RV Fires While Towing - Propane Risks?

[Randy P.]

Can somebody tell me why I have to turn off the propane on my camper but it's OK to tow it with this?

This is a serious question, not trying to be facetious, CNG powered vehicles have been around for decades and I would like to know what differentiates them from a propane tank on an RV?

[Borrego Dave]

Originally Posted by Randy P.

Can somebody tell me why I have to turn off the propane on my camper but it's OK to tow it with this?

This is a serious question, not trying to be facetious, CNG powered vehicles have been around for decades and I would like to know what differentiates them from a propane tank on an RV?

Controlled internal combustion comes to mind.

[Bob Miller]

You Don't have to turn the propane off on your camper when underway.
Except when refueling, and as posted for a very few highways, bridges and tunnels, there are no state vehicle laws that require that it be turned off while underway.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

You Don't have to turn the propane off on your camper when underway.
Except when refueling, and as posted for a very few highways, bridges and tunnels, there are no state vehicle laws that require that it be turned off while underway.

This is my understanding too. Mind you, some folks do turn it off and some do not, but that's not a matter of "have to" as evidenced by the lively exchanges in this and similar threads.


Dave mentioned the "internal combustion" factor. Propane appliance such as refrigerators operate with an "open" flame. That factors into the restrictions in the locations that Bob notes.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Civilguy

This is my understanding too. Mind you, some folks do turn it off and some do not, but that's not a matter of "have to" as evidenced by the lively exchanges in this and similar threads.


.

I also do not recall anyone here suggesting you "Have to" turn off your tank, except when refuelling, traveling on ferries and often in tunnels as well as when using some Express Lanes in major cities (you will see the signs).

I do recall though some lively exchanges as to why some of us CHOOSE due to safety concerns not to tow with the fridge running on propane though. ;-)

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Carol H

I do recall though some lively exchanges as to why some of us CHOOSE due to safety concerns not to tow with the fridge running on propane though. ;-)

Yes, them all is some lively people we is.

[Bob Miller]

WHAT... Did I just hear Jar Jar Binks chine in....
Welcome to the light side of this world, and May the 4th be with you.

[Randy P.]

The legality of turning off your propane wasn't in question it was in regard to the safety of doing so.

I can understand the open flame argument however the possibility of an ignition source is always a possibility. To me, natural gas and propane both present a hazard but a CNG cylinder in the tow vehicle is considered safe and an open LP tank in an RV is not? This is what doesn't make sense to me.

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

WHAT... Did I just hear Jar Jar Binks chine in....
Welcome to the light side of this world, and May the 4th be with you.

Please Bob. Hijack the thread. Do anything you like. But please, please, please don't bring Jar Jar Binks into it!

[Civilguy]

Originally Posted by Randy P.

The legality of turning off your propane wasn't in question it was in regard to the safety of doing so.

I can understand the open flame argument however the possibility of an ignition source is always a possibility. To me, natural gas and propane both present a hazard but a CNG cylinder in the tow vehicle is considered safe and an open LP tank in an RV is not? This is what doesn't make sense to me.

Randy, I am no authority. It seems that some presumptive standards were applied when Ford was sued for the fuel tank ruptures in the Pinto. Personally, I'm not real excited about how I see some LP cylinders "secured" on RVs. Perhaps the tanks that fuel NG vehicles enjoy a little better mounting and protection.

There are two basic categories of propane storage containers; DOT cylinders and ASME tanks. You might want to look into that a bit further.

[Bob Miller]

Originally Posted by Randy P.

The legality of turning off your propane wasn't in question it was in regard to the safety of doing so.

I can understand the open flame argument however the possibility of an ignition source is always a possibility. To me, natural gas and propane both present a hazard but a CNG cylinder in the tow vehicle is considered safe and an open LP tank in an RV is not? This is what doesn't make sense to me.

As Jar Jar Binks might have said relative to LP safety:

"You have nothing to fear, but fear itself"

Remember, I said "Might" have said.....

[EllPea in CA]

[QUOTE=Bob Miller;537874]As Jar Jar Binks might have said relative to LP safety:

"You have nothing to fear, but fear itself"

Ellpea thinks that if she has to take safety advice from Jar Jar Binks that she might prefer being knocked down by the Millennium Falcon.

Or Harrison Ford.

Either one.

LP

[Bob Miller]

I have a friend who is Harrison Ford's doppleganger and, although single, he doesn't know what to do with that significant advantage. And... he wears "The Hat".

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

I have a friend who is Harrison Ford's doppleganger and, although single, he doesn't know what to do with that significant advantage. And... he wears "The Hat".

!!!

[Civilguy]

Moderator, we need a bucket of cold water over here in aisle seven. It seems we are experiencing a potentially dangerous LP situation.

[EllPea in CA]

Originally Posted by Civilguy

Moderator, we need a bucket of cold water over here in aisle seven. It seems we are experiencing a potentially dangerous LP situation.

Always, always, people are claiming I'm dangerous. Like, if I'm not handled correctly, I might leak or just explode.

Honestly! I'm a very nice person (and very safe)!

So confused.

LP

[Paul O.]

Originally Posted by Civilguy

...So in each case, I informed the camp host that I was leaving the cylinder near the picnic table and that a subsequent camper might be able to use them. ....

You have been humbled in the end, but think of all those camp hosts who happily took advantage of you leaving useful stuff behind.
This has been a hot thread.