Propane on or off while traveling - OFF!

Glider11 · May 2019

Before we even get started, I know some travel with their propane ON, so this thread is not intended for you all. SORRY! I'm having a discussion on other RV FB sites about the importance of turning off the Propane while traveling. I even had a guy say that NEVER will propane explode. OMG. So, people who turn theirs OFF, please feel free to give me your more potent, intelligent,thoughtful descriptions, opinions, examples of the NEED to turn off propane while traveling.

Dalehelman · May 2019

If you have any doubts. By all means turn it off.

MuttonChops · May 2019

Glider11 said:

. . . discussion on other RV FB sites about the importance of turning off the Propane while traveling. I even had a guy say that NEVER will propane explode. . . . . . please feel free to give me your more potent, intelligent,thoughtful descriptions, opinions, examples of the NEED to turn off propane while traveling.

Well many states require the propane to be OFF when traveling tunnels, WS DOT requires propane to be OFF when traveling on a Ferry. State of Maryland does not allow any Propane Tanks in the I-95 tunnels - - - Must be good reason for those laws.

And suppliers like Amerigas say:

On the Road
Most RV refrigerators can keep food/beverages cold during several hours of travel without a power source. It is recommended that propane systems be turned off while driving. https://www.amerigas.com/amerigas-blog/2011/july/rv-propane-safety

TripSavvy has this: (but does not reference actual law)

. . . forgetting to turn your propane tanks off before traveling is one mistake that is easy to make. It's illegal to have your vehicle in motion with your propane tank valves open, and most definitely a risk when traveling through tunnels. It doesn't take much imagination to realize the impossibility of escape from a burning RV in a tunnel, on a bridge, or on the highway, anywhere. Play it safe and prevent fires.https://www.tripsavvy.com/rv-propane-safety-505111

Sharon_is_SAM · May 2019

So, the real issue is keeping the 3 way frig cool during travel. Some folks advocate pre-chilling and putting frozen milk jugs of water in the frig or running the frig on battery for an hour on and 2 hours off, etc. Someone found that running the frig off an inverter while towing worked as well. So, if you can keep the frig cold without propane, there isn’t a good reason to tow with propane running.

Glider11 · May 2019

The issue is not whether or not food is cool, the issue is safety. I asked that respondents address the safety issue, as I've way too many comments about keeping food chilled. I'm concerned about the safety of others, my safety, and the destruction of my trailer. Thank you for addressing those safety issues.

jgram2 · May 2019

some who travel with propane On have had to deal with the pilot light blowing out, but that might be the older models. Like many, we cool ours on AC 24 hours before leaving, place a frozen water jug inside and travel with an inexpensive cooler in the tv with a bag of ice for travel food and cocktail ice. Works for us. (Cocktails when camping, not driving!)

Sharon_is_SAM · May 2019

I think @MuttonChops covered the legal whys you should not tow with propane running. Those are all based on the risk of a LPG leak and the possibility of ignition/ explosion under tow. Not to mention the risk to the first responders who may be at risk of injury/ death related to an explosion. Oh, and you aren’t supposed to lock your propane tub in case first responders need to access/remove the tanks.

gulfarea · May 2019

My first clam-shell TAB had the 12 volt electric-110 only and I loved it. My second 2019 has the 3 way & I miss the old one. Art

pthomas745 · May 2019

There are rules in tunnels, etc. But, there is no "law."

klenger · May 2019

My fridge runs quite well on 12 VDC, ... often below 32 deg.

I do find the nature of this original question interesting. Sort of like saying "I want to have a debate on this subject so that I know more about it. Please don't bother responding if you don't agree with me."

Obiru · May 2019

What if you’re traveling and the valve on the propane tank is on but nothing using propane in the T@B is turned on?

4ncar · May 2019

Obiru said:

What if you’re traveling and the valve on the propane tank is on but nothing using propane in the T@B is turned on?

That would be considered, “on.”

DigitalSorceress · May 2019

Propane is heavier than air.. it can "collect" at the low points of tunnels.. So, some of it is not that YOUR propane will destroy the world, but that your leaking/losing a tiny bit of propane combined with the 36,000 other people who drove through it all leaking a bit.. it adds up over time if it doesn't vent out.

Some tunnels actually have a slight curve to them so that the high point is in the middle and the low points are at the ends (mountain tunnels) in part to keep heavier than air gases from accumulating.

Also traveling means constant hurricane force wind... if your trailer has any drafts it could blow out the pilot and trailer could go boom

Also, I'm not so convinced the propane mode works all that well if it's out of level and on the road you're out of level.. so there's not a huge benefit to it.

Mostly I believe the 3 ways are meant to be pre-chilled by 110v or propane before you set out.. make sure you have a good solid, cold thermal mass in there (throw in frozen water jug if room) and then run on 12v while towing.. the TV should keep the battery topped off enough... switch to AC or Propane once you're stopped for the night/ at your destination

Cbusguy · May 2019

@DigitalSorceress when posting and reading here it is best not to assume the OP has any base knowledge. Common knowledge is very region based, or activity based. I have found myself reading questions posted here and going "what the heck an adult doesn't know that?" But a life long urbanite wouldn't know that propane is heavier than air, nor would they understand that most 7 wire trailer plugs are not completely wired so you should check them.

