Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Community Forums > Travel | Camping Spots | Roads and Routes
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 02-05-2019, 09:05 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Rhode Island
Posts: 153
THOR #11834
Propane restrictions

I am going to go on my first long distance trip with my RV. I noticed that while using the Good Sam trip planner it had a caution sign on the route for the Chesapeake bridge/tunnel for a propane restriction.

It stated: Propane Restriction (null lbs., null bottles).

When I altered the directions to avoid this route, I ended up with the same notification for a Baltimore tunnel. How can you travel without propane?
Are they stating that the propane tank has to be shut off, or empty? Last year I drove through the Chesapeake bridge with a trailer and all I was asked was weather my tank was turned off, but that was a 20lb tank, and it was visible.

Any advice? I'm traveling from RI to NC.

__________________
RichRob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2019, 09:36 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
coachray's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Quantum RQ29
State: Ohio
Posts: 1,296
THOR #13648
The only thing I worry about while driving is running the refrigerator and I can run it off of electric, so I drive with the propane off. I've always felt it was safer that way. I was always told it was against the law to travel with it on, but have never really looked it up. I do know that different states have different laws governing rv's, so you may want to look them up.
__________________
coachray is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2019, 09:45 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Calman's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: North Carolina
Posts: 330
THOR #11380
CCBT RV and propane regs, as well as the new (this year) Toll Schedule can be found at CBBT Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
__________________
Cal Bridgers
YNCM USN-Retired (64-90)
RVN (Tet 68)
2015 Thor Vegas 24.1
Calman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-05-2019, 11:05 PM   #4
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
All the propane restriction is that you have to have it turned off.

We went that way with our old 5th wheel and had no idea about the propane restrictions. There was a police officer pulling over campers to inspect that you had the propane tanks turned off before entering the tunnel.

It doesn't mean you can't have propane they just want the tanks turned off (and any appliances: re fridge also turned off).

Once past the tunnel you can turn the fridge back on (if you travel that way).
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 01:14 AM   #5
Member
 
BYoshida's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 24.1
State: Virginia
Posts: 91
THOR #13067
What JamieGeek said. We travel the bridge tunnels a few times a year. Just pull over in the designated area and show the nice person with the clipboard that your propane is off (or turn it off at that time). But schedule your travel at a good time (9 AM). All the ways in and out of Norfolk/VA Beach area tend to clog during work commute times or heading to the beach weekends.
__________________
BYoshida is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 02:01 AM   #6
Junior Member
 
Yodaguy's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29m
State: Florida
Posts: 23
THOR #13665
Propane Off

We also have traveled the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel several times with propane turned off. I believe the Baltimore tunnels restrict propane to 10 lbs or less. Take I695 around Baltimore.
__________________
2019 Hurricane 29m with 2017 GMC Acadia Toad
Yodaguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 02:25 AM   #7
Site Team
 
16ACE27's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,132
THOR #7035
Quote:
Originally Posted by coachray View Post
The only thing I worry about while driving is running the refrigerator and I can run it off of electric, so I drive with the propane off. I've always felt it was safer that way. I was always told it was against the law to travel with it on, but have never really looked it up. I do know that different states have different laws governing rv's, so you may want to look them up.
Sorry you were so grossly misinformed. No more dangerous to travel with propane then to travel with gasoline. In fact there's probably more safety features in the propane tanks/system.
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
16ACE27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 03:36 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
mountainsam's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Gemini 23TR
State: California
Posts: 981
THOR #6701
The dangers of propane are that it is heavier than air. If a tank leaks propane the vapors will hang in the lowest portion of the tunnel. Some tunnels actually are lower in the center. Gas fumes actually escape easier than propane. This is especially true of the older tunnels. Most newer tunnels are designed slightly higher in the center so vapors flow away and do not pool.
__________________
2017 Gemini 23TR Ford chassis w/ power stroke 3.2
DW, Daughter and 2 dogs, Sofie (black lab/boxer) and Phoebe (schnoodle)
mountainsam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 04:11 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Mo_Mike's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.2
State: Missouri
Posts: 1,038
THOR #4687
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek View Post
All the propane restriction is that you have to have it turned off.

We went that way with our old 5th wheel and had no idea about the propane restrictions. There was a police officer pulling over campers to inspect that you had the propane tanks turned off before entering the tunnel.

It doesn't mean you can't have propane they just want the tanks turned off (and any appliances: re fridge also turned off).

Once past the tunnel you can turn the fridge back on (if you travel that way).
Jamie, just a quick question. If you are running your propane/electric fridge on electric (inverter or generator) should you still turn it off?

