Propane Tank
Location
The propane tank is mounted under the van on the driver’s side and behind the rear wheels. The tank is 9.7 gallons / 41 pounds.
To access the propane fill port, there is a box with a cover behind the mud flap. The cover is held closed by a very, very long bolt. Did I mention the bolt is long?
Under the cover is a pressure relief valve, fill port (yellow cap), quick connect, and the propane valve ON/OFF switch. To operate any propane appliances, the switch needs to be ON.
TIP#050: Propane Switches – Our Galleria has three switches, (older models have two) that must all be turned on for the Truma Combi to operate on propane. The first is located outside, beneath a LP cover door near the propane tank. It gets shut off when anyone is filling the tank. Our second propane switch is located inside, on the 12-volt electrical control panel. (Older models don’t have the switch in the control panel.) A third small switch is located on the top of the Truma. If the heat isn’t working, check this switch since sometimes things fall out of the back of the drawers and target that switch.
Valve
Turning all the switches to ON opens a solenoid valve for the flow of propane. In the ON (open) position, the valve has a parasitic power draw of 1.0-1.5 amps from the 12 VDC house circuit. Many highway tunnels require the propane switch to be off. It is probably a good idea to drive with the switch OFF in case of an accident. A blown rear tire can whip around ripping out the propane lines.
Regulator
A two stage pressure regulator lowers the tank pressure from between 100 and 200 psi (pounds per square inch) depending on temperature down to 6 ounces (10.5 inches water column). Regulators have a vent hole that needs to be kept clean. The hole usually faces down. In cold weather tank pressure will drop, it is possible for the regulator to freeze and become inoperative. High altitudes will also have a negative affect the operation of propane appliances. Regulators usually last 10-15 years before needing to be replaced.
Filling
When filling the tank, turn the vehicle engine off and all electrical appliances. Let he service attendant know of the tank capacity and how much is already in there, so they have some idea of how much to put in. The attendant will turn the propane switch to OFF when filling the tank. All people and pets must be out of the vehicle. It is a good idea to pull well away from the station before powering up any appliances and get some distance from anyone else fueling.
TIP#052: Propane Pressure – The ambient temperature affects the propane tank pressure. The normal tank pressure is between 100-200 psi to ensure the liquid propane stays liquid. At 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the pressure is around 128 psi. If the temperature drops to 50 degrees, the pressure drops to around 78 psi. At a temperature of around zero, the tank pressure will be around 24 psi. Another factor is altitude. Higher altitude means less oxygen for combustion, and propane electric generators may not start.
Quick Connect
A quick connect fitting can be used to connect propane appliances like cooking grill, fire pit, and even electric generators to the RV tank. DOZYANT Propane Quick Connect Fitting Adapter
TIP#024: Quick Connect – Inside our propane fill box is a quick-connect fitting that you can plug in a hose and run a grill, fire pit, outdoor heater, etc. Our RV has two switches that both have to be switched ON.
NOTE: If your propane appliance normally attaches to a tank with a regulator to reduce the tank pressure, you will need to remove the regulator since this is already a low-pressure connection. More than likely, you will have to assemble a collection of adapters or build a custom hose to attach to the appliance.
Parts: DOZYANT Propane Quick Connect Fitting Adapter
12 FT Propane Quick Connect Hose for RV to Gas Grill
Propane gas leak detector
Propane is heavier than air and propane gas leak detectors should be mounted between 4-10 inches above the floor. Before heading off on a trip, all detectors should be tested for proper operation. It is also a good opportunity to shake your fire extinguisher so the powder isn’t packed solid from road vibration.
TIP#171: Propane System Troubleshooting –
- WARNING! – If you smell propane, get everyone and pets out of the RV and turn off the switch at the tank. Open the doors to air out the van.
- As mentioned in tip#050, if the Truma heater isn’t coming on, the first step is to verify all three switches are in the ON position.
- RV Power Switch – (error 255) The 12 volt RV power also needs to be ON to supply 12 volts to the Truma (“USE” switch, not “store”). Error 024 or 044 would indicate low voltage.
- Electric Heat – To operate the heater in electric mode, or mixed mode, the RV must be connected to shore power or be on generator.
- Error Code – Does the Truma control panel display an error code 202, 212 or 221? That indicated it is not getting propane.
- Error Code – 018, 122, or 212 indicates a vent is blocked. Check the outside intake/exhaust vent for insects like mud dauber wasps. Check that the inside vents are not blocked.
- Is there propane in the tank?
- Is the exterior temperature above freezing?
- If the RV has been sitting for an extended period of time without using any propane, it may have some air in the line. Try starting the Truma 6-8 times to work the air out.
- Bad Exterior Switch – A number of people have had to replace the exterior tank switch. It is in a dirty environment and has been known to get corroded. Test the switch by shorting the terminals and listening for clicking in the tank valve. You can also test the switch with a volt-ohm meter.
- Bad Valve – If you do not hear clicking in the valve when operating the switch, it could be a bad valve. (I haven’t heard of any problems with the valve.)
- Interior Switch – We had some wiring in the interior cabinet that was so short, it pulled off the switch.
- Faulty Relay – There is a power relay in the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. When operating the propane switch in the cabinet, you should hear the relay clicking.
- Pressure Regulator – Check the pressure regulator for dirt (or ice). There is a tiny vent hole that may be blocked by dirt or ice. Another possibility is that the regulator has gone bad. They have a flexible rubber diaphragm that can go bad after many years of use. The rubber can also get stiff in very cold temperatures.
- Road Debris – Check the wiring and propane lines under the RV to see if any road debris could have caused some damage.
- NOTE – NEW OWNERS – If the water heater is working but you only get warm water instead of hot, your Truma bypass valve may be open. RVs are delivered in winterized configuration, and dealerships don’t do much to prep them for delivery. (They still charge a big delivery fee but do nothing.)
========================================================
Link to beginner page discussing propane: Propane Tanks
========================================================