| Liquefied Petroleum Gas System (LP Gas) |
 Smoke detector |
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Liquefied petroleum (LP) gas is available from approved storage tanks to operate your range, oven, furnace and water heater, and as an alternate energy source for some refrigerators. With proper handling precautions, LP gas is safe and provides modern conveniences where ever you travel. The LP gas storage tank is mounted on the motor home chassis. LP gas is stored as a liquid under pressure and vaporizes under the control of a pressure regulator.
A typical LP gas tank installation is illustrated below. Although specific details of the systern may differ in your motor home, the major components and their relationships will be similar to those shown.
- LP gas tank
- Sight gauge
- Automatic Stop fill valve
- Main shut-off valve
- Regulator assembly
- LP gas hose
- LP detector shut off (not shown)
LP Gas Facts
Basic information about LP Gases.
| Properties | Propane | Butane |
| Pounds per gallon | 4.24 | 4.81 |
| Specific gravity of gas | 1.53 | 2.00 |
| Specific gravity of liquid | 0.51 | 0.58 |
| Cu. ft. gas per gallon liquid | 36.38 | 31.2 |
| Cu. ft. gas per pound | 8.66 | 6.50 |
| BTU per gallon | 91,502 | 102,032 |
| BTU per pound | 21,548 | 21,221 |
| Boiling point in degrees
F at 14.7 psia |
-44o | 32o |
| Vapor pressure at 0oF | 31 | 0 |
| Vapor pressure at 70oF | 127 | 17 |
| Vapor pressure at 100o F | 196 | 37 |
| Vapor pressure at 105o F | 210 | 41 |
| Specific Gravity of
Vapor (Air = 1) |
1.50 | 2.01 |
| Ignition Temperature in Air, oF | 920-1120 | 900-1000 |
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Average LP-gas
capacities (PROPANE) |
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| Nominal Size | Actual
Capacity in gal |
Lbs. of gas | BTU's |
| 2.5 gal.(10#) | 2.5 gal. | 11 | 237,028 |
| 5 gal.(20#) | 4.8 gal. | 20 | 430,960 |
| 7 gal.(30#) | 7.2 gal. | 30 | 646,440 |
| 10 gal.(40#) | 9.2 gal. | 40 | 861,920 |
Working pressure
11" Water Column = 6 1/4 ozs. per sq. in. pressure.
LP gas is a safe and reliable fuel. As with any other volatile and flammable material, common sense dictates that LP gas be handled and used with respect and caution. Because LP gas systems are so reliable, they are often taken for granted. Neglect can be a very dangerous habit. If the system is maintained regularly, you can expect almost trouble free operation.
WARNING
LP GAS IS FLAMMABLE AND POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE. USE PROPER HANDLING, LIGHTING AND VENTILATING PROCEDURES.
1. The Distinctive Odor of LP Gas Indicates a Leak.
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DO NOT TOUCH ELECTRICAL SWITCHES.
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EXTINGUISH ALL OPEN FLAMES, PILOT LIGHTS AND ALL SMOKING MATERIALS.
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SHUT OFF THE GAS SUPPLY AT THE TANK VALVE(S) OR GAS SUPPLY CONNECTION.
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OPEN THE DOOR AND LEAVE THE AREA UNTIL THE ODOR CLEARS.
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HAVE THE GAS SYSTEM CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL AND THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK CORRECTED BEFORE USING THE MOTOR HOME AGAIN.
2. INSPECT THE ENTIRE LP GAS SYSTEM FOR LEAKS OR DAMAGED PARTS BEFORE EACH TRIP AND BEFORE FILLING TANK. Please Read LP Gas Systems Leak Checks.
3. NEVER CHECK FOR LEAKS WITH AN OPEN FLAME. USE AN APPROVED LEAK DETECTION SOLUTION OR A NON-AMMONIATED, NON-CHLORINATED SOAP SOLUTION ONLY. IF THE LEAK CANNOT BE LOCATED, TAKE THE UNIT TO AN LP GAS SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE.
