11
Additional suggested maintenance:
After performing extensive testing the manufacturer of the
flexible propane supply hoses has determined that the hoses be
replaced every ten (10) years as the failure rate may increase after
this period of time. The motorhome manufacturer recommends
following this guideline to assure continued safety and dependable
use.
propane DIStrIBUtIon lIneS
A primary manifold black steel pipe running throughout the
motorhome distributes propane to secondary lines. All secondary
lines leading to gas appliances are made of copper tubing with
flared fittings. It is recommended that gas distribution work
be performed by an authorized dealer or an authorized service
technician.
INSPECTION:
Inspect the rubber flexible lines twice a year for abrasions,
tears, kinks or other signs of damage.
If a gas leak is suspected, have the system inspected and repaired
by a qualified service technician as soon as possible.
propane conSUmptIon
Each gallon of propane produces 91,502 BTUs of heat. One 27 gallon tank produces two million BTUs. Total
consumption depends on the rate of usage by each appliance and the operating time. The furnace and water
heater typically use the majority of propane.
Determine Fuel Consumption:
To determine approximately how many hours a propane appliance will operate on one gallon of propane, use the
following formula:
Propane appliances are rated in Input BTU (British Thermal Units). The rating is usually stamped or
printed on a tag affixed to the appliance. For example: the Input rating of the appliance is 10,000 BTUs.
One gallon of propane produces 91,502 BTUs.
Divide the amount of BTUs of one gallon of propane (91,502) by the rating on the appliance in this
example 10,000. Net continuous operation time for one gallon of propane for this appliance would be
approximately 9.2 hours.
The above formula can be useful when trying to determine the approximate length of time a tank of propane
will last. Generally, propane appliances do not continuously operate.
An example would be the typical cycling of the refrigerator.
Determining how long a tank of propane will last:
Combine the BTU input totals of all appliances, and the
approximate length of time these appliances operate per day.
Multiply the number of liquid gallons in the propane tank by
91,502.
Divide the total of BTUs of the propane tank by the total number
of BTUs the appliances consume. This equals the approximate
number of operation hours of before refueling.
050257c
Propane Gauge
Two-Stage Pro-
pane Regulator
Typical manifold system
Typical Appliance BTU Ratings
Appliance
BTUs
Water Heater
6 Gallon
8,800
10 Gallon
10,000
Furnace
25,000
35,000
Cooktop
Burners
6-9,000
Oven
7,100
Refrigerator
2-Door
1,500
4-Door
2,200
