orca
Sunland,ca Los Angeles county
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I've gotten mixed opinions on this. Some say they drive while it's on and others say it's dangerous.
I know at the gas station it says to turn off your propane. Is the assumption that people are driving with it on?
Thanks
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fredbon
Pacific Northwest or SoCal
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Joined: 09/21/2001
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Just depends on your confort level with explosives, ever give much thought to the 75-100 gal of high explosive fluid called gasoline?
Fred
Fred and Bonnie
Frankie & Scarlett, (The Cats)
2005 Dolphin LX 6375
2006 Saturn VUE
As I've Matured... I've learned that artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
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orca
Sunland,ca Los Angeles county
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Fred,
Good point! I got a flat a couple of months ago and it ripped out my propane line. I was driving with it on and it quickly filled up the RV with gas fumes. It made me alittle nervous. Am I over reacting?
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MBGOVE
Minnesota
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Orca, this topic comes up every month and typically starts a long thread that gets emotional. You can search back and spend hours reading the posts.
A majority of people drive with it on, many not turning it off at gas stations. There are a few who feel driving with it on unsafe and that is fine for them.
I drive with it on and turn it off appliances at gas stations.
Mike
2005 Beaver Patriot Thunder - CAT C13 525/1650
2004 Ford F350 CrewCab - PSD/TorqShift
2001 FourWinds Dutchmen C - Ford E450 V10
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Norm Payne
Livingston, TX
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All motorhome LP tanks have a safety shut off in case there is a rupture so a motorhome can not fill with vapors. If your RV is a motorhome I suggest you have your tank checked. Also, move all LP lines, gas lines and wiring away from wheel wells. Its hard to imagine they were placed there in the first place.
Norm
2005 Dutch Star 4015, Cummins ISL 370 hp
2007 Honda CR-V
See Ya Down The Road
http://www.seeya-downtheroad.com
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Johnsbo
Somewhere,
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There has been lots said about this subject and there are a lot of different opinions, some very strong and adamant. Personally, I drive with it on and shut it off (most times) when refueling. I have been RV'ing for 30 years and have had no problems and feel comfortable. Of course, that is not to say that the next time out something could happen. I have heard some war stories and read about an instance once where a couple towing a 5th wheel with the propone on rear-ended a tractor-trailer and the 5th wheel broke loose, crushing the tow truck, trapping the occupents inside and caught fire. They didn't make it out. So, I guess its whatever turns you on. Most people run with the propane on.
Bob and Linda
2008 Navion 24H
Cedar Hill, TX
My worst day camping was better than the best day I ever had working.
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blocker4243
Mi
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In 30 years of rv'ing, we have always left our propane on. Never had a problem with it.
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LLeopold
Windsor, CO USA
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Quote:All motorhome LP tanks have a safety shut off in case there is a rupture so a motorhome can not fill with vapors.
That covers only the tanks. What about the rest of the system. orca's RV still filled with propane fumes. No, orca you are not overreacting.
I'll take my chances on replacing $200 worth of spoiled food versus $30,000 and up on an RV and tow vehicle, thank you (see my "broken record" reply later on).
*This Message was edited on 21-May-02 09:50 AM by LLeopold*
Lou Leopold
Between RVs at this point
but I continue to tent camp!
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LLeopold
Windsor, CO USA
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If the reason you are running with propane on to run your refrigerator,
[broken record on]
Modern RV refrigerators have enough insulation and seals in them to where they only lose a degree or two, even for extended (8-10 hours) and warm (100+ degrees) periods.
Check out the following threads for previous discussions on this:
http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/CFB/1/TID/37443.cfm
http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/CFB/1/TID/77448.cfm
http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/CFB/1/TID/113969.cfm
http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/CFB/1/TID/139019.cfm
http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/CFB/1/TID/165231.cfm
http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/CFB/1/TID/190829.cfm
http://www.rv.net/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/CFB/1/TID/222220.cfm
My suggestion is to try this experiment yourself. Buy a refrigerator thermometer and place it in your fridge on your next trip. Note the temperature in the fridge on your trip out with the fridge running. On your return trip, turn off the propane and note the temperature when you arrive home. Then decide for yourself based on the potential hazard of propane on /vs/ the potential hazard of food poisoning.
Remember that food will not start to spoil until the temperature exceeds 40 degrees F. The ideal temperature range for fridge use is 34-38 degrees F.
I did this last summer for a week-long trip, only using the fridge while stopped and camping. I pulled in 108 degree heat. My fridge never went below 35 degrees and above 37 degrees during the 8 hour travel day. But you will need to convince yourself. I'll be repeating this experiment on a three week road trip this summer through the desert southwest and will post my findings here.
Finally, it was pointed out that motorhome refrigerators get more use while running than trailers (convenience). My suggestion is to do the same thing as the "trailerites" do, have a cooler for the drinks handy and keep refrigerator use to a minimum while on the open road.
[broken record off]
Hope this helps.
*This Message was edited on 21-May-02 10:04 AM by LLeopold*
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SF Dave
San Francisco, CA
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If you have a refrig with DC as well as gas & AC, you can use DC while driving and switch to Propane when you stop -- then AC at the CG.
I'm told the DC will only work if the battery is being charged cause it draws too much power otherwise.
Dave, 2001 Pleasureway, Excel,RD
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