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Old 01-06-2018, 09:48 AM   #1
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Propane DOS and DONTS

I'm still doing research for a conversion I want to do and I think I'm gonna use propane for cooking and hot water. What should I know about where to store my propane (under the bed is an idea, for example) and how to best keep myself safe. Thanks!

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Old 01-06-2018, 10:08 AM   #2
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Propane should never be stored inside any vehicle. Best is somewhere secure under the floor and even then it must be vented, not in a fully enclosed bay or box. Otherwise a tiny leak can build up and the resulting bada-boom will be a big one.

Some states even limit road, park & tunnel access on vehicles that have tanks sitting out on a bumper or on a trailer tongue. Take a look at DOT approved tanks like Manchester for the best all around storage. Not the cheapest solution but the safest.
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Old 01-06-2018, 10:31 AM   #3
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Check out PBreske's thread for what can go wrong with propane.
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Old 01-06-2018, 07:34 PM   #4
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Buy a propane gas detector and hard wire it in. You will also need a CO detector--not a CO2 detector as many seem to say. Plus , of course a smoke detector.

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Old 01-06-2018, 07:50 PM   #5
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With a frozen regulator I had a propane fire in my bus. 3' flames inside the bus are pretty warming. It's amazing how fast an old man can move when the adrenalin kicks in. I ran outside, grabbed the hose and fell flat on my face. The water hose was frozen but the gas was shut off manually by now. I went back in the bus and there was no fire. You can bet I made some changes.
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Old 01-07-2018, 07:24 AM   #6
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I would love more information / leads on this...important to do well.

Second the recommendation for 'Safety Sticky'

(can include info about grounding and electrical as well)

grounding threads I have found helpful :

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f9/whe...ion-19174.html

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f49/pr...sing-7215.html

http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f10/bu...ac-448-11.html
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Old 01-07-2018, 01:19 PM   #7
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Also,What about running ground wire from the tank? Just connect to the frame??
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Old 01-07-2018, 02:05 PM   #8
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With a frozen regulator I had a propane fire in my bus.

What caused the ignition of the propane?
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Old 01-07-2018, 02:35 PM   #9
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Also,What about running ground wire from the tank? Just connect to the frame??

I have never seen that done anywhere Stu.
Does make me wonder about any static buildup perhaps.

Most approved hosing is steel braided inside and would be grounded by connector connecting to the piping distribution system which most definitely would come into contact with the frame at some point in the installation.

Not all vehicles dissipate static charges though. Some owners drag a chain to contact the road, airplanes , thru their tires on landing.

I guess if you feel safer ground the tank to the frame but discharge it to the ground before changing tanks or filling.

John
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Old 01-07-2018, 02:41 PM   #10
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What caused the ignition of the propane?
Wondering the same but have seen hoses catch fire in the back of an rv fridge by contacting hot metal parts. Terrifying to say the least with frames quickly spreading inside the fridge opening to the rv interior. Poof, up in smoke! Luckily everyone was awake and daytime or else they'd be dead.
Never seen or heard of a frozen regulator, are you certain of that?

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Old 01-07-2018, 03:17 PM   #11
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I keep my tank inside. I do the exchange tanks, and use it for a grill and a with a small heater. I do have a CO+smoke detector, but not a propane gas detector.

I've read a lot of people lately with freezing issues on their externally mounted tanks and lines. This cold weather stuff is for the birds.
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Old 01-07-2018, 03:24 PM   #12
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As bad as it sounds, I'd have to agree with keeping the exchange tanks inside during extreme freezing. That was exactly what caused my fire.
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Old 01-07-2018, 04:38 PM   #13
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Unusual this freezing thing. So many things here used daily that sit outside and run with no problem from bbq's, water heaters, construction equip like forklifts, manlifts, welders, vehicles. They fire right up and your cold is minimal to ours which is not normal this year.
Storing indoors, no way, those tanks do vent when you last expect it.

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Old 01-07-2018, 04:46 PM   #14
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I'm in Florida (the cold side of Florida it seems!) and my friend's water tanks froze and his ecotemp L5 seems to be broken now.
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Old 01-07-2018, 04:52 PM   #15
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I have never seen that done anywhere Stu.
Does make me wonder about any static buildup perhaps.

Most approved hosing is steel braided inside and would be grounded by connector connecting to the piping distribution system which most definitely would come into contact with the frame at some point in the installation.

Not all vehicles dissipate static charges though. Some owners drag a chain to contact the road, airplanes , thru their tires on landing.

I guess if you feel safer ground the tank to the frame but discharge it to the ground before changing tanks or filling.

John
I bought 2 propane tanks that had already been removed from RV's & both had a 1/4 in copper wire clamped to them that was about 2ft long.
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Old 01-07-2018, 04:55 PM   #16
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I'm in Florida (the cold side of Florida it seems!) and my friend's water tanks froze and his ecotemp L5 seems to be broken now.
Was -41 canadian here the last two days, using mine for cooking, no prob.

Sorry you got this blast of cold guys but this is like Siberia!

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Old 01-07-2018, 04:57 PM   #17
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I bought 2 propane tanks that had already been removed from RV's & both had a 1/4 in copper wire clamped to them that was about 2ft long.
Can't be safe enough Stu, go ahead and ground to the frame then

Used tanks.. are they to be tested and certified in Cali? Well worth doing.

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Old 01-07-2018, 05:04 PM   #18
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Can't be safe enough Stu, go ahead and ground to the frame then

Used tanks.. are they to be tested and certified in Cali? Well worth doing.

John
Their stamped DOT approved & painted real nice with a cage around them with expanded metal
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Old 01-07-2018, 05:05 PM   #19
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Was -41 canadian here the last two days, using mine for cooking, no prob.

Sorry you got this blast of cold guys but this is like Siberia!

John
Propane stops working around -42 degrees (F and C!) because it is too cold to be in gas form. Do not recommend!
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Old 01-07-2018, 05:09 PM   #20
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Their stamped DOT approved & painted real nice with a cage around them with expanded metal
Depends on jurisdiction I guess. Ours need testing every 6 years and get stamped. Without that they don't refill for any reason.

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