5-3
SECTION 5 –
PROPANE GAS
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:
•
Exercise caution at all times. Be familiar with
the distinctive odor of propane gas. If a leak is
suspected, turn off the supply valve
immediately. Have the propane gas system
checked by your dealer or other qualified
propane gas service center.
•
Do not tamper with the propane gas piping
system, pressure regulator, or gas appliances.
Service and maintenance of propane gas
system components should be performed only
by your dealer or a qualified propane gas
service center.
•
Never attempt to connect natural gas to the
propane gas system.
•
Have the entire propane gas system inspected
for possible leaks and missing or damaged
parts at each tank filling. Also inspect before
and after each trip, and any time trouble is
suspected.
•
Turn the propane supply valve off when not
using the propane gas system.
•
Never use a wrench to tighten the tank supply
valve. It is designed to close leak-tight by
hand. If a wrench is required to completely
close the valve, it is defective and must be
replaced.
•
Be sure appliance and outside vents are open
and free from obstruction when using the
propane gas system.
•
Never attach a lock or any device requiring a
key to the propane tank compartment door.
According to standards set for recreation
vehicles, the propane supply valve must be
readily accessible in an emergency.
•
Exercise caution when drilling holes or
attaching objects to the walls. Gas lines and
electrical wiring could be seriously damaged
and present an extreme safety hazard.
