Traveling With the Propane On

[Cat_Lady]

For folks wanting to know if it's dangerous to run an rv with the propane on I just saw this on Do-It-Yourself and thought you might be interested.

Cat Lady

[EMD360]

Would it really be 50/50? My guess is more like 80/20. With no "warning" in the RV manuals and without the enlightenment offered by the Internet or possibly local news, it seems most people who buy RV's wouldn't think that running the refrigerator while underway would be a potentially dangerous practice.
We sure didn't and after running it without issue even on rough roads for some time, it would be difficult to convince us that we should no longer do it. So even with the benefit of these warnings and scenarios of doom, we probably will still keep running the fridge on propane while driving (even while getting gas which I have also read is a no-no.)
So I kind of doubt that a high number of RV'ers really believe this is dangerous enough to change their behavior. Look at smokers--they know their behavior is dangerous but convincing a smoker to stop because of their health often takes more than the message itself.
Human nature being what it is, some people are more cautious than others. Even we are cautious about some things and not at all cautious in other situations. We are illogical beings as Spock says. 🙂

[ScottG]

Uwharrie wrote:
Along the same lines. In winter How do you keep the living quarters warm in a MH while going down the road?

You use the PP heat.

[ScottG]

kaydeejay wrote:

myredracer wrote:
You won't find anyone with more applicable training and experience, including with RVs, than Mac the Fire Guy. .................
What he says makes perfect sense to me.

Except he apparently does not comprehend the concept of shut-off valves that act in response to a sudden high flow situation (such as a ruptured line).
To my mind that is no different than having the tanks shut off while travelling.

I don't see his "qualifications" as valid at all when it comes to telling people how to use their RV's. He clearly knows nothing about RV PP systems or how a propane tank shuts itself off when it detects a massive leak. This fact alone disqualifies him as any kind of expert on the subject.

[Uwharrie]

Along the same lines. In winter How do you keep the living quarters warm in a MH while going down the road?

[kakampers]

I know Mac the Fire Guy...did many shows with him when we vended. I have all the respect in the world for him...However, I still run with my propane on. Have seen enough rolled trailers in my lifetime to realize the emergency shutoff valves work...not one of those trailers ever exploded or even caught fire....

[DutchmenSport]

I think he said it correct: "That has been a controversy for years. You got 50% of people saying, eh, it’s no big deal. You got 50% of people saying it is a big deal." Bottom line, unless there is a federal law prohibiting running appliances on propane in an RV on the road, you're going to continue to have the 50/50 split.

[wbwood]

Had a room mate in the Air Force that was killed while home on leave. He and a buddy where in a car and the car crossed into the other lain hitting an RV. The story supposedly was that the RV's propane tank was up front or near the front, but either way, the impact caused the tank to explode. It killed him and his friend instantly.

Not picking a side. There's a bit of danger in it all. The way a car operates is dangerous. Spark....fuel.... If things malfunction, then yes you can have issues. Just remember, that you as a driver are taking the responsibility of the RV. You are taking responsibility for the safety of your life, your spouses life, your kids lives, or anyone else who may be in or near the RV while it is traveling.

[stickdog]

ScottG wrote:

Golden_HVAC wrote:
I travel with the propane on all the time, and there is very little danger beyond what traveling with a tank of gasoline, or diesel fuel.

Do what you want if you are worried about it.

Fred.

X2.
Also, either the author doesn't know how a PP system works or he's misleading people for his own agenda.
If you suddenly have a large leak, the tank's valve will shut off flow. That's why we see so many posts here where someone filled up with PP but now has no flow. You have to open the valve slowly or it thinks there's a massive leak.
Really your in more danger just driving, or flying and there's a better chance you'll be hit by lightening. While winning the lottery.

Been hit by lightning I'm still here and towing with propane on.

[cbshoestring]

Mac the Fire Guy.

I'll give Mac credit for one thing...He reminded me to check the functionality of my emergency egress window.

[kaydeejay]

myredracer wrote:
You won't find anyone with more applicable training and experience, including with RVs, than Mac the Fire Guy. .................
What he says makes perfect sense to me.

Except he apparently does not comprehend the concept of shut-off valves that act in response to a sudden high flow situation (such as a ruptured line).
To my mind that is no different than having the tanks shut off while travelling.

[Highway_4x4]

I have always traveled with the propane on. As long as I keep the TT behind me I figure I am safe.

[myredracer]

double post...

[myredracer]

You won't find anyone with more applicable training and experience, including with RVs, than Mac the Fire Guy. From his website:

Mac McCoy served 33 years in the fire service.
He holds a BS degree in Fire Science and a Masters degree in Fire Administration.
Mac has served as a firefighter, paramedic, Captain, Assistant Chief of Training, Deputy Sheriff, and for 12 years as the Fire Training Coordinator of Oregon's Fire Marshall's Office and Public Safety Academy. During his tenure with Oregon Fire Marshall's Office, Mac helped pioneer the states HAZMAT program.

What he says makes perfect sense to me.

[tratterboy1]

My propane supplier deliversd my home propane a couple of days ago.Guess what? The truck runs on propane.If you want to be afraid of something,be afraid of that 1/16" plastic gas tank with 100 to 200 gallons of gasoline in it waiting for a piece of road debris to puncture it.

[spud1957]

I don't worry about it when I'm sleeping in my RV so I don't see why I would be concerned with it on going down the road.