Planning on keeping propane off while driving and using alternator/invertor to run the fridge on electric while driving.
__________________
2016 25.2 VEGAS with 2017 Jeep Wrangler AND Two Dogs; Norwegian Elkhound & Morkie (The RV is actually the Dog's)
Mo_Mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 10:50 AM   #10
Axis/Vegas Enthusiast
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.4
State: Michigan
Posts: 9,837
THOR #1150
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mo_Mike View Post
Jamie, just a quick question. If you are running your propane/electric fridge on electric (inverter or generator) should you still turn it off?

Planning on keeping propane off while driving and using alternator/invertor to run the fridge on electric while driving.
That is a good question. When they stopped me they only verified that the valve to the propane tank was off--didn't verify that the refer was switched off. Thus you're probably ok leaving the refer on and using electricity.

At the time we had our 5er and they never entered the coach (and thus I probably left the refer on at that point anyway since I didn't go in the coach either).
__________________
2022 Thor Axis 24.4
2021 Mach-E
blog - https://spareelectrons.wordpress.com/
JamieGeek is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 01:03 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
It doesn't matter what's going on inside the unit...as long as you have the main tank shut off at the tank valve...that's all they care about.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 01:53 PM   #12
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
... Which makes perfect sense: nothing will run on propane; that has been turned off at the tank...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-06-2019, 02:06 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Rhode Island
Posts: 153
THOR #11834
Thank you to everyone who has responded, clearing up my confusion.
__________________
RichRob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2019, 01:06 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Soldier Girl's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 30.2
State: Arkansas
Posts: 333
THOR #13770
I've gone thru twice just this month & I spoke to a trooper about it. They don't stop the RVs for inspections. He just said its a good habit to turn off the propane before entering. I didn't have a problem & there were other rigs going thru each time I did.
__________________
[COLOR="DarkOliveGreen"] Soldier Girl
Soldier Girl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-10-2019, 01:15 AM   #15
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
It's always best to know the laws: even if the enforcement is open to some "interpretation" by the Police.
__________________
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 04:49 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Soldier Girl's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: A.C.E. 30.2
State: Arkansas
Posts: 333
THOR #13770
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
It's always best to know the laws: even if the enforcement is open to some "interpretation" by the Police.
You're right, of course, the 1st time I had no idea what I was doing & found out after the lst exit. The 2nd time I was a bit concerned & a trooper jus happened to be in earshot. But since I havta go back thru again in about 2 wks, I will make it a point to find out what the real deal is - thx!
__________________
[COLOR="DarkOliveGreen"] Soldier Girl
Soldier Girl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 05:00 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
The real deal is survival. If there were to be an issue in any tunnel...you would be the first to go. There's tons of videos of campers burning businesses to the ground by not turning off pilot lights before refueling. Watched one recently where the guy's coach caught on fire at the bulk propane tank. Had his fridge on gas and didn't turn if off but told the guy filling his tank that he had. You can lead a horse to water, hold his head under, but you can't make him drink!
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 05:51 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
traveled all over this country, Alaska, and Canada, and a lot of bridges and tunnels, and have never 'turned off' the propane, including thru the long Chesapeake bay bridge travels...
since all of our propane devices are electronic spark, and not active 'pilot lights', then they ARE off all the time.

the problem one of the authorities not wanting a propane leak to be susceptible to a spark while in a tunnel, specifically if you would have to come to a stop due to a traffic jam or accident... where vehicle motors are running, or worse, someone is smoking nearby.
__________________
TurnerFam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2019, 06:04 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Quote:
Originally Posted by TurnerFam View Post
traveled all over this country, Alaska, and Canada, and a lot of bridges and tunnels, and have never 'turned off' the propane, including thru the long Chesapeake bay bridge travels...
since all of our propane devices are electronic spark, and not active 'pilot lights', then they ARE off all the time.

the problem one of the authorities not wanting a propane leak to be susceptible to a spark while in a tunnel, specifically if you would have to come to a stop due to a traffic jam or accident... where vehicle motors are running, or worse, someone is smoking nearby.

The lines to them and under your coach are charged. Propane is heavier than air and will pool at the bottom of a tunnel or lowest spot. Stand still traffic with a leaking propane tank nearby or a tank line ruptured in an accident or hit by run-over debris could be disastrous...your average 60 gallon LP tank equals approximately 650 cubic feet of gas in the open air.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-17-2019, 02:58 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
DogLovers's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Tuscany 36 MQ
State: Indiana
Posts: 936
THOR #6280
I don't know why they are so concerned about the RV propane being turned off. You would think they would be more focused on my trailer full of M183 demolition charges. :-)
__________________
Bill & Martha more than 46 years.
Traveling with Shih Tzu's Baily, Bella and Maltese Buster. Towing, Golf Cart, Harley or Polaris RZR. 3 of our darling Shih Tzu's passed away recently and I just can't take them off of here. RIP Baxter, Baili & sweet sweet Bella. Buster is our little rock.
DogLovers is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 02:29 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2