Knowledge Builders

where is the propane tank on an rv

by Minerva Heathcote V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Part of a video titled Getting To Know Your RV Propane Tank - YouTube
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Propane is stored in a container on your motorhome in what's called an a SME tank. Usually on theMorePropane is stored in a container on your motorhome in what's called an a SME tank. Usually on the passenger side of the vehicle permanently mounted to the frame here and you notice there is no locks.

Where to take my RV to refill propane?

  • When you arrive, please leave your tank in your vehicle, or placed outside the gate near the propane fuel dispensing area.
  • Make certain your RV’s propane is turned off.
  • Head into the business and ask for a knowledgable a staff member for assistance.
  • Staff member will direct and meet you at the propane filling station. ...

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Where can you find the cheapest propane tank refills?

Where Can You Find the Cheapest Propane Tank Refills? The cheapest propane tank refills are usually available at dealers that just specialize in propane gas, appliances and equipment. Grocery stores and gas stations often have cheap tank exchanges that are convenient if travelling but not as cheap as filling up at a propane dealer.

Where can I get a propane tank filled?

Propane Refill: You need to bring your empty tank to the propane retailer. The employee will refill your tank with the help of a dispenser. Propane Exchange: You need to bring your empty tank to the supplier or propane retailer. He will replace your old tank with a new one that is already filled up.

How do you refill a propane tank?

Some gas stations will refill propane tanks. Farm and ranch stores, like Cal Ranch Stores, Tractor Supply, and Big R Stores, will refill propane tanks. Go to Google Maps, and type in “propane tank refill” and it will show places near you that refill propane tanks.

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How do you open the propane tank on a camper?

0:191:13How To Open and Close Propane Tanks In A Class C RV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've checked that every appliance is turned off simply turn the knob counterclockwise.MoreOnce you've checked that every appliance is turned off simply turn the knob counterclockwise.

How do I fill my RV propane tank?

1:514:13RV Living - How to refill your propane tank without moving your RVYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere are some options for refilling your LP gas if you're staying in the established camp place orMoreHere are some options for refilling your LP gas if you're staying in the established camp place or RV park it's always an option to call up your local propane dealer and have them send a truck out.

How do you check a propane tank on an RV?

0:041:11Trailer owners: How to check the level of your propane tanks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHot water in the tape. And it changes color showing the gas level in the tank. Some RVs report theMoreHot water in the tape. And it changes color showing the gas level in the tank. Some RVs report the tape doesn't always stick to the cylinder. But at five dollars it might be worth a try.

Do all RVs have propane tanks?

Typically, motorhomes have an ASME tank and are considered built-in RV propane tanks. The ASME propane tanks are not removable and mount to the outside of your RV. ASME RV propane tanks vary in size and storage capacity.

How does propane work in an RV?

1:054:14How does the propane work in an RV? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's gonna pull from propane or electricity whatever one's more available at the time. You canMoreThat's gonna pull from propane or electricity whatever one's more available at the time. You can turn on the water heater by turning on this button labeled water heater here.

Is propane safe in RV?

Don't store or transport propane tanks inside your RV or your vehicle. If you have to take them for a refill, transport your propane tanks secured in the back of a pickup truck. This is for two reasons: If there is a propane leak inside your vehicle, you could die or be trapped in a fiery inferno.

How can I tell if my RV propane tank is empty?

Look at the tare weight that is stamped on the collar/handle of the propane tank. That is the only truly precise measurement of that specific tank's empty weight. If you put a propane tank on a scale and the reading matches the tare weight stamped on the collar/handle, then the tank is definitely empty.

Will my RV heater work without propane?

We've scoured the most reliable sources to give you the answer. When an RV furnace runs out of propane, the tank pressure will continue to drop until it stops working entirely. Letting the gas run empty is hazardous, as it can lead to leaks, airlocks, rust buildup in the tank, and malfunctioning brake lights.

Do you open both propane tanks on RV?

In an automatic changeover setup, both tanks will need to be turned on and they must also both be turned off before either of them are removed. I highly recommend going with the automatic changeover for convenience and ease of use.

How long does 20 gallons of propane last in an RV?

4 and a half daysAnd since a 20-gallon propane tank holds 4.5 gallons it will heat your RV for 4 and a half days.

How long does a 30 pound propane tank last in an RV?

That means that a 30 lb. propane tank can run our appliances for 16 hours before running out.

How long does a full tank of gas last in a RV?

Wondering how far that will get you on average? What is this? Most Class A RVs get around 9 miles per gallon which will take you around 810 miles. The smaller Class B's have the best mile-per-gallon at 19 miles per gallon which means a full take should take you around 456 miles.

