Propane tank in the galley?

[S. Heisley]

Hi, Paul:

I know you are an experienced camper; so, this is probably a dumb thought but could it be that the propane you smell when you disconnect the tank is residual from what is already in the lines? The fact that you didn't smell anything except right after you disconnected it makes that suspect. A propane tank inside or close to your tear might concentrate the propane and the smell. Looking at the pictures, though, I thought your propane tank was out in the open air.

[parnold]

Sharon:

The leak when I disconnected the tank was so obvious that I could hear it hissing.

The top of the cylinder has a pin valve, much like a tire valve, so I got a stick and kept poking at it until I could not hear it hiss anymore. At that point, I think I was paranoid, and was smelling the residual aroma, I tried blowing on top of the tank, but I kept getting that smell.. so I was a little concerned.

I don't know if it was sealed then, or it sealed itself within a couple minutes.. but by the time I got home, there was no more odor, and the tank still has propane in it.

I really just wanted to bring this to light, for those who are considering where to store their tanks.

[Dale M.]

In responds to the "disposable canister" with the schrade valve leaking....

Its not just camping and teardrops..... I've has a problem with tanks leaking after removing plumbing torch head after doing work in garage..... Its not just camping and teardrops its all walks of life where the tanks are used...... Ever go though canisters in hardware/home improvement store and found one empty?..... NO it was not switched by some unscrupulous customer, it leaked in truck or warehouse on way to store or actually in the store......

Its a universal problem.... Fact is "some leak".......

Dale

[madjack]

.........................Its a universal problem.... Fact is "some leak".......

...yep, it's known problem with disposable tanks.............................

[mcspin50]

The first time I used my Camp Oven I had that problem. Stopped at a KOA on the way to my first teardrop gathering and was staying in one of the Kamper Kabins (kewl name, huh?). After cooking the pizza, I started taking off the cylinder and it kept making a loud hissing sound. Scared me big time! Thought about screwing it back in, but then thought I might cause a spark and a big boom, so I gingerly carried it to the open area in front of the cabin. There was enough breeze that I thought the gas would dissipate in the wind. Then I looked to my right and there was a HUGE propane tank.
So I moved the canister to the other side of the field, went in and got a glass of wine, went back outside and stood there until I heard the hissing sound die away. Those babies hold more than one glass of wine's worth of gas.
When I got to the gathering, folks said that it was a stuck pin and that I could just screw it back in and unscrew it (might have to do it twice) and that would have reset the pin. Can hardly wait for it to happen again so I can try it that out...NOT!

So as long as there is some kind of vent on the floor, you can store canisters in you galley? And do you have to worry about water getting into the galley through the vent, like when you're driving in rain?

[Cliffmeister2000]

I carry 3 - 4 disposables all the time, and I've carried them in the galley. After reading all of these posts, I'm going to re-think that.

I've been planning a tongue box for a while. Now I'm going to divide the tongue box into battery compartment (vented) and storage compartment (also vented due to propane).

I also carry a 20# bottle and a 5# bottle. I use the disposables for a Coleman lantern, cook with the 20#, and use the 5# as a backup in case I empty the 20#. However, I carry them in the back of the truck.

Been thinking about getting one of those propane trees, and thereby eliminating the need for the disposables.

Decisions, decisions...

[Dale M.]

Just remember in tongue box to divide it into sections.... Hydrogen gas from battery is lighter than air and wants to vent upward.... Propane is heavier than air and wants to vent downward....


When it comes to plumbing and propane trees... Go to MR Heater site and email technical support and ask them to send you this document (PDF file)....



Dale

[David Hughes]

I have not started my tear drop yet, but do plan on keeping my tanks out side the trailer at all times. I have a buddy that his uncle built a trailer (not a tear drop) had his tanks in the trailer, went to Floridia and used the stove to cook on, retired for the eveningand the trailer blew up. Killed the guy and his wife. I had a Argosy trailer years ago and the tanks were out on the front tonge. That is where mine will be even if I have to hoook up each time I go to use the stove.

Good luck,
Dave

[Wild Bill]

The RV industry has been placing the tanks on the tongue frame for decades, that is what I plan to do. Run a line to the galley with a shut off valve. One 10 lb tank and 1 20lb tank. Use the 20 till it runs out and use the 10 for a reserve. Nothing like running out of fuel in the middle of cooking a meal and not having another one. 1 one pound cylinders do leak and are expensive compared to the 20 lb tanks. Plus you can use them on your grill or campchef stove as well away from the trailer. Bill

[mcspin50]

What's a good way to secure your propane tank to the tongue so it doesn't get legs and walk off? I just picked up a little 5 lb. tank at Gander Mountain for $10 off. I would have liked a 10 lb., but couldn't pass up the discount. My trailer tongue is pretty small, so I thought the smaller, lighter tank would work better.

[mcspin50]

And the second and third parts of my question are...
What is the best/safest/simplest way to run the propane line from the tongue to the galley? Flexible propane hose? Inside something like electrical conduit or steel pipe? Copper inside something? Inside what?

I have a NT no-floor trailer, so should I run the line below all steel angles or should I drill holes in the steel angles to accommodate the pipe/gas line? I have no welding skills, but No. 3 son might be able do simple welds if we can locate the right equipment.

How DO you drill holes in steel?

Thanks all for sharing your wisdom/experience.

[timlsalem]

well, my opinion and it don't mean nothin, I think it's a bad idea to store propane in the galley. Travel trailers have them installed in front and motorhomes have them in a side compartment area that is bottomless. I think these is good clues to your question.