Propane in Camper

[Anchored nomad]

So I am really trying to understand why so many people are against having propane in your camper? If you have a CO and CO2 detector in camper what is the reason people are so against it?

 

[Wango]

If you are speaking about a propane heater, the detectors do work. For me the main issue can be excess condensation.
I have a regular furnace that is vented, but also have a wave six catalytic that I will use to augment heat in the winter.

 

[larryqp]

If you are talking about storing a propane tank in a camper, then because propane tanks are designed to vent into the atmosphere when certain conditions increase the internal pressure of the tank above the designed specs, then the tank needs to be in a compartment which is sealed and vented to the outside to prevent propane from entering the living area. The propane detectors are installed in the living area to alert you if you have a leak or inadvertently turn on a propane appliance and it does not light.

If you look at any camper or RV, the factory propane tanks are always either in a sealed compartment vented to the outside or completely mounted outside.

Wango is correct regarding vented furnaces and non vented furnaces such as the Wave as they relate to condensation. Typically vented furnaces do not create condensation, non-vented catalytic heaters, create water vapor as a byproduct of combustion and therefore condensation.

 

[longhorn1]

Propane tank inside - too dangerous, above responses about cover it.

 

[craig333]

I think a lot of people think of propane vs. diesel. Propane is more flammable than diesel and theoretically could be more dangerous. I look at the millions of RV's using propane without issues though. Rarely is there any problem.

 

[PaulT]

More likely is an auto accident while travelling. Of course, that's no reason to be careless with propane.

Paul

 

[Stitch]

Might help if you clarify the question czukie. Are you talking about storing your propane tank inside the camper or using a propane device inside the camper?

 

[Danneskjold]

An added plus of storing the tank outside of the camper (I use the jack brackets) is it frees up valuable space inside.

 

[Anchored nomad]

The question at hand was referring to storing an 5lb propane tank in the camper in order to fuel the stove (and possibly a heater)...I guess my confusion is; how is this any different than when individuals who are living in a can are storing their propane in their "camper"

 

[Living The Dream]

I believe venting is the main issue, all propane tanks have some sort of blow-off or pressure relief valve. This help accommodates for variation in temp and air pressure to ensure the tanks never become over pressurized. PV=nRT from chem class.

Although rare, I do believe it is all about safely venting when the tanks bleed off excess pressure as they are designed to do.

Also, so 1st responders can quickly access your tank but that is hopefully that never needs to happen.

I'm no expert in any of this. And did have my 20lb tank in my camper for awhile while I rebuilt my camper, but it now lives in its outside box.

Best of luck.

 

[Vic Harder]

I guess my confusion is; how is this any different than when individuals who are living in a can are storing their propane in their "camper"

I'm not aware of any standard RV's having propane storage IN the camper. Dual 20# tanks on the front (outside) of a trailer is common, or in an outside accessible vented storage compartment is the norm.

 

[klahanie]

Yeah, I think the outside vs inside venting is the important difference. Not sure that a CO or CO2 monitor would detect leaking LPG but suspect that there are monitors for that purpose.

Propane gas can be highly flammable so safety is the issue. Some people care, some don't. If you've ever seen a burning RV, burning boat on the water or exploded shed you might, or might not, be more inclined to care. Responsibility for others might be another factor.

Anyhoo, that would be my concern, I can't really say for other people. YMMV

 

[cwdtmmrs]

What about 1lb disposables?

 

[Lighthawk]

I think some of the propane concerns echo the boating community, where heavier than air gas can be deadly.

Our FWC has a dedicated and isolated 5 gal storage box, where it is live plumbed. But, i often carry an accessory 2 gal tank indoors, without concern.

 

[PaulT]

I think some of the propane concerns echo the boating community, where heavier than air gas can be deadly.
Our FWC has a dedicated and isolated 5 gal storage box, where it is live plumbed. But, i often carry an accessory 2 gal tank indoors, without concern.

I concur with the boating reference, especially with inboard motors. Propane drops to lowest point inside boat commonly near engine

I use a JetBoil (propane, butane mix, I think) without concern in the camper for morning coffee. Leaving it set up in the sink where it is less likely that clumsy me knocks it over.

I think there may be more of a concern with three way fridges given the complaints posted here about the pilot light going out.

Paul

 

[penner]

What about 1lb disposables?

I always carry 3-4 one pounders in the camper and a few more in the turnbuckle doors. Maybe not a good thing ??? Been thinking of mounting a 10 lb tank on the back but haven't got around to it yet.