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Old 10-25-2020, 01:10 PM   #1
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Propane System Advice

My stove in my 25-year-old RV I think was leaking last winter. So I pulled it out. I don't use a stove anyway. My tank emptied so that's a good thing.

Now the winter is coming and I'd like to run the heat using the propane.

But I've never filled the propane tank before and I'm not 100% sure how to do this.

Basically what I need to do is go to a propane fill station and hire them to fill the tank. But I shouldn't have them actually fill it I should probably have them only put a little bit in.

Then I should get a propane sniffer and take it up to the three components that use propane the water heater the furnace and the place where the stove was and sniff around everything to make sure there are no leaks.

Then my final step would be to fill up the whole tank?

Do I have a good plan?

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Old 10-25-2020, 01:26 PM   #2
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Any decent propane filling station should be able to take care of the "sniffing" chores. Just be sure to ask them to check things out...
Good luck!
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Old 10-25-2020, 01:31 PM   #3
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As Bob notes, let the propane fill station do the sniffing. But also, how have you closed the propane supply that used to go to the stove. You need to block it off with a fitting at the end of the tubing. Better yet is to disconnect the stove propane supply tubing at a T underneath your RV and plug it off there.

David
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Old 10-25-2020, 03:08 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by DavidEM View Post
As Bob notes, let the propane fill station do the sniffing. But also, how have you closed the propane supply that used to go to the stove. You need to block it off with a fitting at the end of the tubing. Better yet is to disconnect the stove propane supply tubing at a T underneath your RV and plug it off there.

David
Thanks, I'm fairly sure I turned it off at a valve at the connector to the stove. I will double check. I plan on installing a small stovetop soon.
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Old 10-25-2020, 03:10 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
Any decent propane filling station should be able to take care of the "sniffing" chores. Just be sure to ask them to check things out...
Good luck!
Oh great! I didn't know that.
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Old 10-25-2020, 03:20 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
Any decent propane filling station should be able to take care of the "sniffing" chores. Just be sure to ask them to check things out...
Good luck!
Oh great! I didn't know that.
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Old 10-25-2020, 04:05 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by NateHTP View Post
Thanks, I'm fairly sure I turned it off at a valve at the connector to the stove. I will double check. I plan on installing a small stovetop soon.
It would be lots safer to put a cap on that valve in addition to turning it off. Valves can leak and can also get knocked open.

David
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Old 10-25-2020, 04:07 PM   #8
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Any tips on how to find a good propane refill store? I'm not sure how to search this on Google maps effectively...
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Old 10-25-2020, 04:10 PM   #9
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You're in New Hampshire?
Try Googling, "propane tank re-filling near me"
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Old 10-25-2020, 04:19 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NateHTP View Post
Any tips on how to find a good propane refill store? I'm not sure how to search this on Google maps effectively...
You have a few of them near you:

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Old 10-25-2020, 05:16 PM   #11
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Googling can work. Tractor Supply stores often can do bulk propane fills. Also some U Haul rental centers as well as some RV parks.

With a Google Maps search I try to zoom in on the place with Google's satellite view and look for a bulk propane tank, a sure sign of bulk fill capability.

David
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Old 10-25-2020, 06:03 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NateHTP View Post
My stove in my 25-year-old RV I think was leaking last winter. So I pulled it out. I don't use a stove anyway. My tank emptied so that's a good thing.

Now the winter is coming and I'd like to run the heat using the propane.

But I've never filled the propane tank before and I'm not 100% sure how to do this.

Basically what I need to do is go to a propane fill station and hire them to fill the tank. But I shouldn't have them actually fill it I should probably have them only put a little bit in.

Then I should get a propane sniffer and take it up to the three components that use propane the water heater the furnace and the place where the stove was and sniff around everything to make sure there are no leaks.

Then my final step would be to fill up the whole tank?

Do I have a good plan?
A/C refrigerant sniffer will work on propane also.
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Old 10-25-2020, 07:24 PM   #13
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Thank you call so much! I have some homework to do.
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Old 10-26-2020, 11:37 AM   #14
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Soapy water has been utilized for years to check for gas leaks in addition to hydrocarbon sniffers
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Old 10-26-2020, 03:53 PM   #15
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If you're unfamiliar with how to get propane tanks filled or where it sounds like you may also be a novice rver also?
Just be very careful working with propane, it's extremely flammable, will collect in low areas & easily ignited. Also requires specific fittings when connecting appliances. If adding different alliances than original may require regulator to be removed.
If you're not sure of any of these find help from someone that is! Your local propane distributor may have the proper fittings & people to help you out.
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Old 10-26-2020, 05:46 PM   #16
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Do the propane tanks in the RV have an "expiration date" after which they would require replacement?

I am of the understanding that my grill tank is good for 10 years.
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Old 10-26-2020, 06:17 PM   #17
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A cut-n-paste...

What's The Difference Between ASME And DOT Tank?

ASME tanks are, as their name suggests, approved by a regulatory body called the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. These tanks are built onto the frame of a motorhome and so, as they cannot be removed need to be refilled in place. They’re generally heavier than a DOT tank of the same capacity. These are for stationary installation. No certification period is required ( but they do need a periodic inspection).

DOT cylinders are regulated according to Department of Transportation rules and as they are designed to be easily replaceable they are mounted in exterior propane tank holders located on the bumper of a trailer. These are the kind of propane tanks you can swap out at a gas station when they are spent. These are designed for portable applications such as those found in recreational vehicles and re-certification is required after 12 years from the date of manufacture and then every 5 years.
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Old 10-31-2020, 09:08 PM   #18
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When leak checking, remember that squirrels love to eat the rubber lines under a motorhome and that can cause a major leak.
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