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moejoe's avatar
moejoe
Explorer
Mar 04, 2026
Solved

trip directions to avoid tunnels

We are new to RVing and are planning a trip to Charleston SC and then to Tampa Fl.  Apparently propane tanks are not allowed through tunnels.  All the trips planners (google maps or GPS)  take us through tunnels in New Jersey and Baltimore Maryland.  Any recommendations for alternative routes and is there a way to download a PDF or somehow to print.  

  • Don’t worry about it. 
    if you are, turn off the LP bottles. 
    I’ve never seen a propane cop check station (like boat inspection stations) on the road. 
    Different story getting in a ferry. 
    And if you can’t navigate without google, maybe traveling isn’t the best idea. 

8 Replies

  • I don't know why this thead is marked as solved.  Many tunnels prohibit LP, and many others have restrictions.  Some require stopping to visually show that tanks are turned off.  It's very easy to find the rules for a particular tunnel.  

    • way2roll's avatar
      way2roll
      Trailblazer

      Maybe the OP did it? This whole question is so easily avoidable by simply re-routing around tunnels that can't be accessed. Borrowing trouble. Moot point anyway as the OP was a post and ghost. 

  • RV LIFE Trip WIZARD is an excellent routing program. It uses your vehicle details to keep you out of the places you will not fit or be legal to traverse.

    Personally, I would not risk the fines and possible jail time just to cheat the rules and run hazmat through a tunnel that prohibits it. The only tunnel that I know of that allows propane is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel but the propane must be turned off before entering the tunnel section. There is even a generous pull over area for the purpose of closing the tanks before entering. 
     Authorities are well aware that most rv's have propane on board so thinking they don't know could be costly. Your concience.

    • way2roll's avatar
      way2roll
      Trailblazer

      Jail time? A little doom and gloom I think. Moot point, the OP is a newbie hit and run and hasn't returned.

  • Don’t worry about it. 
    if you are, turn off the LP bottles. 
    I’ve never seen a propane cop check station (like boat inspection stations) on the road. 
    Different story getting in a ferry. 
    And if you can’t navigate without google, maybe traveling isn’t the best idea. 

  • you should be able to pick option in the software to avoid tolls and such but there are some rv spicific trip planers that would most likely take you around them but you have to pay for them.  I would double check that you don't just have to turn your propane bottles off when you go through the tunnels.  

  • Is it that propane is not allowed or it has to be turned off? I have travelled tunnels in Baltimore and the Chesapeake bay bridge tunnel many times and the only requirement was to turn off your lp.

  • How about doing it the old fashion way and getting a road map? Extra added bonus you don’t have to download or print, it’s already done for you.

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