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LP Gas Container
The tank or “bottle” is a D.O.T. approved container to hold fuel in liquid form, and is
normally a 20# or 30# (9 or 14 kilograms) capacity. The open/close valve is to be closed
at all times unless hooked up to the LP gas system or filling the container. When the
container is disconnected from the hose, install the valve cover that is attached to the
container. This is required by the RV industry, Gas Association, and for your own safety.
Do not allow the container (filled or empty) to move or roll around while transporting it
to and from the filling location.
Servicing and Filling LP Gas Containers
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WARNING:
Because your vehicle has exterior combustion air inlets,
all pilot lights, appliances and their igniters (see instructions), must be
turned off during gasoline or LP gas refueling. Laws in some states require this.
Filling an LP gas 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.
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CAUTION:
DO NOT use tools to open or close the tank valve. HAND
TIGHTEN ONLY.
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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 LP gas container is equipped with an overfill device built into the
main valve. This device must remain open during 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.
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WARNING:
A LP gas container must 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 contsainer,
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 the discharge
has been sufficient, one to two minutes.
1
WARNING:
LP gas cylinders shall not be placed or stored inside the
vehicle. LP gas cylinders are equipped with safety devices that relieve
excessive pressure by discharging gas to the atmosphere.
1
WARNING: Do not bring or store LP gas cylinders, gasoline, or other
flammable liquids inside the vehicle because a fire or explosion can result.
DRAINING THE TANKS
When hooking up to the sewer drain line in a campground, keep the termination valve on
the black holding tank CLOSED until it is at least 3/4 full. This will provide sufficient
water to assist in complete draining of tank. At this time, open the termination valve to
empty the tank and close the valve when the tank is empty. Repeat this process as needed,
but NEVER leave the termination valve open when hooked up to the park’s sewer
system.
A final part of the sanitation system is the drainage of holding tanks.
1. Place the travel trailer as level as possible to make drainage easier.
2. Attach a flexible sewer hose to the adapter and secure it with a clamp.
3. Remove the cap and attach the adapter onto the valve housing.
4. Turn the adapter 10° to lock it onto the pegs.
5. Place the other end into an approved sewer system.
6. Open the 3” drain valve to drain the sewage tank.
7. Open the valve on the gray water tank to utilize the water to wash and rinse the hose.
All drain pipes have a “P-trap” installed into each line. Water in these traps prevent odors
from escaping into travel trailer. During travel, water from the P-traps may spill and
permit odors into the travel trailer. These odors come from food particles decomposing in
the tank. By adding water and using a RV approved deodorizing agent, the contents will
dissolve faster and will keep the drain lines and tanks clean and free flowing. Chemicals
are available at an RV supply store.
Most states and parks have strict laws and regulations to prohibit dumping of wastes of
any kind into anything other than proper disposal facilities or sewer systems. Almost all
privately owned parks have either a central pump facility or offer a campsite hookup of
sewage. You can find lists of many dump facilities throughout the United States in
Woodall’s, Rand McNally Camp Guide, Good Sam Camp Guide, KOA Kampgrounds
Camp Guide,
and various other publications. Some fuel stations also have dump stations.
THE LP GAS SYSTEM
It is because of the LP gas system that your RV has the convenience of a refrigerator,
stove, water-heater, and furnace. This system has containers that contain the fuel and also
regulators to control the pressure of the fuel and supplies the gas vapor to the various
appliances. When correctly used, the LP gas system is very effective and will ensure the
comfort and added convenience for your vehicle. This system is also potentially very
dangerous and should be used with care.
Liquefied Petroleum (LP) is a product that is refined from crude oil through natural
gases. LP gas is a colorless and odorless gas that in the liquefied state resembles water.
An odorant is added as a warning agent. This is usually a sulfur compound which gives
the gas the rotten egg, stinky, skunk oil odor. It is extremely important to become familiar
with the odor associated with LP gas.
LP gas is stored in a pressurized canister in a liquid state. As the fuel is released from the
canister, it becomes vapor that is needed for the operation of the appliances. In the liquid
state, propane should not run through the appliances. A liquid fuel will damage the o-
rings in the valves and also leave a sticky, oily residue causing poor or no operation in
the regulator.