4. ALWAYS BE CAREFUL WHEN DRILLING HOLES OR FASTENING OBJECTS TO THE MOTOR HOME. THE GAS SUPPLY LINES COULD BE PUNCTURED BY A NAIL OR SCREW.
5. DO NOT RESTRICT ACCESS TO LP TANKS. IN AN EMERGENCY, THE TANK SERVICE VALVE MUST BE EASILY IDENTIFIED AND ACCESSIBLE. THE TANK COMPARTMENT DOOR MUST ALWAYS BE UNLOCKED, AND THE LP LABEL SHOULD BE VISIBLE.
6. DO NOT CARRY OR STORE FILLED OR EMPTY LP GAS CONTAINERS, INCLUDING ACCESSORIES SUCH AS GAS BARBECUES, IN YOUR MOTOR HOME. LP GAS CONTAINER ARE EQUIPPED WITH A SAFETY DEVICE THAT RELIEVES EXCESSIVE PRESSURE BY DISCHARGING GAS TO THE ATMOSPHERE. LEAKS CAN OCCUR AT VALVES AND FITTINGS. ALWAYS STORE LP TANKS OUTSIDE WITH THE VALVES CLOSED AND PLUGGED.
7. DO NOT USE ANY LP GAS TANK OTHER THAN THE ONE FURNISHED WITH YOUR MOTOR HOME WITHOUT BEING SURE THAT ALL CONNECTING COMPONENTS ARE COMPATIBLE.
8. TURN OFF LP GAS MAIN VALVE BEFORE FILLING LP GAS TANK OR ENTERING AN LP GAS BULK PLANT OR MOTOR FUEL SERVICE STATION. TURN OFF ALL PILOT LIGHTS AND APPLIANCES INDIVIDUALLY BEFORE REFUELING OF MOTOR FUEL TANKS AND/OR LP GAS CONTAINERS. WHEN NOT INDIVIDUALLY TURNED OFF, AUTOMATIC IGNITION APPLIANCES MAY CONTINUE TO SPARK WHEN LP GAS IS TURNED OFF AT THE CONTAINER.
9. DO NOT FILL LP GAS CONTAINERS TO MORE THAN 80% CAPACITY. OVERFILLING CAN RESULT IN UNCONTROLLED GAS FLOW WHICH CAN CAUSE FIRE AND EXPLOSION. A PROPERLY FILLED CONTAINER HOLDS ABOUT 80% OF ITS VOLUME AS LIQUID.
10. LP GAS REGULATORS MUST ALWAYS BE INSTALLED WITH THE DIAPHRAGM VENT FACING DOWNWARD. MAKE SURE THAT THE REGULATOR VENT FACES DOWNWARD AND THAT THE COVER IS KEPT IN PLACE TO MINIMIZE VENT BLOCKAGE WHICH COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE GAS PRESSURE CAUSING FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
11. DO NOT USE A WRENCH OR PLIERS TO CLOSE THE TANK SHUT-OFF VALVE. THIS VALVE IS DESIGNED TO BE CLOSED LEAK TIGHT BY HAND. IF A TOOL IS REQUIRED TO STOP A LEAK, THE VALVE PROBABLY NEEDS REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT.
12. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE SPECIAL TOOLS AND TRAINING NECESSARY, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR OR MODIFY LP GAS SYSTEM COMPONENTS.
13. ALWAYS THINK SAFETY.
Hoses
The hoses used in your LP gas system are UL or CSA listed, and are rated to withstand many times the pressures encountered in the system. Although they are designed for efficient and trouble free use, they can deteriorate from impurities in the air. The average life of LP hoses is two to three years. Consequently, checkthe hoses for weather checking or other signs of deterioration every time you have the gas tank filled or serviced. When you replace hoses, be sure that replacements are properly rated and approved for RV use.
LP Gas Regulator
The regulator is the heart of the LP gas system. It reduces the tank pressure, which can vary from 250 psi to 7 psi, to a steady 6 ounces (11 inches of water column) to serve the appliances in the motor home. It does this in two stages for safety and efficiency.
