first propane usage for LD July 01, 2020, 09:21:36 am Taking a week long trip and intend of turing on the propane for oven, cook top and hot water heater. Will have shore power.Have no experience with propane at this level. Only experience is with a coleman 2 burner propane stove.I have a couple of questions, if you (the forum) would be so kind to build my confidence with the preferred procedure.1- The propane tank is full, when you turning it on, to what degree do you turn the valve? Looking at the gauge, what reading should you be setting it at?2- Do you light your oven before your burners and then hot water heater to check that enough gas is getting to all lines?I hope to take it to flush water lines at a rv park in town prior to leaving for the trip and wanted to check the operational aspect of the stove and oven prior to making my food preparation for the trip.Thank you for your insight, Kimberley 2000 MB exploring Kansas geology and lakes for 2020
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #1 – July 01, 2020, 09:37:35 am If turning on for the first time, do a smell test, and preferably a soap bubble test, of any accessible joints to check for leaks.
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #2 – July 01, 2020, 10:12:03 am Kimberley, the propane valve should be turned to full open; don't back off a "quarter turn". The advice to do a leak test is good; this product works very well because it stays on the pipe joints for a while; the consistency helps to detect small leaks that might not be apparent with more watery test solutions. Also, the Better Bubble doesn't contain anything that discolor or degrade the brass fittings. Leave the solution in place for several minutes; if there are bubbles, there's a leak. Propane is a volatile substance; any leaks should be repaired before using the system.Rectorseal 65554 8-Ounce Bottle Better Bubble Leak Locator - Household Paint...(Assuming there are no leaks...) Light a stove burner and let it go for a couple of minutes before turning it off and attempting to light the refrigerator; this purges any air in the lines. You will be able to tell by the color of the flame tips how much air is in the lines; the more blue the flame, the less air. I also suggest having a system leak test done with a manometer; an RV shop may be able to do this, or you may find a propane supplier who will do the test. 3 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #3 – July 01, 2020, 10:15:26 am To add, the gauge should not move when opening or closing the valve.Steve 2 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #4 – July 01, 2020, 10:28:02 am Kimberly, the valve at the tank should be either all the way on or all the way off. You do not need to exercise "gorilla" force. The seats for the valve are brass, a soft metal. Over time, cranking the valve too hard can damage that brass seal. Whether opening or closing, turn it until it is snug. The volume of flow is controlled by a regulator near that valve, that requires nothing from you, and by the various appliances. The gauge is there to tell you how much propane is in the tank, and has nothing to do with the function of the appliances. If it is getting close to empty, you need a refill. Otherwise, you can ignore it.Greg's advice above is good, but may result in propane inside the coach. The way I would do it is to take a steady flame of some sort, such as a charcoal or fireplace lighter, light it, hold it next to a stove burner, and turn on that burner. When the burner lights, any air left in the lines will be negligible. At that point, you can turn on and test the various appliances.If your stove is like mine, there is a built in spark lighter for the stove burners. There is a pilot light that must be manually lit before you can use it. It may take a few seconds for propane to reach the pilot light. Personally, I do not use the pilot light. I light the oven manually. The refrigerator will normally default to shore power if you have it, but it is prudent to check it anyway. On the control panel, the refrigerator has an on/off button. Turn it on. It will go through checking a few things, then it should shift to running on propane, as indicated by the lights on the display.The water heater is similar. Turn it on. Initially, mine (2008) shows two lights - a red and a green - until it actually lights, after which it shows a green light. I know older models use a different display. The key point is, other than switching it on, if it is in working condition, you need do nothing about the propane supply. You simply switch the heater on or off. Where I am, nights are chilly, in the 30's. My furnace is getting use. If you will need the furnace, the thermostat is the switch, and is also the most vulnerable part of the furnace system. Switch it on. The furnace fan should start immediately. Meanwhile, the furnace electronics will try to light the furnace. If the fan does not start, or if you are not getting any heat from the furnace, you need a service person to help you.Pretty simple, huh? The system is designed so that there is little you need to worry about. If you have any problems getting started, let us know.Ken F in WY 4 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #5 – July 01, 2020, 11:20:23 am Thank you Steve and Kenneth, This explains why when reading the manual it seemed straight forward. I will checking everything on Friday afternoon, 2 days prior to leaving town while I still have internet service.I am one of the few people that only have access to the internet at home with a land line and a flip open cell phone.Kimberley 2000 MB exploring Kansas.
