Coleman fuel...does it freeze?

[Jeremy]

Here's another off the wall question.  We acquired a Coleman table top cooking stove from my inlaws and plan on storing it in the camper (one less thing to forget to pack before a trip).  We live in the midwest, so we get some cold winters and our popup will be stored outside.  Is it okay to leave the fuel in the camper over the winter or would I be better off draining the small tank back into the big jug and keep it in the garage (that doesn't freeze)?

[Tufster]

I would drain it if I were you.
Not because it might freeze which I doubt , but because Coleman fuel is highly flammable and has a very low flash point.
Hope this helps.
Mike :canada:

[flyfisherman]

Jeremy - Coleman Fuel (really naphtha blended with a little rust inhibitor and a hint of green dye), has about the same characteristics as gasoline. In other words, if it freezes there in the midwest this winter, ALL OF US are in serious trouble!

I also store my camper outside and keep aboard a gas Coleman Lantern and one of those single burner gas Coleman Peak stoves. I'll use the stove on the campground picnic table when I'm frying things like bacon and fish. Since the stove fits completely under the frying pan, don't have a grease spattered stove to clean-up afterward! After use (and they have cooled off), I'll top the tanks with the Coleman fuel (making sure the tank caps are screwed on tight) and re-store them back in their places aboard the camper when ready to break camp. Along with these Coleman  applicances I keep a gallon of the Coleman Fuel (tightly closed) stored in a special box that insures it will remain upright during travel. Of course, when I get to the campsite I remove all these items - but I do otherwise keep them stored aboard the camper. Been doing so for a few years and have experienced no difficulties to date but, again, do make sure things are stored in their proper place and all caps & lids are closed tightly.


Fly

[Old Goat]

I  keep agallon of Coleman fuel in a wood box in the forward storage trunk of my Niagara along with a Coleman gas lantern...I leave them aboard all the time except when camping.... Never had a problem..........

[hoppy]

I have used the Coleman gas stoves and lanterns for nearly 35 years. They are great to have along with you.

 But after every trip, I remove the unused fuel from all my stoves and lanterns.

 I do this since there is a possibility they may leak while in storage.

 If you do decide to keep the fuel in the tank, at least remove the pressure out of them. This will allow the room for the fuel to expand during hot temperatures, without being forced through the tank cap or the generator valve.

  As for freezing, there is no chance that this will  happen.

[brainpause]

According to OSHA, the freezing point of Naphtha is not available, so that is a non-issue (as others have said).

However, the flash point is 100-109 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty low. For comparison, isopropyl alcohol's FP is 53 degrees, but isopropyl alcohol's FP is sort of exceptional (for household products). Even ethanol's (drinking alcohol) is 55 degrees.

Interestingly enough, gasoline's FP is -45 degrees F! However, its ignition point is 536 degrees F, while Naphtha's is 1022 degrees F. So, it is a lot more safe than storing gasoline!

Anyway...be careful with the stuff.

Larry

[Buzz]

I agree with fly....If your coleman fuel freezes you have alot more to worry about than wheather you can cook outdoors or not.

I sold all my Coleman fuel stuff in a garage sale and went 100% propane, lantern, stove and all. I got tired of pumping and measuring.

[tlhdoc]

I keep a can in the trunk of my PU all year long.  No problems with freezing, or leaking.  Just be careful when you refill the stove.  If you spill any give it a few minutes to evaporate before you light it.

[Campaholics]

For many years we used a stove with Coleman fuel.  During the camping season whatever was in the tank stayed in the tank, but not under pressure.  I would not store Coleman fuel in the garage.  Leave the can in an outdoor storage shed, or in the PU over the winter.  

Bob