Can I fill my RV propane tank myself?

You simply need to drive the motorhome to a location where propane is sold and pull up to the area where their propane fill is located. Position your RV so that your propane tank is on the same side as the fill location, and allow a professional to fill the tank for you. It's really that simple.

Is it better to refill or exchange propane tank?

The decision about propane tank exchange vs refill is less about what is the better option, and more a matter of convenience vs price. So, is it cheaper to exchange a propane tank or refill it? The short answer is refilling is cheaper.

Can you refill a 20 lb propane tank?

Many companies only fill their 20lb propane tanks to 15lbs, which means that even though you're paying for a full tank, you'll receive less and need to go back to refill your tank sooner than necessary. 20lb propane tanks already allow for 20% expansion for temperature differences.

Are RV propane tanks different?

Propane tanks for RVs also come in different sizes. The two most common tank sizes, especially when it comes to DOT cylinders, are 20-pound and 33-pound tanks. While 33-pound tanks hold more propane, 20 pounders are much more common and available at grocery stores, gas stations, and more.

RV Propane Tank Sizes

When it comes to RV propane tanks, one size doesn’t fit all. Firstly, there are two types of propane tanks found on RVs: ASME tanks and DOT cylinders. What type your RV takes will largely depend on its size and model.

RV Propane Tank Cover

DOT cylinders are often kept outside of the RV on the trailer tongue or bumper, meaning that they need adequate protection from the weather, dirt, and dust. This is where an RV propane tank cover comes in handy, as it’s usually designed from heavy-duty materials such as plastic or polypropylene, helping to protect your precious propane.

RV Propane Tank Gauge

Whether you have an ASME tank or a DOT cylinder, you’ll still need an aftermarket RV propane tank gauge to let you know how much propane is actually left in your tank. Some models of RV propane tanks will have their own in-built gauge (like this one), but it still doesn’t hurt to have a second opinion to make sure you never run out.

RV Propane Tank Holder

RV propane tanks that are kept on the outside of your RV (usually DOT cylinders) will need an RV propane tank holder to keep them securely in place. Not only will the holder keep the tanks safe and secure during transportation, but an RV propane tank mount also gives you easy access for re-filling or checking your gauge.

What is an RV propane tank and what is it used for?

Propane— which also goes by terms like liquified petroleum gas (LPG) or simply LP gas— serves as the fuel for many of your favorite RV amenities. The colorless, nontoxic compound is compressed and stored as a liquid in specially-designed tanks, which makes it easy to carry and manage.

How many gallons of propane does an RV hold?

Since ASME tanks are permanently affixed to the RV, you’ll find them in a variety of sizes. Some may be as small as 20 pounds, but others may hold as much as 100 gallons— a whopping 420 pounds— of propane.

Why mount propane tanks outside?

Similarly, your propane tanks located outside your rig can take a real beating from sun, rain, road debris, and more.

What appliances can you use propane in an RV?

It’s not uncommon to see propane power the following appliances in an RV: Heater/furnace. Water heater. Stove.

Why are dot tanks called dot tanks?

You’ll also commonly see these in pairs on RVs since they are smaller. They are called DOT tanks because they are regulated by the Department of Transportation.

How many BTUs in a gallon of propane?

In one gallon of propane, there are 91,502 BTUs. In one pound of propane, there are 21,548 BTUs. So if at 80% capacity, your tank can hold 20 pounds of propane, you’d calculate the BTUs by multiplying 21,548 x 20, which equals 430,960 BTUs. Next, you add up the BTU demand of your propane-powered appliances.

How to check a dot tank?

Visually inspect your DOT tank. Look for damage to valves, rust, dents, bulges, etc. If you find damage, do not refill the tank.

What is the propane tank on a motorhome?

Typically the fill valve, regulator, and optional tee fitting are located at the propane tank on a motorhome.

Where are propane tanks stored on a 5th wheel?

On travel trailers, propane tanks are typically stored at the front of the trailer, on the frame between the trailer and coupler. On 5th-wheel campers, tanks may be stored in a single storage compartment, or they may be split so that one resides on each side of the camper. (In this case, a long pigtail hose will run from the far-side tank to the regulator.) You'll only use one tank at a time, so when one runs out, you can refill the empty tank while using the propane in the backup. If you have an automatic changeover regulator, your setup will automatically switch to the backup propane tank when the first one runs out, provided you leave both tanks open. If you have a manual changeover regulator, you'll usually move a lever to switch between the tanks.

How Does an RV Propane Furnace Work?

