Hi. I have read that you should close the propane tank when entering the gas station but some people have said they do not. We will have ours on for the fridge. We are driving our first long trip (7 hours) and will probably be stopping twice to fill up. Opinions on closing tank before pumping? Thanks!Shari

Just my opinion but I would think if it was for fire danger, I'd be more worried about all the gasoline fumes. I leave mine on.

I use diesel and it's not nearly as likely to have an issue.But even if i used gasoline, I wouldn't bother. I just can't see how that tiny flame is going to leap around a corner (fridge at back of TT) and then 30+ feet to the gas nozzle. Or that the gas is going to do something similar. Hopefully I won't get "flamed" for this. :p

It's not open propane tanks that are the danger...if there is one, it's open flames like pilot lights on frigs.And yes, it is the right thing to do...shut off the gas appliances.Does everyone do it??? No telling.I use to, but not so much anymore. Maybe someday I will pay for my "laziness."

Depends on where the frig is when I am at the pump. If I am at the first pump where the trailer is sticking out in the drive then no. If my frig is close to a pump then yes.

Turn off propane at gas stations - DO YOU? | Good Sam Community

Huntindog
Explorer
Jun 07, 2014
triple post
Huntindog
Explorer
Jun 07, 2014
aftermath wrote:
OkSixpack wrote:
It's amazing to me that some people will not take time to do something so simple. It's not only your life but the lives of everyone else in the area you put in possible danger. Do fires happen often because of this, I'm sure they don't. It only takes once though.

I am a mathematician and I understand probability and odds. The chances of your trailer exploding at a gas pump are miniscule when compared to what could happen during a tire blow out or a hitch malfunction. And, lets not forget the probability of getting into an accident while towing through a busy intersection or a high speed highway. Hey, don't forget the chances of trouble during night driving, driving in high winds, hail and rain. All of these would be far more probable that an exploding trailer at a gas station.

Could you get into an accident? Could your family be injured? Could there be a loss of life? Absolutely. So why take the chance? Stay home and you don't need to worry.

Personally, I run with the propane on and the fridge running. I fuel up with the fridge on. I will obey the laws and turn everything off when required, not just when suggested.
Staying at home isn't even safe. I tripped and broke my big toe one time getting out of my Lazy boy to get a glass of milk.
My conclusion, getting a glass of milk is risky.
Now I only drink beer.:B
aftermath
Explorer III
Jun 07, 2014
OkSixpack wrote:
It's amazing to me that some people will not take time to do something so simple. It's not only your life but the lives of everyone else in the area you put in possible danger. Do fires happen often because of this, I'm sure they don't. It only takes once though.

I am a mathematician and I understand probability and odds. The chances of your trailer exploding at a gas pump are miniscule when compared to what could happen during a tire blow out or a hitch malfunction. And, lets not forget the probability of getting into an accident while towing through a busy intersection or a high speed highway. Hey, don't forget the chances of trouble during night driving, driving in high winds, hail and rain. All of these would be far more probable that an exploding trailer at a gas station.

Could you get into an accident? Could your family be injured? Could there be a loss of life? Absolutely. So why take the chance? Stay home and you don't need to worry.

Personally, I run with the propane on and the fridge running. I fuel up with the fridge on. I will obey the laws and turn everything off when required, not just when suggested.
Huntindog
Explorer
Jun 07, 2014
Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Nope. And if you ever bench tested a starter or lifted your engine hood at night you would know why. :)
Yeah, people have a fear of things when they don't understand how they work.
Crossing the street can be deadly. Knowing how to do it reduces the risk to the point that people, understanding the process can do it without being fearful.
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Jun 07, 2014
Nope. And if you ever bench tested a starter or lifted your engine hood at night you would know why. :)
shelbyj
Explorer
Jun 07, 2014
Slownsy wrote:
So I take it that all those smart people who park with the camper away from the pump also reverse back out the way they drove in.
Frank.

Nope I drive right out and live to tell the tale.
shelbyj
Explorer
Jun 07, 2014
Capt RonB wrote:
I never go down the road with the propane tank valve opened. The fridge runs just fine on 12vdc and my single Grp27 deep cycle battery is getting a trickle charge (at least) from the TV alternator.

I don't have a 12v option. Most newer fridges are only 2 way.
Slownsy
Explorer
Jun 07, 2014
So I take it that all those smart people who park with the camper away from the pump also reverse back out the way they drove in.
Frank.
Capt_RonB
Explorer
Jun 07, 2014
I never go down the road with the propane tank valve opened. The fridge runs just fine on 12vdc and my single Grp27 deep cycle battery is getting a trickle charge (at least) from the TV alternator.

Why risk a propane leak from road hazards or the fridge pilot light setting off explosive vapors from a fill-up?

Cell phones by the way are not a risk according to the 'experts' at Mythbusters. A static spark can do it but it takes the exact right circumstances namely a 15:1 fuel air ratio and a very healthy spark right in the middle of it.

I'll turn it on when we're camped and the wife needs hot water or the stove. Other than that it's off.
Twomed
Explorer
Jun 06, 2014
Might as well light up while pumping too. Double your odds.

Like Mom always said "If Tommy jumped off the roof..."

Odds are low but if it is you it will be 100% and not very pretty.

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Turn off propane at gas stations - DO YOU?

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