Many Youtube RVers travel with propane on, Long honeymoon and Travel with delaney come to mind, that is the reason he got rid of their prior trailer, propane fridge wouldn't stay lit while traveling.

Again there is no right or wrong answer. I would follow the posted laws and common sense.

Like klenger I have my Tow Vehicle wired to provide 12 volts to the trailer and if my fridge didn't run on 12 volts DC I would probably buy an inverter to run it while traveling. But that is just me.

treefrog · May 2019

We travel propane off as required by Oregon law.
On longer road trips I run fridge 2 hours on 12v, then 2 hours off.
This keeps trailer battery charged and food cold.

targ · May 2019

I run with it off simply because I'd hate to have an unknown leak and arrive somewhere with an empty tank.

Glider11 · May 2019

Thank you for helping me out on the side of "con". For instance, I did not know that OR law forbids propane being on when traveling. I wonder if there are sections in all State laws specifically - and all together - for RV travelers? Probably not. Understanding how propane settles ad accumulates in tunnels is also helpful. Never imagined what an "emotional" issue this could be. I strive to be cautious, rather than sorry.

lkc001 · May 2019

Not positive about other states, although I would guess DOT laws preside over state laws, but in Colorado propane must be off if you are going through tunnels. They used to make the flammable tankers go the long way around instead of through Eisenhower Tunnel, but I believe that now they stop car traffic every so often to let the flammable trucks go through the tunnel alone. At least that is my understanding.

TabberJohn · May 2019

If you want to be completely safe and "legal" under all driving conditions that means OFF with tub unlocked.
For one thing there shouldn't be an open flame anywhere near your vehicle while fueling. Example, a pilot light.

Another issue is for those who've installed custom tubs. Ventilation should include bottom of the tub so any propane leak would flow out and disperse.

pthomas745 · May 2019

If anyone can provide the "law" about propane in Oregon or the Eisenhower Tunnel, I would appreciate seeing them. A quick google search of those states return nothing about propane in RV's.

DigitalSorceress · May 2019

pthomas745 said:

If anyone can provide the "law" about propane in Oregon or the Eisenhower Tunnel, I would appreciate seeing them. A quick google search of those states return nothing about propane in RV's.

I take your point.. there's a lot of mention of it being illegal etc, but it's really hard to find the actual statutes. I am NOT a Lawyer / this is not legal advice...

The closest I can tell, "propane off while traveling" is absolutely the law in some states, but it seems to vary by state.. Just about any tunnel that allows vehicles with propane tanks (some entirely prohibit travel in tunnels with any propane .. even off) requires they be off, limits the number of tanks/total propane... the most comprehensive state by state I could find is here:

https://www.goodsam.com/article/default.aspx?articleID=2377513

Note they do not quote sources, but at least here you can CTRL+F for propane and see that a few states have blanket prohibition on open propane.. Likely you'd need to dig into the state statutes to find it since they don't reference.

Cbusguy · May 2019

I don't think it is a sensitive issue, But the way the opening post was written and the title for the thread.

Honestly folks are going to do what they find works for them regardless of laws or anything written here.

tabiphile · May 2019

The fact of the matter is that many RVers do travel with the propane on. It's quite common. Safe? Not too...there is the concern that fragile lines could leak and accumulate spark ready gas... in an accident you are creating a hazard for responders. Arguing about it? Why? People that run with it on have probably been doing it forever and won't stop no matter how many reasons you offer.
If you do decide to run with the propane on you must be sure to turn your pilot off if you enter a gas station. Pumping gas with an open flame is unsafe and illegal...you will need to pull over and refire after you leave the service station. It's also a good idea to learn the laws where you are going and abide..and finally, your propane sensor will trip if you have a low battery or if you are unplugged from the 7 pin...be aware.

pthomas745 · May 2019

@DigitalSorceress I found that article too, and the "propane off" references seemed to be mostly in Canada.

DigitalSorceress · May 2019

pthomas745 said:

@DigitalSorceress I found that article too, and the "propane off" references seemed to be mostly in Canada.

Indeed.. I appreciate the "show me the statute" / "show me the peer reviewed journal" response to any claims of legal/scientific truths..

However, I know I will always travel with mine off.. I don't have to have it be illegal for it to make sense.. and it means I'm in automatic compliance with any jurisdiction I travel though that requires it off.. Just need to watch for "can't have any in this tunnel" warnings and "can't have more than this much" if I'm carrying a spare or two for a long boondock.

jkjenn · May 2019

The State Lines app, designed for RVers, breaks down the laws by state. It was developed by Chris and Cherie from Technomadia.

Glider11 · May 2019

Thanks, JKJenn for information on the State Lines app by Chris & Cherie. So much to learn; too much procrastination.

Jackie_Dave · May 2019

Just purchased the State Lines app. It doesn't mention propane for any state, if it's legal on, off or otherwise.

Cbusguy · May 2019

@Jackie_Dave priceless

These threads are always entertaining. Sorry the app didn't have the info you were seeking.

Glider11 · May 2019

Jackie_Dave, that is really bad, to purchase and not have the info you wanted!

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