Then, set your thermostat inside to your desired temperature. Your RV may also require you to manually light the furnace pilot light (read more about how to do that here .) Your RV propane furnace uses a forced air system that requires both propane and a sufficiently charged battery to function properly. If your furnace isn't igniting, you'll first want to check that you have enough propane and that your battery isn't too low. Here's how it works: 1. The temperature falls in the RV; the thermostat tells the furnace's circuit board to turn on. 2. The circuit board turns on the fan and gets spinning at the proper speed (this won't happen if the battery is too low). 3. The sail switch allows the furnace to ignite once enough air is moving from the fan. (The sail switch prevents the furnace from igniting prior to having sufficient air flow.) 4. The propane-fueled flame heats the air, which is then forced through the ducts by the fan.

How Do You Run an RV Fridge on Propane?

Start by slowly opening your propane valve all the way. Make sure your fridge is set on the propane or automatic setting. (Automatic settings typically tell the fridge to use electricity when it's available and propane when it's not.) Many RVers prefer to turn their fridge on the day before their trip to cool give it time to cool down. No one wants a warm beer or melted ice cream at the campsite! Most modern RV fridges ignite automatically, so you won't have to light the pilot light yourself. But if you have an older RV, it's possible (albeit rare) that you'll need to light it manually. Learn how here. Note that RV refrigerators are temperamental and won't work properly if they're unlevel. Therefore, it's important to make sure your camper is always level when you're at the campsite and using your fridge. (Read more on leveling your camper here .)

How Much Propane Does Your RV Use?

If you're camping in mild weather and just running your fridge, it'll probably be weeks before you have to refill. So how can we be more precise when estimating propane usage? We can look at the BTU rating of our appliances. Each gallon of propane equates to 91,500 BTUs (British Thermal Units). If you know the BTU rating of a given appliance, you can estimate how much propane you'll need. For reference, a 20-lb propane tank holds about 4.6 gallons of LP. This is 420,900 total BTUs. Add up the BTU rating for each of your propane appliances and the hours per day you'll run them, and you'll get a rough estimate of how long your propane will last. For instance, if your furnace is rated at 30,000 BTUs, it will use 30,000 BTUs (or 1/3 of a gallon) after running continuously for an hour. After three hours, it will use 90,000 BTUs, which is just about one gallon of propane. Of course, you probably won't run your furnace continuously for an hour at a time. And you'll probably be running other appliances in the meantime. The more you camp, the better idea you'll form about how much propane you actually use during your trips, and the less you'll have to rely on math and rough estimates.

How many lb propane tanks are there in a camper?

Typically found on pop-up campers and small travel trailers, single-tank setups use one DOT propane cylinder, usually either a 20-lb or 30-lb tank. From the tank, propane travels through the pigtail hose to a dual-stage regulator.

How to fix a leaky propane tank?

Mix liquid soap and water in a spray bottle, spray the solution onto your propane lines, slowly open the tank valve, and watch for any bubbles that appear and indicate the leak location. If you do have a leak, here's a quick rundown of what to do: Immediately turn the main propane valve to "off" if possible.

Where to refill propane in RV?

Travel, or truck stops are some of the most common and convenient places for an RV propane refill. Truck stops are a major resource for propane, with the capacity to handle many different vehicles and travelers at once. Travel stops also are much more convenient space-wise for an RV propane refill if your tank is fixed to the motorhome.

What is a truck camper?

The Truck Camper is attached to an F-150 truck making it easy to drive and maneuver for first time renters. The truck camper has plenty of power to master even the steepest terrain. Whatever your plans, the truck camper offers comfort and accessibility.

What is a compact plus RV?

Our compact plus unit is a fully self-contained RV. The floorplan features a unique rear kitchen design with all the amenities of a larger unit. The compact RV is the ideal unit for two adults of any age and a dinette folding to an extra bed allows for a child. With 6.5 foot/2 meter ceilings and walk through convenience even tall campers can enjoy the compact plus RV.

Can you put propane in a trailer?

However, if you have a towable trailer, you’ll likely have a removable propane tank (a DOT cylinder). Depending on its size, you might be able to fit it in your main vehicle and refill it prior to your trip — or even head out to a refill station while camping, leaving your RV behind.

Can you fill a propane tank without a RV?

If you have a fixed (ASME) propane tank, this means you have no choice: You can’t fill it up without bringing your RV to the refill station. This is the kind of propane tank usually found on a motorized RV, and it’s best to ensure it’s been filled up before parking and setting up camp.

Do you need a propane tank for an RV?

A full propane tank is not just something your RV should have for your trip; it’s something you must have for your RV trip to be successful… even if it is only being used as a backup energy supply.