Because the regulator is constantly "breathing", it is equipped with a vent. It is very important that the vent stays clean and free from obstruction. Clogging from corrosion, dirt, insect nests or other debris is the most common cause of regulator malfunction. Even a small piece of material that finds its way into the vent can result in improper pressure in the system and possible dam age to or failure of components. The regulator is mounted so that the vent is facing downward and is protected from water and dirt by a water-resistant cover. Be sure the cover is on at all times. If the vent becomes clogged it can be cleaned with a toothbrush. If corrosion i evident, contact a qualified LP gas service technician fo a replacement regulator.
WARNING
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE REGULATOR. IT HAS BEEN PRESET BY THE REGULATOR MANUFACTURER. IF ANY ADJUSTMENT IS REQUIRED, IT MUST BE MADE BY A QUALIFIED LP GAS SERVICE TECHNICIAN USING SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Using LP Gas Systems at Low Temperatures
Your LP gas system will function at low temperature provided the system components are kept at a temperature above the vapor point of the LP gas. Ask your LP gas supplier or your motor home dealer for information on product blends available in your area and the areas in which you will be traveling.
The following chart shows the reduction in available BTU's/hour under various fill levels as the temperature drops:
The chart clearly shows how the availability of the gas is reduced at lower temperatures. With this in mind, keep your LP tank as full as possible during cold weather. Check the BTU/hr rating plates on your LP gas appliances. This information will help you manage your LP gas requirements efficiently.
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LP gas systems can and do freeze up in very cold weather. It is a common misconception that the regulator or the gas itself freezes. Actually, it is moisture or water vapor that gets trapped in the system or absorbed by the gas that freezes and causes the problem. This ice can build up and partially or totally block the gas supply
There are a number of things you can do to prevent freeze up, This is presented for informational purposes only. This is not considered a do it yourself job.
- Be sure the gas tank is totally moisture-free before it is filled. If you are not sure, have an LP service station inject an approved antifreeze or deicer into the tank.
- Be sure the tank is not overfilled. This is also a safety consideration.
- Have the gas tank purged by the LP gas service station if freeze up occurs.
- Be sure you have the proper gas blend for your traveling area. If you have the proper gas blend, it is very unlikely that the gas is at fault.
If, despite precaution, you do experience freeze up, ask your LP gas supplier to service the tank or regulator as required.
To fill the chassis-mounted storage tank, drive the vehicle to an LP gas supplier or a service station which sells LP gas. Do not attempt to fill the tank yourself.
WARNING
TURN OFF LP GAS MAIN VALVE BEFORE FILLING LP GAS TANK OR ENTERING AN LP GAS BULK PLANT OR MOTOR FUEL SERVICE STATION. TURN OFF ALL PILOT LIGHTS AND APPLIANCES INDIVIDUALLY BEFORE REFUELING OF MOTOR FUEL TANKS AND/OR LP GAS CONTAINERS. WHEN NOT INDIVIDUALLY TURNED OFF, AUTOMATIC IGNITION APPLIANCES MAY CONTINUE TO SPARK WHEN LP GAS IS TURNED OFF AT THE CONTAINER.
WARNING
DO NOT FILL LP GAS CONTAINERS TO MORE THAN 80% CAPACITY. OVERFILLING CAN RESULT IN UNCONTROLLED GAS FLOW WHICH CAN CAUSE FIRE AND EXPLOSION. A PROPERLY FILLED CONTAINER HOLDS ABOUT 80% OF ITS VOLUME AS LIQUID.
The smell of LP Gas (actually, an additive, Ethyl Mercaptan) indicates a leak, Obvious leak sources are fittings, valves and couplings.
For your safety, check for leaks in your gas system each time the tank is filled and before each trip. Always check the system any time you detect a garlic-like odor. Listen for a sustained hiss or hum when you turn the gas on. This may indicate a leak.
