RV Propane Tank Guide
Your RV’s Propane tank serves a lot of purposes on each trip. It helps you cook hot meals, enjoy hot showers and wash the dishes every night. An ample supply of propane will make sure that everyone on board stays comfortable, and you don't even require full hookups. Here are the basics of proper propane tank maintenance. To learn more, come see us at Schwab's R.V. World in Leduc, Alberta. We’re also proud to serve travelers and RV enthusiasts in Edmonton, Alberta.
ASME Tanks vs. DOT Cylinders
ASME tanks are approved by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and most commonly seen in motorhomes. The RV propane tank mount is built-in, and not removable. DOT cylinders are approved by the United States Department of Transportation and are the tanks most commonly seen on travel trailers and fifth wheels. DOT cylinders are usually mounted in exterior compartments on the tongue or bumper of the trailer in RV propane tank holders.
RV Propane Tank Sizes
The contents of an RV propane tank are measured in pounds, and propane bottles range in size from 7 pounds all the way up to over 400 pounds. The amount of propane that you'll need for a trip depends on the type of camping conditions you'll be experiencing. You won’t need to run your heating very much during the summertime, and some people like to take more than one shower in a day. If you’re usually a “weekend warrior” and mostly go to RV parks, you won't need the same sized tank as someone who always goes boondocking in the wilderness. It’s always a good idea to monitor your propane usage on trips to estimate how much you’ll need when planning future vacations.
Refilling an RV Propane Tank
ASME tanks require you to take your RV to a propane dealer or filling station. Some stations allow you to pump your own gas, and some will require a certified employee to pump the propane. If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t be afraid to ask. DOT cylinders can be removed and refilled or exchanged just about everywhere, and many campgrounds offer refills and exchanges on-site.
RV propane tanks should never be filled to over 80% of their total capacity. Propane expands when it’s subjected to heat, and you need extra room to accommodate the propane under warm weather conditions. It’s never a good idea to overfill gas tanks because they can’t safely handle the excess pressure buildup.
Schwab's R.V. World in Leduc, Alberta serves RV travelers in Edmonton, Alberta, and we’re always here to help when you have questions or would like to see our current inventory of RVs for sale.