Do motorhomes have generators?

A traditional motorhome with the self-contained features you expect, units in the USA even include a power generator. This economical family unit is a traditional favorite for those who want the walk-through convenience of a motorhome.

What to do if propane leaks in RV?

In case of a gas leak, immediately turn off the propane vale and all your RV appliances. Avoid using your mobile phone since it may start a spark that could trigger an explosion. And then open all your windows and doors.

Where is the propane regulator located?

And in case you’re wondering, the regulator is actually located beside the propane tank, which is packed like a small box. And knowing how to switch propane tanks on RV is essential.

How to check if propane tank is empty?

Make sure to check if there is no gas left on the propane tank. Look at the tank gauge and see if it is empty. Another thing you can do is pour hot water on the body of the propane tank.

What is a propane leak detector?

A propane leak detector is an essential tool to have in your RV. Use this device every time you connect a propane tank back to the regulator to ensure no gas leak or know if there is one.

What is the difference between a dot and an ASME tank?

The latter is required by the Department of Transportation. The ASME tanks are bigger and horizontally built-in, while the DOT tanks are smaller and removable.

Can you switch propane tanks in an RV?

And when one propane tank is out of gas, you can easily switch the tanks to avoid a blackout in your RV. The steps to identify the RV propane tank switching valve and switch it are quite simple, and all you need are the following tools:

Can you use a secondary propane tank until it's empty?

It is up to you if you want to continue using the secondary propane tank until it’s empty or if you want to use the new full tank. Either way, make sure to have the regulator selector switch pointed at the right tank.

Step 1: Take necessary precautions

Before you switch propane tanks, make careful precautions. You want to protect yourself and prevent any mishaps.

Step 2: Check Whether Gas Is Off

Another precautionary measure when switching paralleling propane tanks is to ensure whether the propane tank is empty.

Step 3: Remove RV Propane Tank Cover

A dual propane tank setup usually has a cover for dust protection. To make an easy propane tank switch, we’ll be removing this cover.

Step 4: Replace Or Refill The Empty Propane Tank

At this point, you want the selector valve pointing to the full or reserve tank. As for the empty tank, you’ll need to refill it or change it with a new full tank.

Step 5: Put All The Connections Back

Now that you have the empty tank refueled or replaced with a new one, it’s time to reconnect it back to the propane system.

Step 6: Check For Gas Leaks

For safety, check for any gas leaks using a detector device. This should be done each time you connect a propane tank to your regulator.

How Do You Empty A Small Propane Tank?

It’s often a good idea to empty a smaller propane tank completely. The pressure and gas inside the tanks make it unsuitable for them to be recycled easily.

How much does a propane tank weigh?

Most grilling propane tanks weigh about 17 pounds when empty and hold about 20 pounds of gas, so to measure how much is left in your tank, weigh the tank, and subtract the tare weight to calculate how full your propane is in the tank.

How Much Does It Cost To Refill a 20 lb Propane Tank?

How much does it cost to refill a 20 Lb propane tank? So a refill would be somewhere around 4.73 gallons at an average cost of $3.44 per gallon, so you are looking at around $16 a refill. Bear in mind that, like petrol, propane prices may rise and fall over time.

How Long Will a Generator Run On a 20-lb Tank of Propane?

How long will a generator run on a 20-lb tank of propane? Depending on your generator’s size and the amount of load that your generator is powering, you should be able to get four 1/2hours out of a 20-lb propane tank at half load.

Does Propane Go Bad?

Does propane go bad? No. Unlike many fuels, sources propane does not expire and can not ‘go bad’ even after 30 years of storage. The problem that arises with older propane is the RV propane cylinders age before the gas does, and by law, they need to be recertified or exchanged after 12 years from their manufacture date.

What Is A Blue Flame Propane Heater?

Unlike the radiant heaters, most of us are used to, blue flame propane heaters don’t use electromagnetic radiation to heat the objects in their path directly.

How Much Propane Does A Blue Flame Heater Use?

If you are running your blue flame heater at maximum (30,000 BTUs), you should be consuming propane at a rate of ⅓ of a gallon per hour.

What Is A Propane Tank Cover?

As the name implies, a propane tank cover is a protective shell that both protects your RVs propane tank or tanks from being damaged, while also helping to secure them in place.

What To Look for In An RV Propane Tank Cover

There are a few key features to consider when shopping for the best propane tank cover for your RV.

5 Best RV Propane Tank Covers To Buy In 2022

While looking for the best covers for your RV or camper propane tank we kept our eyes out for material build quality, as well as thoughtful engineering.

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