driving with propane tanks open

[Calgary Dave]

I can't seem to find a definitive answer if this is illegal or not in my province, Alberta. I do it all the time, with the only exception when I go onto a Ferry. (they always check the tanks to make sure their off....never a mention as to them having to be off for regular road travel) Does anyone know?

[LEN]

Maybe a call the RCMP, In the US, only off on Ferries and a few tunnels.

LEN

[carlitguy]

I find it hard that it is legal in any jurisdiction in North America to drive with propane tanks on. If you are involved in an accident and propane leaks you have a major issue.
In Alberta the tanks must be off to fuel up, in a building, in a tunnel or on a vessel. Some people turn their tanks off and not actually turn the applicable appliances off. The fridge, stove, water heater, etc continue to spark which is even more dangerous.
I have always vowed if I came upon an accident I would go and verify the tanks are off.
That being said, about 99% (42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot) of the RV's going down the road do have their fridges on propane.
Dean in Canada from Woody's RV in Red Deer Alberta

[SnowbirdInFlight]

<font size="3"><font face="comic sans ms,sand">We've been in our travel trailer for almost 10 years and full-time for the last six years and we've always driven with our propane on to fuel our fridge. We've never had a problem.
</font></font>

[arewethereyet]

We also keep the tank valve open, to keep the fridge going, and if it's cold enough, to keep the furnace going as well. The hot water heater occasionally kicks in as well I believe.

I know that our appliances try to light themselves a few times and then quit trying until the unit is cycled off and on again. I think this eliminates the danger of sparks while fueling, etc., provided the tank itself has been shut off before approaching the pumps. Of course, the right thing to do is to turn off the appliance(s), rather than the gas.

[laknox]

carlitguy - 10/17/2009 9:41 PM

I find it hard that it is legal in any jurisdiction in North America to drive with propane tanks on. If you are involved in an accident and propane leaks you have a major issue.
In Alberta the tanks must be off to fuel up, in a building, in a tunnel or on a vessel. Some people turn their tanks off and not actually turn the applicable appliances off. The fridge, stove, water heater, etc continue to spark which is even more dangerous.
I have always vowed if I came upon an accident I would go and verify the tanks are off.
That being said, about 99% (42.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot) of the RV's going down the road do have their fridges on propane.
Dean in Canada from Woody's RV in Red Deer Alberta

Out of curiosity, how do they handle this on one of the overnight ferries that run from Seattle/Vancouver up to Alaska? My fridge is pretty good, but I don't think it would keep things cold enough for more than about 8-10 hours. Do they provide 110v service? FWIW, we turn off the water heater whenever we're moving, but leave the tanks on for the fridge.

Lyle

[carlitguy]

arewethereyet:
I am totally opposed to the furnace being on when you go down the road.
The air balance to fuel goes right out of whack. The flame burns hotter (more orange) and affects your heat chamber. As a result, you will burn it out quicker. No, I am not saying in a few trips. Here is the problem, it burns from the inside out and you CAN NOT see the damage you are causing. Someday, you will have an issue with carbon monoxide and it is a killer. Make sure you have a good detector and your life insurance paid up.
It is not worth the risk.
If you go down the road with your tanks on and you have an issue or a fire, you will have an issue with your insurance company. Do people drive with their tanks open? Yes. Is it a smart thing to do? Absolutly not from a risk standpoint.
Dean in Canada

[H2H1]

Sir where are you getting your infromation?

[Grandview Trailer Sa]

It is legal to travel with LP tanks open everywhere in the US, except in tunnels that state differently. I only use the Refer. while traveling...common sense tells you to turn the water heater and furnace OFF.

[H2H1]

I agree with all of you, I keep my frig. on propane when on the road all others shut down