What To Know When Traveling With Propane In Your RV

If you spend all of your time in your recreational vehicle at campsites with power hook-ups, then you may never feel that you need another source of fuel. However, it can be very handy to have some propane on hand. This affordable and very common fuel source is used by RVers everywhere to power their RVs in the absence of hook-ups. This occurs when you’re dry-camping or “boondocking” somewhere without any power sources that your RV can use.

So what is propane and how is it useful? Howdy Ranch RV, your local RV dealer, is in Mathis, Texas. We’ve provided some basic facts on propane to help you use it safely and efficiently during all of your camping adventures.

Definition

Let’s start with what propane is. Propane is a byproduct of either petroleum refinement or natural gas production. It’s a liquefied petroleum gas that was discovered in 1910 as one of the components of gasoline. The gas has a low boiling point of -44°F, which means it requires no vaporizer; propane moves immediately from liquid to gas upon leaving its pressurized container.

In general, propane is stored in liquid form to make it more convenient to transport, and you’ll likely recognize those white metal containers from outside the grocery store or gas station. The type of propane used in the United States consists of 90% propane with a 10% mixture of other petroleum gases like butane, ethane and propylene, all of which are commonly found in the making of propane.

Benefits

Propane is a reliable fuel source to have with you wherever you go. It’s affordable, convenient to access and easy to store, so you can take a lot of it with you on a trip. It makes a great fuel source for boondocking or camping anywhere without power, and it’s a good emergency or adjunct fuel to have on hand in general.

Not only can you use propane to fuel your stove or furnace, but it’s also used for fridges, water heaters and even generators. Many appliances in RVs are designed to run on propane, and if you have a propane-fueled generator, you can supply the power for your whole rig with this one fuel source alone!

Storage & Safety

Following safety protocols is important when handling any fuel. Protect the containers of propane when you buy them; these tanks are off-white or white in order to reflect sunlight, which can heat them up. Keep your tanks in a cool place to prevent them from combusting. Try to handle them gently and don’t drop them when transporting them. Do not fire weapons near propane tanks.

A leak is easy to smell and it signifies an immediate need to turn off all of your systems that use propane, particularly the pilot lights on stoves and other fire sources. Shut down the propane if it’s safe to do so and begin ventilating your RV by opening vents, doors and windows. Everyone, including pets, should be removed from the vehicle while it ventilates. Inform neighbors and emergency services if you think there is a risk of fire. Investing in a propane detector can help you spot leaks more quickly.

Propane is a great RV fuel and you can make use of it on all your travels, provided you’re careful with it. Still need an RV? Stop by our Mathis, Texas, dealership today to check out our full stock of new and used RVs for sale. We offer financing and trade-in options to help you get the RV you need. Howdy Ranch RV proudly serves the cities of Victoria, San Antonio and Corpus Christi, Texas.