Fill Those Propane Tanks! Camping And RVing This Summer?

Let’s face it: we’re all a little stir crazy after three months of Zooming with colleagues and relatives and staring at our own four walls. But how do we get out of the house in a safe way this summer?

Your best bet might be an RV or camping trip, according to some experts.

If you want to squeeze out every last bit of comfort from your home on wheels, make sure you’ve got plenty of propane gas on board.

Why choose propane for your motorhome or RV? Propane is:

• Versatile – Propane can power your stove, keep you warm, heat your hot water, and even keep your refrigerator running.
• Portable – Propane is incredibly compact and transportable in liquid form, making it easy to store and use on long trips. Propane cylinders won’t take up much space, leaving you more room for the fun stuff.
• Green – Propane will help you to reduce your carbon footprint to protect the incredible environments you’re probably driving through. Propane is a clean burning, non-toxic, lead-free fuel that isn’t harmful to soil or water, and does not endanger the environment.
• Economical – Propane appliances can reach efficiencies well into the mid- to high-90 percent range, which means you will pay less to power them.

What kind of propane tank do I need?

There are two types of propane container that are typically used in an RV: propane cylinders, which are portable, and propane tanks, which are generally stationary. While propane tanks come in various sizes, the two most commonly used sizes for RVs are 20lb or 30lb. If you’re not sure what sized propane tank to get, contact us.

RV propane safety

Propane is one of the safest energy sources around, but like any fuel, it’s important to know some propane safety basics to prevent or respond to an emergency in your RV. Here are a few propane safety tips to remember:

• Get your propane equipment maintained regularly by professionals.
• If you smell the rotten egg odor of propane in your RV, leave the vehicle and the area.
• Leave your RV and seek immediate medical attention if you are showing signs of CO poisoning.
• When using a propane stove or appliance, open a vent or window.
• Do not use your propane stove for space heating.
• Always transport propane containers in the upright position, with valves closed.
• Never use, store, or transport propane cylinders in the passenger/living area of your RV.
• Look for damage, signs of corrosion, or leaks in your propane tanks and cylinders; avoid using the tank if those signs are present.
• After you replace your propane cylinder, check connections for leaks.
• Remember: all propane cylinders must be inspected and re-qualified after 12 years of use (and every five years after the first inspection).

Looking for a propane cylinder for your RV adventure? We can help. Contact us today to learn more about propane cylinders, propane tanks, and propane tank refills in western North Carolina!