Your RV propane system is something that you quite likely take for granted, and that’s a good thing because it probably means everything is working as it should! The RV industry has done much to ensure high standards in the area of propane safety, and you should be certain to take advantage of everything that is available to you as the consumer; as they say, one propane explosion can ruin your entire day. In this article, we will touch briefly on three areas of propane safety. If you have specific questions, stop into your RV dealer to make use of their expertise.

Did you know that every time a used RV is sold it has to have its propane system certified to ensure that there are no leaks? Many consumers buying a used RV are unaware of this regulation, and consequently do not take advantage of a service that is available through many RV shops. The onus is on the seller to have this test done, so if you are purchasing an RV be sure to see the paperwork. This regulation is in place to protect people from any unprofessional work that may have been done to the system. Regardless of how handy you are, leave the propane system to the pros; and if you are selling your RV, get the unit certified to prove that you did!

Once your system has been given a clean bill of health, make sure that the Propane Leak Detector is in place and functioning as it should. Test it periodically as you would the smoke alarm in your home. If you sense that something is wrong, stop by your favourite RV parts store to replace the detector. Propane detectors come in several models, so if you are looking for an exact match to fill a hole, you may want to take your old one with you. If you have an out-of-date model that is no longer available, be sure to replace it anyway, even if it looks cosmetically different from the original. It will give you peace of mind to know that everything is in place and working properly.

Finally, take a good look at the many ways you are using propane in your RV: your fridge, stove, furnace, barbeque and lanterns may all operate on propane. Have you made every effort to set up these appliances properly by installing hoses of the proper length? A hose that is too short may have undue stress placed on it if you stretch it to reach more than a reasonable distance, while one that is too long may be awkward and cause a tripping hazard. Be smart and use a length of hose that makes sense for your situation. While you are in the propane department, check out the many accessories that help you make the most of your propane system.

The RV industry is constantly coming up with new and innovative ways to make your RVing experience safer and more enjoyable. If you have any questions about RVing or the RV industry, please e-mail me at katrinaboguski@telus.net.

Remember, you drive our industry – literally!