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #6 – July 01, 2020, 11:24:46 am Thank you Joan, Great advise looking at the flame color, reminds me of chemistry class. I will order the product mention above, Kimberley
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #7 – July 01, 2020, 01:05:47 pm When rig has been parked for a while and not used, it's a good idea to test all the systems while at a home, something we should all try to remember to do.The leak detector that Joan mention is a good product but it cannot test all the propane fittings, many are hidden away, out of sight. It's a good idea to annually have the system check for leaks and proper pressure using a manometer, a gauge designed to measure the low pressures found in propane systems.It is used to check the operating pressure in the system, to verify the propane regulator is producing 11in/H2O of pressure, when two propane appliances are running, most regulators are adjustable if the pressure is too high or low.To test the system for leaks, the manometer is hooked up to the system with the propane tank valve open. Take an exact reading of the pressure and then turn the propane gas valve off. With all the propane appliances turned off, the pressure should stay the same in the system for long periods, if not, there is a leak somewhere.RV shops can test the system or you can do it yourself, if you feel competent. I used a DIY manometer for years before buying an electronic version. Propane is extremely flammable, if you are not confident about doing this, have a pro perform the service.DIYElectronicHappy campingLarry 2 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #8 – July 01, 2020, 03:04:56 pm Ken"There is a pilot light [in the oven] that must be manually lit before you can use it [the oven]. It may take a few seconds for propane to reach the pilot light. Personally, I do not use the pilot light. I light the oven manually."The main purpose of the 'Pilot Light' is to heat the associated thermocouple. If the thermocouple is not heated gas will not flow and consequently the oven will not light. So far luck has been with you when you "manually" light the oven.A secondary function of the 'Pilot' is to keep that thermocouple closed in case you want to use the oven in the next short while. Just back off on the control knob and stop when you reach 'Pilot'.
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #9 – July 01, 2020, 05:43:10 pm Steve, I mostly agree. When I light manually, I turn the oven to "pilot" and hold the knob in until the pilot lights. Once it lights, I then turn the knob to the higher temp settings, watching to be sure the burner ignites, so luck is not a factor here. The flame under the pilot light while I am lighting it manually heats the thermocouple. Other than "luck", your post is spot on.Ken F in WY
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #10 – July 01, 2020, 07:25:54 pm "The flame under the pilot light while I am lighting it manually heats the thermocouple."There are thermocouples and then there are thermocouples! Apparently yours is a bit faster than mine... I have to wait perhaps 10 seconds while the heating takes place. Once I'm able to see that the flame is lit (not easy to do while standing on your head) I'll then move the control to some random heat setting and watch the burner light. Pretty much the same technique! 1 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #11 – July 02, 2020, 12:51:27 am Kimberly, I was going to add my $0.02 worth on propane , but it seems well covered. I'd instead like to suggest you look into the LADEZE Group as a good place to get better acquainted with your rig and the LD community.My wife & I discussed her attending at some point, but circumstances intervened.See you down the road somewhereJoel
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #12 – July 02, 2020, 09:13:33 am Another system that comes to mind is water. If you don’t already have one, PLEASE make sure you have a water pressure regulator; we learned the hard way! You connect it at the faucet in an RV Park. I usually have mine set to 50 PSI.
