as propane goes from a liquid to a gaseous state is the absorption of heat from the environment (and endothermic reaction) which often shows up in the form of white vapor around a tank. If you see vapor coming off of your propane tank, you should contact a propane vendor as soon as possible, as this indicates that you likely have a leak in your tank.
RV Propane Storage
In RVs, there are two different ways to store propane, based on the type of vehicle you’re travelling with. Motorhomes are equipped with ASME Tanks, which are built into the structure of the RV. Filling an ASME tank requires taking your RV directly to the fueling site, as these containers are not made to be removed from the RV. Travel trailers utilize DOT Cylinders, which are more familiar to most people. These containers sit upright at the front of a travel trailer, and can be removed for filling. No matter which kind of propane tank you have, it comes in one color: White. The color is a subtle safety mechanism to help the propane resist outside heat. Don’t paint your propane tank
Propane Appliances
When you get out on the road with your family, it’s important that your propane appliances like the fridge, water heater, and furnace are all working properly. This isn’t just a matter of comfort, but safety. Unfortunately for most would-be handymen, many propane appliances are closed systems, which means that maintenance should only be performed by a trained professional (like the folks here at our service department!). While we don’t recommend fixing issues yourself, We can share some of the symptoms you may notice if your appliances are in bad shape.
Your water heater’s pilot light should burn with a clear blue flame. If you notice that the flame has an orange yellow color, your burner is dirty. If the pilot light is flickering frequently, it’s probably a sign that your lines are contaminated with oil. Either of these problems can be fixed with a simple service appointment.
Your furnace is entirely closed, so you won’t have a pilot light to check there. Signs that your furnace is struggling include a failure to get up to temperature, blowing cold air after running a short time, your fan cycling without cause, and hearing a distinct ‘poof’ sound as your furnace kicks on. All of these problems can be fixed by our staff here at RVs and Boats for Less.
Whether you’ve got a problem with your furnace, or just have some questions about travelling with propane in your RV, we’re here to help at RVs and Boats for Less. Come in and see us today in Pocatello, Idaho! We’re happy to serve the areas of Twin Falls, Idaho; as well as Salt Lake City, and Logan, Utah.
