Hooking Up 100 Lb Propane Tank To RV (Guide)

hooking up 100 lb propane tank to rv
hooking up 100 lb propane tank to rv

All the reasons why RV is a good investment for travelers would make a long and detailed list. For starters, traveling in an RV is financially viable as it saves a great deal of your money. With an RV, you can carry whatever you want and freely explore new places without sticking to a schedule.

We all love camping trips, don’t we? It’s so much fun, and you get to spend quality time with your friends and family. Some avid travelers go the extra mile and go on camping trips in areas with extreme weather conditions.

No doubt, camping at popular camping sites is also exciting, but camping in remote areas is a whole different experience.

If you have ever been on a camping trip to a distant area, you would know the importance of having the right equipment at your disposal. The last thing you’d want on your trip is to find out that you forgot something important at home.

Furthermore, staying outside for such long periods can be troublesome and uncomfortable. This is where RVs and motorhomes come in handy. They are equipped with numerous groundbreaking features which make you feel as if you are traveling in your own home.

These vehicles come with kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedrooms for your convenience. Moreover, you also have access to numerous electrical appliances that might be required during your trips.

Why Are Propane Tanks Required in RVs?

Talking about the features of recreational vehicles, the first thing about these vehicles is that every model has its own features. This is why it is recommended to go through the specifications of the model before buying it.

That being said, you can always add or replace the appliances in your vehicle by purchasing them separately. This will cost a few bucks, but you will get your desired accessories.

One thing to make sure while buying accessories separately is that your RV supports those accessories. The main issue with most appliances is that they drain the batteries in your motorhome. This is why devices made for RVs consume less electricity and are also portable.

This helps you carry the equipment with you without any trouble. It’s no secret that less storage space is a problem for many RV users. Aside from this, a propane tank is another important thing that you need to keep in your recreational vehicle.

Propane tanks are a must-have for your RV for plenty of reasons. For instance, you can connect them to either your furnace to heat the vehicle or water supply. Alternatively, they also help you keep your stove lit so that you do not have to survive on snacks while you are on your trip.

Restaurant meals are another option if you do not have a propane tank, but of course, they could be costly and are not recommended if you are on a long trip and have a tight budget.

However, when it comes to its usage, it’s important to carry all its accessories on your trip. Furthermore, it is also recommended to keep an eye on the amount of propane gas in the tank.

This is because if you are someone who uses your stove, water heater, and furnace quite often, then the propane gas will run out quite fast. It can put your camping experience down in flames. So, it is better to carry a propane tank and keep a check on it.

That being said, many people question how many propane tanks they should be carrying with them. The simple answer to this question is that the total amount of propane gas required depends on your use and how long you are going to stay.

Hooking Up 100 lb Propane Tank To RV

Most people who stay on their trips for a long time suggest that a 100 lb propane tank is enough for a camping trip. Additionally, even if you do not run out of gas, you can still use the tank on some other trip later on.

If you have already purchased a propane tank for your next camping trip, the first thing that you will notice is the massive size of the equipment. Of course, you have lots of other things to carry as well. Additionally, many people do not know how to hook them up to the RV.

When it comes to installing, the good news for you is that the procedure to hook up the 100 lb propane tank is quite simple. But before you get to the installation, there are some important tools that you should have.

Make sure to get all the tools beforehand. There is nothing more annoying than realizing that you forgot some important tool on the fly.

These tools include propane adapter fitting and a propane hose . The length of the hose should be long enough so that you can easily connect the tank with your devices; however, make sure that it is not too short, as this can put a strain on the pipe.

If you have a dual-propane tank, it would be a good idea to invest in a changeover regulator. This will help you smoothly switch between the tanks instead of having to disconnect and reconnect the pipes from time to time manually.

Once you have all of these tools at your disposal, start installing them the same way you would install a smaller tank. While installing the tank, make sure to position the pipes and tank correctly, so it does not bother you later on.

Propane Tank Safety Tips

The propane tank has to be maintained to ensure a safe traveling experience for you and your family.

  • Keep the Propane Tank Outside

The first tip to ensure your safety while using a propane tank is to always keep it outside of your RV. Its inspections and refills should also be done outside. Always remember that propane is a highly flammable gas, and even a slight mistake can lead to an unfortunate incident.

If you keep the propane tank inside your RV, it may open the pressure relief valve and fill your RV with the flammable propane gas, creating a safety hazard. If you ever find yourself in this situation, consider calling the fire department immediately. 

  • Close the Valve

Make sure to close the valve after each use. And yes, if you smell gas near the propane tank, consider seeking help from a professional immediately. Make sure that your stove and other appliances that use propane are off . If you still smell the gas, your propane tank is leaky. Do not smoke or strike a match in the area, as it can spark a fire.

In its natural state, propane is odorless. However, companies add a rotten egg odor to make it easy to find leakage.

  • Inspect Your Propane Tank

It is recommended to carry out an inspection every now and then to check for leaks and other problems. Dust can accumulate over time and cause leakage. For this purpose, wipe down the tank with a soapy water solution. If you see bubbles, it indicates that there is leakage.

In case of leakage, make sure to turn off the valve and inspect the system. Consider reaching out to a professional, and they will tell you whether or not you need to replace your tank.

  • Install Detectors in Your RV

Most RV models these days come with smoke and gas leakage detectors. While the smoke detector detects a fire, the latter detects propane gas leakage. Make sure to inspect them every month and consider replacing these detectors once every two years.

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