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #13 – July 02, 2020, 09:39:43 am Quote from: O2boutside - July 02, 2020, 09:13:33 amAnother system that comes to mind is water. If you don’t already have one, PLEASE make sure you have a water pressure regulator; we learned the hard way! You connect it at the faucet in an RV Park. I usually have mine set to 50 PSI.This is true, but there is a safer solution - do not use the shore water connection. Many of of use only the on-board water tank as our source, where water will only flow if the water pump is switched on. Much safer to flip the switch off when you leave the rig to avoid potential plumbing disasters.Steve 3 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #14 – July 02, 2020, 10:10:28 am I do have a water pressure regulator. I did allot of reading on this forum and purchased items that you (the forum) found to be useful for troubleshooting and correcting errors. I am sure this is only the beginning. Speaking of fresh water, I also got the tasteless hose, the clear hose to attaches and goes into the filler opening, a water filter that attaches the the hose as well, and I think the water bandit. Thank you so much for looking out for me and my LD. However, I plan utilizing the on board tank after I flush the system with the recommended bleach and vinegar prior to leaving. Have not yet decided if I will fill up the fresh water tank prior to leaving, I know it can affect gas mileage.Where we are going only has water at the dump site and not at the camp site. It is about 45 miles away from home.Seems like some of the most beautiful spots available have only shore power. Went and got a voltage plug in meter and a "dog bone 50-30" (if needed) along with the gas line bubble stuff yesterday.You have to find learning process interesting to be successful at this and I want to be, Thank you again, Kimberley 1 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #15 – July 02, 2020, 10:25:19 am "Have not yet decided if I will fill up the fresh water tank prior to leaving, I know it can affect gas mileage."Many of us here carry a half tank of water assuring that we will have an adequate supply while traveling but also as a hedge on the chance that we may not be able to fill the tank at our destination for what ever reason. Something is better than nothing!Since water weighs 8lb per gallon you can do the math. As to the reduction in gas mileage, if you can even calculate the difference you're a better judge than I. 3 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #16 – July 02, 2020, 12:42:50 pm "there is a safer solution - do not use the shore water connection."Agreed! If you simply draw from the freshwater tank and refill when needed, you avoid a lot of problems: excessive campground water pressure; nasties growing in a hose left out in the sun in hot weather; a hose splitting in freezing weather; nasties growing in your stagnant water tank because you normally use campground water and only use water from the tank once in a blue moon... 3 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #17 – July 02, 2020, 01:30:46 pm Another LD owner who uses the water pump exclusively, it's the safest way to provide water pressure. The city water connection has been capped off for over 15 years.We now always carry a full tank of water, after arriving a couple times to find a campground's water is turned off.Living in SoCal, earthquakes are a constant concern, so the tank is always filled as soon as we get home, can't say I noticed any difference in mileage with or without a full water tank. Even if it made a small difference in mileage, it would still be full of water.Larry 2 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #18 – July 02, 2020, 02:10:05 pm I almost always use the water tank for my fresh water supply. The one time I had a problem was when I did use the city water. I had accidentally left the sink water on. The grey water Tank filled and a small flood resulted. If I had filled the water tank I would have heard the pump running. At home I purge the waterlines and water heater while hooked up to the house to save ware on the pump. I travel with a full, or almost full, tank of water. I live on the east coast so I don’t have to worry about the mountains. The MidBath and the way we travel is well within the RVs weight limit. I notice very little difference in MPG with the full water tank. B ur traveling where there is a lot of stop and starts would change my results. 1 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #19 – July 02, 2020, 02:17:12 pm I can't remember when I last hooked up to city water; the tank water (filtered) is used for showers, dishes, wash bowl, and toilet. Drinking, cooking, and "dog water" is either bottled or filtered through a Berkey. (This system is currently in use in the house; it will go into the LD when I can travel again.) The RV Water Filter Store is an excellent source of information and products: www.rvwaterfilterstore.comAn additional comment: RV park, campground site, potable water fill at a dump station (and other) spigots can be really nasty; using a disinfectant wipe on the faucet handle(s) and spigot connection before hooking up your hose to put fresh water into the tank (or hook up to the city water supply) is a good practice.YMMV, of course. 2 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #20 – July 02, 2020, 03:21:30 pm "...using a disinfectant wipe on the faucet handle(s) and spigot connection before hooking up your hose..."Back in the days when I was still connecting to campsite water I used to carry a small spray bottle of Clorox to sanitize the source. This was after I witnessed a gentleman neighbor utilize his spigot to flush his sewer hose! 1 Likes
Re: first propane usage for LD Reply #21 – July 02, 2020, 04:06:50 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - July 02, 2020, 03:21:30 pmThis was after I witnessed a gentleman neighbor utilize his spigot to flush his sewer hose! Sweet! Nothing better than a little E. coli in your freshwater tank. Keeps your personal weight down.Larry 2 Likes
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