Forum Discussion

eric1514's avatar
eric1514
Explorer
Apr 10, 2014

Remote LP Shut-Off and Battery Usage

Some RVs have inaccessible propane tanks and require a remote electric solenoid valve to stop the flow of gas, the manual knob being unreachable. And some RVs have propane detectors that incorporate an electric shut-off also, like mine. If I turn the detector off or it senses gas, it will shut off the flow from the tank.

I was told the remote switch on some class Bs draw .75 amps while keeping the flow of gas going. Over a 24 hour period that's 18 amps. No big deal if you're plugged in, but if you're boondocking, that's a bunch just to run the fridge.

Is there a more economical and legal way to not use as much juice?

TIA,
Eric
  • Sloop_Smitten's avatar
    Sloop_Smitten
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2014
    Most of the detectors that utilize the cutoff solenoid are older units as they are no longer required on new motorhomes. It would be a good idea to test yours to see if it actually can detect propane. I believe five years is their estimated service life. If it can’t detect propane, you can replace it with one that does not use the solenoid. You can then remove the solenoid entirely as long as you can access the valve knob. When I removed mine I replaced it with an Extend-a-stay adapter. It made up for the gap created when the solenoid was removed just fine. It also eliminated the current draw the cutoff solenoid was creating.

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