There are more than 10 million RVs on the road. And though they’re all different makes, models, and types, they all have one thing in common: they use propane to power their appliances.
RV propane is one of the most reliable systems out there. But if you’re not sure how to use it or haven’t used it in the past, there are a few tricks you’ll need to know to get the most out of your RV.
Check out our simple guide to help you use your system properly.
Know Which Type of RV Propane Tank You Have
The type of propane tank you have depends largely on the type of RV you have. Most towable RVs use removable canisters that are easy to refill and can get swapped out without you having to move the camper.
But many class A, B, and C motorhomes have on-board propane tanks that are permanently attached to the RV itself. To fill these, you have to drive the coach to the propane fill station.
Take a moment to think about the types of tanks you have. This will help you figure out how to best keep the levels full.
If you have removable tanks, toss them in the back of your car and top them off before you leave on the trip. And if you have a motorhome, save time by getting your tanks filled up as you leave town.
Figure Out Which Appliances Use It
Not all RV appliances use propane. But knowing which ones do will help you get the most out of each tank.
Most RVs use propane to power the stove, water heater, and furnace, even if you have electric hookups. But if you’re camping without hookups, propane may power your fridge as well.
Walk around your RV and see which appliances have a gas option. Then, make sure you know how to turn it on. Some systems automatically detect electricity and can run off gas if there’s no power coming through the cord.
But others will force you to turn the system to gas mode in order for them to work properly. If you’re not sure how to turn an appliance on, check your owner’s manual.
Double-Check Your Propane Detector
Propane leaks happen and when they do, they can cause major problems. Most modern RVs have a propane detector installed by the manufacturer.
Before you turn the gas on, test the detector. You should hear a loud beep when the alarm sounds and see a green light to show that the system is getting power from your batteries.
If the detector isn’t working, consider using your electric appliances only. If you do need to use propane without a functioning detector, make sure you open all the windows and run the cooktop vent system to circulate air through the RV.
Should you and your family smell propane at any point during your trip, turn the gas supply off at the tank. Let the RV air out completely before you turn the gas back on or light the stove.
Make Sure You Fill Before You Go
Many campgrounds offer propane refills. But they’re incredibly expensive. You pay for the privilege of using their refill station.
Instead of filling up at your destination, fill your tanks before you leave home.
Stop at your local RV propane fill station and let them top off your tanks before you hit the road. You’ll pay less and they’ll be able to inspect your tanks for damage to make sure your systems work reliably and without issues.
Drive with the Propane Turned Off
When you’ve got a fridge full of food for the weekend, it’s natural to want to turn it on to keep things cool in transit. But that doesn’t mean you should.
Driving with the propane turned on is dangerous both to you and other drivers on the road. If something hit the tank and created a spark in the lines, you could have a catastrophic explosion right on the highway.
Most RV propane tanks have safeguards when turned off that prevent sparks and damage from happening on the road. This means you’re safer while you’re driving.
If you’re worried about your food spoiling, plug the RV into shore power for a few hours before you leave. Turn the fridge on and let it cool down before you load it up.
Refrigerators are heavily insulated and will keep their temperatures for at least a few hours on the road. If you don’t open the door in transit, your food should still be nice and cold by the time you reach your destination.
And remember, you can always toss a few ice packs inside to help keep things cold on the drive.
Be Aware of the Altitude
It’s normal to want to escape to the mountains in your RV, but changing altitude can wreak havoc on your propane appliances, especially your refrigerator.
RV appliances get their propane through a small orifice. When you’re at low altitude, the orifice gets enough oxygen to provide your appliance with a steady flame.
But when you’re in a high altitude location (anything over 5,000 feet above sea level), your system may not get enough oxygen. When this happens, your appliances won’t run efficiently.
Have a plan in place. If you only occasionally camp in high altitude locations, consider bringing a cooler or pack ice packs with your food to give the fridge help while cooling. But if you camp almost exclusively in high altitude locations, consider switching out the orifice.
Final Thoughts
RV propane is an efficient and affordable way to run your RV’s appliances without relying on electricity. Make sure you’re familiar with the systems in place before you hit the road. The more you understand about your rig’s propane system, the better prepared you’ll be to troubleshoot away from home.
Before you head out to the woods for your next camping trip, contact us to schedule a propane fill appointment. We’ll make sure your tanks are full and ready for whatever adventure you have in mind.