The first time you have your LP tank filled, have the serviceman bleed a little LP gas out of the small outage valve (this also lets you check that the bottle is not overfilled) and note the odor for future reference. A small number of people cannot smell this odor; if you are one of these you must take extra care in checking for leaks, as well as whenever you use LP gas appliances.
To perform a leak check, swab a mixture of a non ammoniated, non-chlorinated soap solution or an approved leak detection solution over each fitting, joint and connection in the system. Open the tank service valve. Inspect each joint. If even the smallest bubbles appear at any joint, this joint must be re-made. Refer repairs to an authorized Fleetwood service center or your LP gas service facility. Never attempt to repair gas piping without proper tools and know-how.
Potential trouble spots for leaks are areas where piping runs close to chassis and frame members. Look for chafes and cracks around pipe hangers. If you find defects in any LP gas system component, have it repaired or replaced before using the system.
As an added precaution, do a visual check of all exposed piping and fittings after you have arrived at a destination and before you use the LP gas system. Travel and road shocks may have caused damage to the system that you will need to repair before using the appliances.
WARNING
NEVER CHECK FOR LEAKS WITH AN OPEN FLAME. DO NOT CHECK FOR LEAKS USING AMMONIATED OR CHLORINATED HOUSEHOLD TYPE DETERGENTS. THESE CAN CAUSE CRACKS TO FORM ON THE METAL TUBING AND BRASS FITTINGS. IF THE LEAK CANNOT BE LOCATED, TAKE THE UNIT TO AN LP GAS SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE.
Keep the tank valve closed and turn off all appliances if the unit is not being used.
WARNING
DO NOT USE PLIERS OR A WRENCH TO TIGHTEN VALVES. IF A VALVE IS NOT LEAKTIGHT WHEN CLOSED BY HAND, SEE AN LP GAS SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE.
A permanently installed LP gas leak detector is located near the floor in the galley area. The unit contains an alarm that will sound alerting you to the presence of low levels of potentially dangerous LP gas that may have been released due to a gas leak. The unit will also disconnect the gas supply at the LP tank when it senses LP or similar gases such as hair spray or cleaning solvent.
The detector unit is powered by the 12-volt DC system in your motor home. A power switch is located on the panel. A green light on the detector front panel indicates that the detector has power. If the power switch is OFF, gas flow from the tank is cut off by a special solenoid valve located at the tank.
Test the leak detector each time the motor home is relocated and set up for use.
Testing Procedure:
- Hold a butane-fueled pocket lighter near the sensor.
- Open the lighter valve without striking the flame The leak detector should respond within a few seconds.
- Press the silence button to reset the alarm
- Lightly fan the area around the detector to insure complete dispersion of the gas from the light and to prevent another sounding of the alarm.
- A silence button allows you to temporarily qui alarm for 60 seconds after it has been set off c testing.
If the alarm does not sound during a test or if the indicator light is not visible, see your dealer authorized Fleetwood Service Center. There are no batteries or user seviceable parts inside the unit.
NOTE: Remember to turn off the detector if you are not using your motor home. The detector draws enough current to discharge your battery.
Please read and follow these instructions:
Air trapped in the gas lines may delay the initial of any appliance. It could take several sec minutes for the gas to reach the appliance. some of the air from the gas system, first light on the range. The other appliances will then light more quickly.
We recommend lighting the pilot light at the equipped, rather than individually lighting each burner. This will help prevent accidental leaks at the burner. Be sure the pilot light is extinguished while traveling.
The first time the furnace or oven is operated, paints and oils used in its manufacture may generate some smoke and fumes. If this occurs, open doors and windows to air out the motor home. These materials should after the first 15 to 20 minutes of appliance operation.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE APPLIANCE MANUFACTURE’S LIGHTING AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.
NOTE: This online manual is a work in progress and is subject to change at any given time. It is also a generic peace of work and is meant only as a general guide. Each Caravan/RV is distinct and individual in it's own right, do not take anything written here literally as it may or may not apply to the exact Caravan/RV you will be using.