Join me in the video below as I discuss some concerns I have during this RV LP safety inspection. In it, we are looking at a 2021 Alliance fifth wheel, and what I found and what I would do differently.
During my inspection, I found the LP lines rubbing on areas of the frame.
Found the LP hoses hanging underneath the skirting.
I found the LP supply line was not crimped that well on connection to the regulator.
In addition to this, wiring in looms that hang on both sides of the unit were draped over the LP tanks and across the compartment door.
We offer these exterior evaluations to help prevent damage and to protect RV owners. My main concerns are safety and preventing a dangerous problem from happening.
Most RVers nowadays travel with propane on to keep the refrigerator cold while traveling. In the event of a line leak or if something hits the hoses, it could cause damage!
What is there to protect RVers in travel? The answer is GasStop! Obviously, the above issues need to be corrected, but for those of you who didn’t know, this gadget is available to help protect you.
Because this is a towable unit that has double cylinders, a GasStop would need to be installed directly onto each cylinder.
GasStop is an emergency 100% shut-off device for bottled and portable gas systems. In the event of a major leak, GasStop will instantly and automatically shut off the flow of gas.
If you’re unsure about the LP gas level or if you suspect any issues with your RV’s gas system, it’s recommended to consult your RV’s owner’s manual, seek assistance from a qualified RV technician, or visit an RV service center for professional help. Remember that LP gas can be hazardous if not handled properly, so safety should always be a priority.
We would also recommend that you have a yearly LP gas inspection and see your owner’s manual for further recommendations. We hope this information helps serve as a reminder and keeps you out traveling safely.
GasStop Products:
- GSUSA1 – GasStop Propane 100% Emergency Shut-Off Safety Device [Class A & Class C]. Click here.
- GSUSA2 – GasStop Propane 100% Emergency Shut-Off Safety Device [Travel Trailers & 5th Wheels]. Click here.
- GasGear by GasStop RV 90 Degree Braided Stainless Steel Propane Pigtail Hose. Click here.
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Thank you,
Dustin
##RVDT2203
You bring up many important points. Looks like this RV owner has some immediate work to do to correct those potentially unsafe LP situations. My last RV was a 1998, 33 foot Southwind class A. It came with 2 flammable gas warning devices, one in front near the gally, and one in back in the bedroom. I felt very comfortable with the mounting of the LP tank. It was a 25 gallon tank, with a pressure gauge. It was also mounted behind the left front wheel and below one of the fresh water tanks. It was mounted horizontally behind one of the basement compartment doors and its surrounding area was completely open behind and below the tank. There was also a compartment light as were in all the compartments. When ever I pulled into an unfamiliar spot, I would open all the compartment doors, turn on all the lights and there was enough light to land a 747. I chose that Southwind after looking at just about everything on the market in 1998. I grew up around every type of RVs out there. My parents owned a 17 foot Aristocrat Land Commander, trailer. I actually worked at the dealership where they bought it. Between my family and friends we had every type of RV option when we were camping. I learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t work relative to class A and C motorhomes, Slide in campers, trailers, and hitches, tents, tent trailers, and tow vehicles. I can say I used all my RV experience when I bought the Southwind. At the time I felt Fleetwood was building the best constructed,best-looking, best floor plans and the highest level of built-in safety features. The one that impressed me the most was the placement and mounting of the LP tank. Oh and the water and electrical hook up points were also very well done. Unfortunately I had to sell it after having it for 10 years. I spent tons of time and money tricking it out to meet my every need and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Some day soon I look forward to doing it all again, but this time l’m leaning towards a mid-sized C class as I don’t need the extra space a class A provides. Having that Southwind was one of the best times of my life. But it must be done right.
Just a little fyi for RV owners out there. Your lp tank whether it’s a portable tank or a dot tank mounted to the frame has an excess flow device built into the valve which shuts the LP off in the event of a broken line, also your LP pigtails have the excess flow device so I guess it’s up to you if you want to add a 3rd device?
Shhh you’re ruining their shameless fear mongering articletisement. LP is so so scary…. Not.
Statistically majority of rv fires is due to electrical fires. But keep that lp fear mongering alive.
I found the Gas Stop has to installed in a horizontal position or it shuts off the gas supply. I don’t have room under my propane tank cover. It’s a waste of money.
RE: Gas Stop – somebody has to convince me the cold weather issue has been fixed.
We winter in south-central Texas and most years there is a week where nighttime temps fall into the 20’s (F) and in 2021 we were at 3F and didn’t get above freezing for a few days. During such cold temps, propane does not vaporize as well and when the furnance kicks in, there is a large demand surge against the available vaporized gas.
At least the Gas Stop units of a couple years ago would often detect this as a gas leak and shut down the propane. There are too many stories of people with sleepless nights making multiple trips outside to restart propane, only to have it fail again. At least until the owner removed it and tossed it into a bay where it does no good, but also does no harm.
I have heard these stories as well, Jim. I’ve opted to just keep my propane system as is – working.