Propane System; Propane Tank - Thor Motor Coach 2011 Avanti Owner's Manual

Chapter 7 - Technical Systems

PROPANE SYSTEM

PROPANE TANK

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This vehicle is designed with a propane system to provide a safe and reliable fuel source
for your range, furnace, water heater, and refrigerator. As with any flammable and volatile
material, proper handling and precautions should be exercised at all times. The following
warnings must be reviewed and adhered to for safe and trouble free operation.
Propane containers should not be placed or stored inside the
vehicle. Propane containers are equipped with safety devices that
relieve excessive pressure by discharging gas into the atmosphere.
It is not safe to use cooking appliances for comfort heating. Cooking
appliances need fresh air for safe operation. Before operation:
• Open overhead vent or turn on exhaust fan, and
• Open window.
A warning label has been located in the cooking area to remind the user to provide an
adequate supply of fresh air for combustion. Use proper ventilation when using the
cooking appliances to avoid the dangers of asphyxiation.
Do not fill containers to more than 80 percent of capacity. Over
filling the propane container can result in uncontrolled gas flow,
which can cause fire or explosion. A properly filled container will contain approximately 80
percent of its volume as liquid propane.
Portable fuel burning equipment, including wood, charcoal grills,
and propane stoves, should not be used inside the motorhome. The
use of this equipment inside the vehicle may cause fires and/or asphyxiation.
Do not bring or store propane containers, gasoline, or other
flammable liquids inside the vehicle because fire or explosion may
result.
Propane has a distinctive odor. If you are unaware of the nature of an
odor contact a Thor Motor Coach dealer. If you smell propane:
• Extinguish any open flames, pilot lights, and all smoking materials.
• Do not touch any electrical switches.
• Shut off the gas supply at the tank valve or gas supply connection.
• Open doors and windows.
• Leave the area until the odor clears.
• Have the gas system checked immediately by a certified RV
technician.
Annual maintenance should be conducted on the propane gas appliances and equipment
by an authorized dealer.
The propane tank is mounted to the chassis below the floor between the frame rails and
behind the lower compartment door of your motorhome. The tank needn't be removed,
as it is accessible for filling through a remote fill under the lower compartment door in
the drivers side. The tank and fittings have been completely assembled; however, upon
initial filling, all connections should be checked for leakage by a certified RV technician.
The propane is stored in the tank as a liquid under pressure and vaporizes under the
control of the pressure regulator for use with all of the propane appliances. The propane
in the tank is much colder than the air that surrounds the tank, but as the air temperature
drops closer to the temperature of the liquid in the tank, the liquid doesn't vaporize as
easily. Consequently, the BTU value of the propane drops dramatically. The closer the
tank is to full during cold temperatures, the better the BTU value will be; however, do not
fill the tank to more than 80 percent (80%) of capacity.
Freezing of the propane system is a potential problem during cold temperatures
because of moisture in the propane or supply system. Precautions should be taken to
keep your tank and system free of moisture. Check with your propane service station
about approved antifreeze or deicers, which may be available to reduce the possibility
of a freeze.