Turn off propane at gas stations - DO YOU?

All warning labels in the RV and on the gas pumps indicate to turn off propane fired appliances when filling your fuel tank. It's the flame that can be a problem if the fumes from the fuel nozzle reach the flame

In 30 years I never have turned off the propane when fueling.

CarpFishermanAndWife wrote:
Opinions on closing tank before pumping? Thanks!

Shari

The problem is pilots/ignition sources, not the fuel supply- so the answer to your question is "don't bother to close the tank valve".

But DO turn off pilot lights and any autoreignite-type systems attached to propane appliances.

I drive with the refrigerator operating on propane. I do turn the refrigerator off while getting gas.

It probably doesn't make a safety difference but, it make me feel better. :)

Could there not be an arc inside your started when you restart your vehicle? That is a lot closer to the ground (where the fumes are more likely to be) and closer to the tank than the refer is. I keep mine on.

I go inside and turn of the fridge before going near the pumps. After I get gas and I'm far away from the pumps I turn the fridge on again. Just turning off the propane from the outside won't work because the fridge will go mad trying to relight it (which is worse). Turning off both the propane and battery (as mentioned earlier) would work though.

Hondavalk wrote:
Oh and lets not forget to turn off our cell phones and ground ourselves to the vehicle also. :p

Actually, there's never been a documented case of a cell phone setting off a fire, but there have been documented cases of static from a person touching the nozzle setting off a fire.

Delete. These double posts are getting ridiculous.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Mitch,

Reconnecting the main battery switch does restart my fridge and other propane appliances.

I think you need to research more before you offer inaccurate advice.

I do also turn off my inverter, and the cell phone, too.

That makes no sense to me because it's turned off the thermocoupler and when that happens to my system, I have to physically toggle the ON/OFF switch again to get it to start sparking again in order for it to light again. But, I guess if all power is taken away and put back one with the switches still ON, that must be the way it works..

Sorry for the confusion on it all.. I just need to learn to stay away from these topics! :)

Mitch

Caveman Charlie wrote:
No , Everything in life is a risk. A person must mitigate the risks some but, after a while trying to get rid of all of them is just paranoia. I leave the propane on.

I like that statement.

No , Everything in life is a risk. A person must mitigate the risks some but, after while trying to get rid of all of them is just paranoia. I leave the propane on.