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LP FUEL SYSTEM
It is because of the LP gas system that your RV has the convenience of a refrigerator,
stove, water-heater, and furnace. This system has containers that contain the fuel and also
regulators to control the pressure of the fuel and supplies the gas vapor to the various
appliances. When correctly used, the LP system is very effective and will ensure the
comfort and added convenience for your vehicle. This system is also potentially very
dangerous and should be used with care.
Liquefied petroleum (LP) is a product that is refined from crude oil through natural
gases. Propane is a colorless and odorless gas that in the liquefied state resembles water.
An odorant is added as a warning agent. This is usually a sulfur compound which gives
the gas the rotten egg, stinky, skunk oil odor. It is extremely important to become familiar
with the odor associated with LP gas.
LP fuel is stored in a pressurized canister in a liquid state. As the fuel is released from the
canister, it becomes vapor that is needed for the operation of the appliances. In the liquid
state, propane should not run through the appliances. A liquid fuel will damage the
o-rings in the valves and also leave a sticky, oily residue causing poor or no operation in
the regulator.
LP Container
The tank or bottle is a D.O.T. approved container to hold fuel in liquid form, and is
normally a 20# or 30# capacity. The open/close valve is to be closed at all times unless
hooked up to LP gas system or filling container. When the container is disconnected from
the hose and P.O.L. connection, install P.O.L. plastic plug that is attached to container.
This is required by RV industry, Gas Association, and for your own safety. Do not allow
the container (filled or empty) to move or roll around while transporting to and from
filling location.
WARNING: Because your vehicle has exterior combustion air inlets, all
appliance pilot lights should be turned off during gasoline or propane refuel-
ing. Laws in some states require this.
Servicing and Filling LP Containers
Filling an LP container correctly is very important and should be performed by a
qualified person who knows the proper inspection and safety procedures. Any new
container must be carefully purged for best performance and must NEVER BE OVER-
FILLED.
CAUTION: DO NOT use tools to open or close tank valve. HAND TIGHTEN
ONLY.
CAUTION: Never smoke during the filling of LP tanks. Keep the RV away from
immediate filling area when possible or extinguish all gas pilot lights.
LP gas expands 1½% for each 10° increase in temperature. It is imperative to leave
sufficient space inside the container to allow for the natural expansion of gas during
warmer weather. Each propane container is equipped with an overfill device built into the
main valve. This device must remain open during the filling. When the container is filled
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