Towing with Propane On

[GeneF]

Gee, I would be thinking with your "experience as a firefighter" that you would err on the side of safety.

Every popup and hardside I've ever owned ... (four different manufacturer's), all admonished not to travel down the road with the propane on. Even my current Starcraft owner's manual repeats itself to shut the "propane service valve off" when closing-up for travel, PLUS repeats itself with two more warnings  saying ... "DO NOT use LP gas while traveling. The main LP gas service valve must be shut off while traveling because of the danger of a fire or explosion if an LP gas line under pressure were ruptured in an accident. In addition to being unsafe, it is ILLEGAL in some states to operate a gas appliance while the vehicle is in motion."

Now, I've heard it argued and debated right here on Popup Times again and again that all those warnings were put there for manufacturer "liability protection". But I argue that I've seen the aftermath of a couple of RV fires (one hardside and one popup), caused either by mal-function or mis-use of the propane system, and I can tell you from my experience there was very little remains left of them ... and their occupants just got out by the "skin of their teeth", as the old saying goes.

When I'm handling/using  gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, LP, naphtha, paint thinner, white gas (to list them alphabetically) ~ it is with care and caution  (and deep respect) of their potential power. And in this case, traveling on down the road with the LP on or off(?) ... I'm going along with Starcraft's warning.



Fly

Fly

I agree with your posting and I find it interesting that my 2003 Kiwi owners manual made the same statements about travelling with the propane on.  Don't do it.

In the manual for my new Jay Flight 28RSL, I found the following:

Use care when fueling your tow vehicle.  Make certain your propane containers is properly fastened in place.

The lable listed below should be kept permanently affixed to your RV:

        DANGER

ALL PILOT LIGHTS, APPLIANCES AND THEIR IGNITORS (SEE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS0 SHALL BE TURNED OFF BEFORE REFUELING OF MOTOR FUEL TANKS AND /OR PROPANE CONTAINERS.
FAILURE TO COMPLY COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY.

Some states pohibit propane appliances to be operated during travel, especially in underground tunnels.  Make sure you know the laws for the areas you travel.


Although this is a tt, it has the same fridge as I had in the Kiwi htt.  Perhaps the manufacturers are getting less concerned about this topic.

I am also an advocate of not travelling with propane on but I think I am in the minority.

Just as a note, I wonder how many NEW campers have only the warning above instead of don't travel with the propane on.

[brainpause]

Gee, I would be thinking with your "experience as a firefighter" that you would err on the side of safety.

Fly

Point well taken, Fly.

I will re-examine my instructions next visit with our camper, which should be approximately 5 weeks.

However, there are enough idiots out there (see another thread for that) like me that forget to turn off the fridge/propane for travel. Yes, I could make it on a checklist, but if it were that easy to blow ourselves to Kingdom Come, it would probably have a wheel sensor or a pitot guage to tell if it was moving and cut the propane off. "My experience as a firefighter" only tells me that there are stupider things than driving with propane on. Seen too many people LIGHT UP A CIGARETTE at the pump next to me to be too worried about my camper's propane flame.

Signed,

Crispy Critter

[flyfisherman]

However, there are enough idiots out there (see another thread for that) like me that forget to turn off the fridge/propane for travel. Yes, I could make it on a checklist, but if it were that easy to blow ourselves to Kingdom Come, it would probably have a wheel sensor or a pitot guage to tell if it was moving and cut the propane off. "My experience as a firefighter" only tells me that there are stupider things than driving with propane on. Seen too many people LIGHT UP A CIGARETTE at the pump next to me to be too worried about my camper's propane flame.

Signed,

Crispy Critter

I hear ya ... and I understand the "other side". Probably there are "chances" we all take of some kind or another and that might send shivers down someone else's spine! Without a doubt, seeing the aftermath of those two RV fires has completely altered my thinking about campers and possible fire! Before that I was without a doubt a real slacker in thinking about propane safety.

And speaking of cigarette smoking and filling up the TV, so help me, I went by Wal-Marts late this afternoon for gas and the moron right in front of me had a smoke in his face while he was pumping! I waited until he was through and had moved on before I pulled all the way up to the pump. Isn't that something, you post that and I was experiencing the same thing!


Fly

[Batman]

We tried towing with the LP lit for the first time this weekend and both times (going & coming) the pilot light/fire went out.

How do you all keep it from going out???

[wavery]

We tried towing with the LP lit for the first time this weekend and both times (going & coming) the pilot light/fire went out.

How do you all keep it from going out???

Well Batman..........Guess you auta keep the speed down on the ol' Batmobile. :J

[ldgregory]

I usually unplug the battery when I stop for anything other than fueling up if its going to be longer than a few minutes.

Do you all really disconnect your battery while stopped? I've always just opened the compartment and flipped the 12v switch off for the fridge control. Are your alls controls in a hard to reach place?

Just wondering... Thanks.

[wavery]

Do you all really disconnect your battery while stopped? I've always just opened the compartment and flipped the 12v switch off for the fridge control. Are your alls controls in a hard to reach place?

Just wondering... Thanks.

It's easier to just pull the trailer harness IMO. Besides, the first time that you lose one of those fridge access doors, you'll wish you wouldn't have. :yikes: