Missing Propane? Stolen? Other?

[Dextersp1]

This is the second time this has happened to me in 3 years. Both the bottles are empty. I only use propane to cook - no heating, no boiling water, not for the refrigerator. I don't know the size that comes with my Casita - 2 tanks.

I've never opened tank 2 to use. I firmly close the tank valve when not in use.

I park my RV in a Public Stortage. There is only another travel trailer and 1 class C.

How easy is it to drain the one tank to another? If it is being stolen, is there anything I can do to prevent it?

When I use the tanks I only open up one at a time.

Can there be another reason for them being empty.

[Bob Miller]

It's difficult to transfer all of the LP gas from one tank to another as the transfer would stop when the pressure in each of the tanks is equal.

As LP tanks are somewhat generic, you might be getting your tanks "switched" or even borrowed for someones BBQ use. Adding a cable and lock might help prevent this from happening.

It could also be someone opening your vent valve as a prank.

[Donna D.]

Or, you could have a propane line, fitting or regulator that's a slow leaker.

[Raz]

Do you have an automatic change over valve. That seems to me the only way two tanks could empty due to a leak. I would let the owner know. If the other folks experience the same then you know you have a thief. For what it's worth, I went to Amazon and searched propane lock and several showed. They all appear to be made of plastic. Might stop a child. Perhaps it's time for a new storage location. We have had several reports of tanks stolen while the trailer was parked in the owners driveway. I hate thieves. Raz

[Bob Miller]

But, as indicated, if you turned the tank valves OFF, that pretty much rules out any line/fitting/appliance leaks and tank valve leaks are very rare. You might ask how often the on-site manager BBQ's!

[Thomas G.]

Maybe they are using a siphoning hose and taking it away in a bucket.

[Darwin Maring]

Thomas, That's priceless.

[David Tilston]

Could be done at -40.

[Darwin Maring]

Securing LP Tank: I have a cable crimper and purchased plastic covered wire rope (Cable) and connectors at Lowe's and made a cable that loops through the handles of the tanks and the frame and padlock it. Would have to cut the cable to steal and the cable is extremely tough to cut, would need a small bolt cuter to do so.

The red plastic lock is a good idea as it would prevent the turning on or off of the valve.

We always turn the tanks OFF when not camping because I don't trust the regulator and/or the 2 tank valve from seeping off the gas.

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Could be done at -40.

Would that be Centigrade or Fahrenheit? (old engineer's joke)

[Bob Miller]

Yes, Centigrade andFahrenheit

[Gene Masse]

Set up a trail cam nearby. If anyone is messing with your unit you will get some nice photos of them.

[Francesca Knowles]

If I had to store my trailer in a lot, I'd take the propane tanks off and keep them at home.

Ditto for the battery.

Francesca

[stevebaz]

Next time you have your tanks filled get some soapy water and check the valves, handle stems and safety popoff valve for slow leaks.

[john warren]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

Maybe they are using a siphoning hose and taking it away in a bucket.

oh just stop it,,,,,,<_<

more likely someone (read that kid) waiting for dad to fool with his stuff in the storage lot has turned it on and it leaked out....or,, a homeless family lived in it for awhile?

actually it has to be going somewhere so have an independent person follow up on your procedure and check for leaks...you know,,, we have all shut things "on" instead of off at least a few times in our lives

[Lynn Musgrave]

......we have all shut things "on" instead of off at least a few times in our lives.....

What ? What? do you have a mouse in your pocket ??? I for one have never Done anything like that! and I am not going to tell you about the time I made a pot of coffee ( i have a SS Thermos style pot that it brews into) did not drink any of it.....came back later that evening to set the pot up to brew automatic and I will have coffee when I wake up. Need I say I did not check the pot....I woke up to coffee all over my cabinets, in the drawers oh well you get the picture....

I agree have someone double check behind you to be Positive Sure you have done everything the way it should be done. Then you will know for sure it is not "user error" and can then know what steps to take next.

Hope you find the problem and get it solved before camping time. Best of Luck to you.

[mary and bob]

How about at least marking your tanks so you'll know if they have been switched. Glad I don't have to deal with storage facilities, all our trailers, vehicles, and equipment are kept on our property.

[FTTRV]

I don't think you have a leak but maybe. Up here in the Pacific NW many trailers are loosing their batteries worth $7.00. Propane tanks can run heaters,BBq's etc. Many tanks are taken. You might want to remove your tanks when not using the trailer.
Chuck

[Cricket]

Lp tanks can also be used to hold anhydrous amonia....ingredient for meth. Whenn they start to go missing here (upper midwest)...that is usually what is happening. Doesn't explain why they are empty unless they are just being prepped....i like the trail cam idea!