Limitations with Propane

[PhilandJoyce]

What limitations are there for the on-board propane tank of our Class C?

I understand TUNNELS are pretty much out of the question.

But, what about Ferry Boats? There are locations along the East Coast and Great Lakes that can be reached either ONLY by Ferry or with great time / distance savings.

Beyond specific Height/Width/Weight limits I've found posted for certain Ferry routes, are there State/Provincial limitations?

We certainly wouldn't want to get to a dock, like Tobermory, Ontario, only to find we have to drive AROUND Lake Huron instead.

Thanks.

[PhilandJoyce]

I guess I can't use the Polish language in the Forums.

[PhilandJoyce]

Thank you to everyone who replied. I hope this discussion was helpful to more than just me.
I am feeling better educated now.

Do odwa?nych ?wiat nale?y!
(The world belong to the brave!)

[JaxDad]

PhilandJoyce wrote:
What limitations are there for the on-board propane tank of our Class C?

We certainly wouldn't want to get to a dock, like Tobermory, Ontario, only to find we have to drive AROUND Lake Huron instead.

Thanks.

IMHO, the eastern side of Lake Huron is way nicer scenery than the ferry is.

The issue though with propane is that it's heavier than air, so if you have a leak in a tunnel it will stay down there, if you have a leak above grade it will just blow away.

[2gypsies1]

Most often you'll just be asked to turn off the propane at the tank. Some of the longer eastern tunnels are different as stated.

There are many folks that take their RVs on the ferry from Washington to Alaska - a 3-4 day trip. You just have to plan ahead and finish your food before getting on the ferry or use dry ice for some shorter trips. RV refrigerators/freezer will keep you food o.k. for a couple days with proper planning. Re-purchase small amounts of food when you get to your destination. Don't overload.

Many RVers use the ferries and some tunnels so it's very doable. Many do the Maritimes from island to island. Just read up beforehand so you're not surprised.

You won't have any problem using propane in state or provincial parks. Everyone does.

[Atlee]

Virginia tunnels just require that all propane tanks be turned off.

However, the two tunnels under the Baltimore harbor, on I-95 and I-895, do NOT allow any propane tanks to go through. It doesn't matter if they are cut off.

If you have an RV that has propane aboard, you must either take I-495 around the western land based side of Baltimore, or east of the city, I-695 which includs the Francis Scott Key bridge over the harbor.

[DrewE]

If they require some sort of a seal or tag or lockout, they'd have the necessary seals/tags/locks on hand and the people to put them on.

I suppose if you are unsure, you can always call the ferry company and ask your questions of them directly. That will give you better (at least more specific) information than any general forum post could.

In terms of tunnels: while the regulations do vary considerably from tunnel system to tunnel system, very generally speaking propane is commonly regulated or forbidden when the tunnel entrance is at the high points of the tunnel (i.e. it's a tunnel underneath a city or a body of water) and less commonly so when the entrances are at the same or a lower level (i.e. a tunnel through a mountain). This is because propane is heavier than air, and in the first case it tends to settle down in the tunnel if there's a leak, while it more readily dissipates in the second case.

The Boston area tunnels are another set that prohibit propane (even if turned off). The signs don't specifically mention propane or RVs; they only state that no hazardous materials carriers are permitted, which they are quite clear on.

[PhilandJoyce]

Thanks, but I was more concerned with a lock-out requirement. I noted a Ministry site that showed a Provincial ferry employee "tagging" a tank on an RV.

[tonyandkaren]

You just shut it off at the tank. Here's a short video about your tank - http://www.everything-about-rving.com/where-is-the-propane-tank-shut-off-valve-on-my-motorhome.html There are a few seconds of advertisement in the beginning.

[PhilandJoyce]

Quick follow up to the "Lock out. Tag out." .....


Do the operators provide the locks/seals, or should I be looking for some sort of device to have "on-board" during any ferry boat travel?

Thanks again in advance. These are the kind of questions I feel I only need to ask once, but still need to be asked.

[jnharley]

I can speak for the Tidewater area of VA. You are allowed propane through the tunnels but the tanks just need to be shut off. There are places to pull over to turn them off.

[Houston_Remodel]

Never never never take a propane tank through the Holland or Lincoln tunnels.

Closed or not it will be bad. Missing the signs and stopping short of the tunnel is bad too.

Very very bad.

[Old-Biscuit]

Restricted tunnels are WELL marked with SIGNAGE long before you get to them.
Pay attention to 'Road Signs'

Notably Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay and Mobile

Ferries........ALL require propane tank/cylinders valved out
(Might be one or two that don't but everyone we have used did)

[tonyandkaren]

I know that there are some tunnels in New York that RVs are not permitted to drive through but we've not encountered this anywhere else. There are some long tunnels like the bay bridge where the valves must be closed but it's fine to just drive through most shorter tunnels.

Long ferries rides with multiple decks have required closing the valve. Shorter rides with single decks usually do not have this rule. We've never been denied passage so I think you'll be fine.

[ScottG]

Here in Washington state, on ferries we have to turn the PP off and place a tag on it that certifies so.