Winterizing - propane question

Open-Road-Pr · 10-21-2011, 10:46 AM

When hibernating your RV for the winter (or any other long storage) do you shut the house propane off at the tank, and if so, is there anything specific I should do at start up in the spring after doing this? I didn't do this last fall, but I was wondering, for safety or some other reason(s), if maybe I should.

Thanks in advance,
Ron

srydve · 10-21-2011, 10:58 AM

I don't see how shutting it off can hurt anything, but for what it's worth I leave mine on.

Conquest102 · 10-21-2011, 11:03 AM

I usally leave mine on as well. We use the fridge ALL year so if power goes it should kick over to gas and keep running. If you do shut off make sure when you turn it back on turn knob SLOWLY as you open it. This will prevent the safety from kicking in thinking there is a gas leak.

JimM68 · 10-21-2011, 11:35 AM

I put mine in a deep sleep in the winter here in the frozen north, and yes that includes shutting off the propane at the tank.

As for spring startup, turn it on, turn on a stove burner or 3, and rotate the ignition knob til you achieve fire. Once the stove lites, everything else will too. Might take a couple tries for the water heater.

Our Time · 10-21-2011, 11:45 AM

I also shut ours off at the tank whenever the coach is not in use.

Benny367 · 10-21-2011, 12:04 PM

Here in the great white north, A.K.A. Michigan, I shut mine off at the tank for Winter storage.

**"007"** · 10-21-2011, 12:14 PM

After you shut off LP make sure you shut of power to LP Detector by pulling fuse or a switch so you do not drain chassis batteries.

Popcorn Man · 10-21-2011, 12:52 PM

As the others said, shut off the tank, but make sure the tank is FULL in order to stop condensation in the tank. Just the same as keeping your fuel tank full for the same reason. You also should add a fuel stabilzer to fuel tank.

IC2 · 10-21-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popcorn Man

As the others said, shut off the tank, but make sure the tank is FULL in order to stop condensation in the tank. Just the same as keeping your fuel tank full for the same reason. You also should add a fuel stabilzer to fuel tank.

HUH!! I think you read this wrong
Please don't take this the wrong way, but condensation cannot form in a closed/pressurized propane tank.

Gasoline or diesel fuel, yes, by all means keep it full as well as add Sta-Bil

She and I · 10-21-2011, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IC2

HUH!! I think you read this wrong
Please don't take this the wrong way, but condensation cannot form in a closed/pressurized propane tank.

Hi IC2, Actually all propane tanks have moisture in them....the moisture is in the propane and how it is delivered into the tank and if its left empty or open, also as the propane cools and warms ...well you know...
I have seen level floats rust off as well as pick up tubes, and we all know rust loves moisture......As for keeping the tank full as OP asked...It never is full.. as can only fill to 80%
A tank blanket helps as it does with your hot water heater,but a pain.

Richard

FreshAir · 10-21-2011, 06:34 PM

Technically speaking, there is no water contained in propane as the water is formed during burning by the combination of the hydrogen in the gases and oxygen in the air. Propane burns to form water and carbon. I think about 1 lb of water for a gallon of propane is produced when burning. Condensation.

ahicks · 10-21-2011, 06:49 PM

I think closing the valve for storage is a good plan - mostly because if that's not done, the valves aren't used often enough to keep them working freely, which can lead to problems.

I wouldn't worry about filling the tank for moisture reasons. Convenience maybe...

Open-Road-Pr · 10-21-2011, 11:41 PM

Thanks to everyone for the answers to my question. I always make sure the gas tank is full & add a complete bottle of Stabil. Then run the engine & the genny to make sure the lines, carburetor/injectors get treated. I very much appreciate all of your input. Hate the thoughts of putting 'The Bus' away!
Ron