2021 Prime Time RV Tracer Travel Trailers Propane Overview Owners Manual

PROPANE OVERVIEW

Propane is a colorless and odorless gas that, when under pressure, is in a liquefied state. If you smell propane in or around your RV, quickly and carefully perform the procedure listed on the safety labels affixed to your RV or listed below. The propane gas system in your RV supplies fuel for the gas range/oven, water heater, furnace, and refrigerator (while in gas mode). When used and handled properly, this system is safe and economical and provides modern living conveniences wherever you travel. Strictly adhere to all propane warnings printed on propane appliances and devices. Hand tighten the main propane gas system valves only, do not use a wrench or pliers as over tightening may damage the valve seals and cause them to leak. The propane system is comprised of numerous components such as the propane tank, hoses, propane gas regulator, and piping and copper tubing lines to each appliance. As part of your normal maintenance routine (at least once a year), have a qualified propane service technician perform an inspection of your entire propane system, including a system pressure test. When your RV is in storage, it’s recommended that you turn OFF the gas supply to the unit.

MONITORING PROPANE LEVELS

The amount of propane remaining in the propane tank can be monitored by pressing the appropriate monitor buttons on the monitor panel or main multiplex system panel (if equipped).

REFILLING THE PROPANE CONTAINERS

Propane containers (also referred to as LP bottles) are used for the storage and delivery of propane gas. Propane containers are filled by weight, expressed in pounds. For filling, a qualified propane facility is required, and containers must be removed from the RV. New propane containers are filled with an inert gas, which must be carefully purged before filling with propane.

PROPANE REGULATOR

The regulator reduces the pressure of the propane vapor from the pressure in the tank to the pressure required for use at the appliances. The regulator seldom requires service. Always protect it from the elements and extreme temperatures. The regulator has been preset by the manufacturer and adjustment should not be necessary. However, if adjustment is required, do not attempt to adjust it yourself. Adjustment must be made with special equipment and by a qualified propane service technician. Have the regulator checked annually or sooner if you suspect a problem.  A two-stage regulator performs the pressure reducing function as previously described. This is accomplished in two stages. Two regulators are used in the same body to reduce the pressure of the propane in the tanks for use by the appliances in the camper. The two-stage regulator does not have to work as hard since the second stage receives consistent pressure rather than inlet pressure, which varies. The result is a safer and more efficient system and helps to eliminate problems such as freeze-up and pilot outages. Because air is required for proper operation of the regulator, it is very important that the regulator vent be kept free of dirt and debris. For this reason, it is necessary to keep the vent facing downward and the regulator covered to protect it from contamination. A toothbrush can be used to clean the vent if it becomes clogged by foreign matter. During cold weather, it’s important to keep ice from forming in the regulator. Ice can prevent the flow of propane to your appliances. Have your propane supplier add anhydrous methanol when filling your tank for use during cold weather. Regulator freeze-up can occur in any weather if there is moisture in the tank or if the tank has been over-filled. Always use moisture-free propane. If moisture has entered the tank, have the tank purged, or have anhydrous methanol added by an authorized propane supplier.

PROPANE SYSTEM HOSES AND FITTINGS

The propane hose provided with your camper is designed to withstand pressures far exceeding those of the propane system. However, sunlight and ozone contribute to the deterioration of the hose, creating the need for frequent inspection of the hose for wear. The average life of a propane hose is approximately 2 to 3 years. Inspect the hose before each camping season and when having the tank filled. Look for signs of deterioration such as cracks or loss of flexibility. Protect the hose from the direct rays of the sun, if possible, to help slow down the aging process. When the hose is replaced, always replace it with a hose of the same type and rating (check with your dealer). Fittings are used to connect the various hoses and system components to each other. The QCC1 Acme connection at the end of each propane supply hose is the fitting that you will be disconnecting when removing a tank for refilling. It is made of brass, and pipe sealants are not necessary to prevent leaking. It also has a left-handed thread, which means turn it clockwise to remove and counter-clockwise to tighten. If leakage is observed at the QCC1 Acme connection and normal tightening of the fitting does not correct the problem, it will be necessary to replace the entire hose assembly. The QCC1 Acme connection was designed to help restrict the flow of propane in the event of a regulator failure or hose malfunction. Due to the flow restricting device inside of the fitting, it can sometimes restrict the flow of fuel to the various appliances within the RV.

If it appears that propane flow to your appliances has been restricted, the following procedure should be used to help eliminate the problem:

1. Be sure all the appliances have been turned off (including pilot lights if applicable) and that there is no propane flowing into the system.
2. Be sure that the system is free of leaks .
3. Open the propane tank service valve slowly, (DO NOT SNAP IT OPEN). If opened too quickly, due to the sudden pressure fluctuation, the excess flow control valve may mistakenly sense that the system has been damaged and shut off the propane.
4. Wait for at least 15 seconds before lighting any pilot light or appliance.

Following this procedure should create a normal flow of propane by allowing the excess flow control to settle in slowly. On models equipped with optional double tanks and optional automatic changeover, both hoses from the individual propane tanks are connected by a tee, to the regulator. This tee contains a disc check valve that prevents the propane from escaping when an empty tank is disconnected to be refilled.

EXTERIOR PROPANE CONNECTION

Your camper may be equipped with an exterior propane connector. This connector allows for the attachment of a portable barbeque that can use the camper’s propane. This connection is for a ‘low-pressure’ appliance. Regular portable BBQ’s are not designed for low-pressure use. Some portable BBQ’s can be converted to low- pressure by changing the propane valve to a low- pressure valve.

PROPANE WARNINGS

The following warnings are posted throughout your recreational vehicle to provide information on propane safety They have been installed not only because of the requirement to do so, but also as a constant reminder to occupants of the recreational vehicle to exercise proper caution when using or being around propane appliances and equipment. We are listing them here so you may study them and be sure that you and your family understand and follow them.

WARNING

Gas cooking appliances need fresh air for safe operation. Before operating, open vents or windows slightly or turn on exhaust fan prior to using cooking appliances. Gas flames consume oxygen, which should be replaced to ensure proper combustion. Improper use may result in death or serious injury When using this outdoor cooking area the vehicle must be level and stabilized. Do NOT violate manufacturers’ instructions on required clearances for cooking appliances during use. Do NOT store cooking appliances until cool to the touch. Can lead to a fire and explosion and result in death or serious injury This propane piping system is designed for use with propane only. Do NOT connect natural gas to this system. Securely cap inlet when not connected for use. After turning on propane, except after normal container replacement, test propane piping and connections to appliances for leakage with soapy water or bubble solution Do not use products that contain ammonia or chlorine to test for leaks. May lead to a fire or explosion, which could result in death or serious injury

IF YOU SMELL PROPANE:

1.  Extinguish any open flames and all smoking materials.
2.  Shut OFF the propane supply at the container valve(s) or propane supply connection.
3.  Do NOT touch electrical switches.
4.  Open doors and other ventilating openings.
5.  Leave the area until the odor clears.
6.  Have the propane system checked and the leakage source corrected before using again.

Ignition of flammable vapors could lead to a fire or explosion and result in death or serious injury All pilot lights, appliances and their igniters (see operating instructions) shall be turned OFF before refueling of motor fuel tanks and /or propane containers. May cause ignition of flammable vapors, which can lead to a fire or explosion and result in death or serious injury Do NOT attempt to make repairs to the propane system or appliances except for simple maintenance and occasional tightening of a connection. ALWAYS take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for propane problems Do NOT turn on the propane supply if you smell or suspect that there is a leak