What Camper Propane Tank Sizes Are There?

Superior Propane has fuel for your RV appliances and systems.

What amazing plans do you have for the summer? Many of the Northern Arizona families that Superior Propane serves are getting ready for some exciting adventures in national parks, campgrounds and other fund outdoor destinations. At the center of these plans is that convenient, reliable “home away from home” — a camper.

If you’re getting ready to load family and friends into an RV and hit the American roadways, there are some provisions you need to take care of for a smooth journey. One of these necessities is propane.

Why does a camper need propane?

Propane is the go-to energy source for many of your camper’s appliances and systems, including the following:

• Space heating
• Hot water generation
• Stove and cooktop
• Refrigerator
• Grill

Because propane can be compressed for safe transportation as a liquid, it is a useful fuel in recreational vehicles.

What types of RV propane tanks are there?

The type and size of propane tank you use will depend on the kind of RV or camper you have and the propane storage it accommodates.

Larger RVs — like motorhomes — will have an ASME propane tank. ASME stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which sets engineering standards for these tanks. The defining characteristic of an ASME tank is that it is non-removable. These tanks are generally mounted on the outside of the vehicle. (The stationary tanks we install for homes and businesses are ASME tanks, too.)

An ASME tank for an RV might range in size from 20 to 100 pounds. When you need to refill such a tank on your RV or camper, you will need to go to a propane refill station that accommodates vehicles.

Most smaller campers use removable portable propane cylinders called DOT cylinders. DOT stands for Department of Transportation. You can detach these cylinders from your camper to replace or refill them, which gives you greater flexibility when you need more fuel.

Typical sizes for a camper’s DOT propane tank would be 20 pounds (the same size as a propane grill tank), 33 pounds and 40 pounds.

Safety Tips for your Camper’s Propane

Here are some general tips to stay safe on the road with your camper’s propane tanks:

• Keep an eye out for corrosion, damage and wear on your tanks. If you suspect there’s an issue, have a professional inspect them right away.
• Look for kinks, abrasions and frays in your propane hosing.
• Only transport propane tanks and cylinders as your camper’s manufacturer instructs. Never transport a propane cylinder or tank inside the camper.
• Have your camper’s propane tanks and system inspected for safety once a year.
• Your camper needs to have working propane, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. You should also have at least one fire extinguisher (Class 5-B:C for trailers; Class 10-B:C for motor homes). If you need to replace a detector, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a model that is approved for use in RVs.
• Turn off your propane supply when you are driving.
• Shut off all propane supply valves, gas appliances, ignitors and pilots when you refill a camper’s tank.
• Never smoke near your propane supply.
• If you smell gas or one of your detectors goes off, immediately vacate the camper. Extinguish all sources of ignition. If possible, close the propane supply valve. Once you are clear of the affected area, call 911.

Need to find a propane refill station near Jerome or elsewhere in our Northern Arizona service area? Contact Superior Propane today.