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turning off propane while traveling [message #71071] Sun, 17 January 2010 18:55 Go to next message
jayrabe is currently offline  jayrabe   United States
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Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
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Senior Member
Hi all,

What's the conventional wisdom about turning off the main propane valve while driving? Short distance, long distance? I assume I'd be turning off the furnace power and the refrigerator, but the stove doesn't have a pilot, so it seems like it wouldn't be a problem. Just curious.

J "still learning" Rabe
76 Palm Beach
Portland, OR
Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71073 is a reply to message #71071] Sun, 17 January 2010 19:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
John Wright is currently offline  John Wright   United States
Messages: 118
Registered: September 2008
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Senior Member
I do not or have I ever shut my propane when going down the road. I use to
run the frig when not plugged into shore power.

J.R. Wright

On Sun, Jan 17, 2010 at 7:55 PM, Jay Rabe <jayrabe@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Hi all,
>
> What's the conventional wisdom about turning off the main propane valve
> while driving? Short distance, long distance? I assume I'd be turning off
> the furnace power and the refrigerator, but the stove doesn't have a pilot,
> so it seems like it wouldn't be a problem. Just curious.
>
> J "still learning" Rabe
> 76 Palm Beach
> Portland, OR
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



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On Location at Florida Space Coast
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Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71075 is a reply to message #71073] Sun, 17 January 2010 19:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Terry Skinner is currently offline  Terry Skinner   United States
Messages: 379
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Me too.......Only time it is required to turn off the propane is on
the Washington State ferries and when filling the
tank.............Terry

On Sun, Jan 17, 2010 at 5:01 PM, John Wright <powwerjon@gmail.com> wrote:
> I do not or have I ever shut my propane when going down the road.  I use to
> run the frig when not plugged into shore power.
>
> J.R. Wright
>
> On Sun, Jan 17, 2010 at 7:55 PM, Jay Rabe <jayrabe@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> What's the conventional wisdom about turning off the main propane valve
>> while driving? Short distance, long distance? I assume I'd be turning off
>> the furnace power and the refrigerator, but the stove doesn't have a pilot,
>> so it seems like it wouldn't be a problem. Just curious.
>>
>> J "still learning" Rabe
>> 76 Palm Beach
>> Portland, OR
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> List Information and Subscription Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> J.R. Wright
> On Location at Florida Space Coast
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Terry Skinner
253-686-2624
Roy. Washington
'76 GMC
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Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71077 is a reply to message #71071] Sun, 17 January 2010 19:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Probably not the smartest thing I've done but while filling up at
Costco I felt a puff of warm air. The furnace was on and instead of
shutting it down I warmed myself till the tanks were full.

I don't shut down the tank but I do turn the furnace and fridge off
when stored.

JWID

Larry Davick
The Mystery Machine

Ljdavick at comcast.net

On Jan 17, 2010, at 4:55 PM, Jay Rabe <jayrabe@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Hi all,
>
> What's the conventional wisdom about turning off the main propane
> valve while driving? Short distance, long distance? I assume I'd be
> turning off the furnace power and the refrigerator, but the stove
> doesn't have a pilot, so it seems like it wouldn't be a problem.
> Just curious.
>
> J "still learning" Rabe
> 76 Palm Beach
> Portland, OR
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71079 is a reply to message #71077] Sun, 17 January 2010 19:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
k2gkk is currently offline  k2gkk   United States
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
Senior Member

I normally travel with my fridge on, but
I don't have a GMC coach, but am towing a
30' travel trailer with a Ford Diesel p/u.
I don't normally have to fuel up during a
trip and the Diesel fuel is not very subject
to ignition, anyway.

Many, if not most, people even keep a Diesel
engine running while refueling!

I don't think I'd travel with the furnace on,
though.

I'd likely have a different outlook w/ gasoline
and I'd CERTAINLY kill any open flame device
while filling up with gasoline as well as turning
off the engine.

D C "Mac" Macdonald
OKlahoma City, OK



____________________________
> From: ljdavick@comcast.net
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:44:38 -0800
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling
>
> Probably not the smartest thing I've done but while filling up at
> Costco I felt a puff of warm air. The furnace was on and instead of
> shutting it down I warmed myself till the tanks were full.
>
> I don't shut down the tank but I do turn the furnace and fridge off
> when stored.
>
> JWID
>
> Larry Davick
> The Mystery Machine
>
> Ljdavick at comcast.net
>
> On Jan 17, 2010, at 4:55 PM, Jay Rabe <jayrabe@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> What's the conventional wisdom about turning off the main propane
>> valve while driving? Short distance, long distance? I assume I'd be
>> turning off the furnace power and the refrigerator, but the stove
>> doesn't have a pilot, so it seems like it wouldn't be a problem.
>> Just curious.
>>
>> J "still learning" Rabe
>> 76 Palm Beach
>> Portland, OR
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Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71080 is a reply to message #71071] Sun, 17 January 2010 20:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
G'day,

Page 5 of the 1977 GMC Operating Manual states:

DRIVER CHECK LIST

BEFORE ENTERING VEHICLE

4. Turn off LP gas valve on LP tank (see CAUTION under "LF Gas System" in
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE section).

BEFORE DRIVING OFF

8. Be sure all LP gas controls on furnace, range/oven and gas/electrical
refrigerator (if so equipped) are turned off.

Despite these instructions I leave the gas on to run the fridge when we are
underway.

I don't turn off the LP gas at the tank nor do I turn off the fridge when
fueling. HOWEVER, I have an Avion and the fridge is on the opposite side of
the coach from the gasoline fill.

Has anyone ever heard of a GMC catching on fire due to the LP on while under
way or during refueling?

Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Jay Rabe
Sent: Monday, 18 January 2010 11:56 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling

Hi all,

What's the conventional wisdom about turning off the main propane valve
while driving? Short distance, long distance? I assume I'd be turning off
the furnace power and the refrigerator, but the stove doesn't have a pilot,
so it seems like it wouldn't be a problem. Just curious.

J "still learning" Rabe
76 Palm Beach
Portland, OR
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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71084 is a reply to message #71080] Sun, 17 January 2010 21:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry C   United States
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Has anyone ever heard of a GMC catching on fire due to the LP on while under way or during refueling?
____________________________________________________________

All the RV manuals will tell you to shut off the LP gas valve before traveling and before refueling.

The thought behind this is if you are in a car accident, you may develope a gas leak and start a fire or explosion.

The Fuel station is just common sense.

I have read many times here where owners will drive with the gas on " with no problems ". Thats not the condition that will cause a problem. Its one of those " If this happens " conditions that you have to watch out for.

There are tunnels that won't allow you in with the gas valve open and some won't allow gas LP at all in the tunnels.

I bought the 3 way Norcold so I could run on 12v while traveling just to keep a little bit safer.

Though I will admit that there was a time, when it was 30 degrees outside and the GMC has such STELLAR HEATING SYSTEM ANYWAY, that I used the furnace to keep warm. I have since added a rear radiator using hot water from the motor.

This question comes up now and then and if you follow the safety recommendations, it should be closed when traveling and when fueling.

But Those recommendations are just that.

Do what you may dare....

LarC ( Trying to keep warm as the cold front goes through )




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Re: turning off propane while traveling [message #71095 is a reply to message #71071] Mon, 18 January 2010 05:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Galbavy is currently offline  Jim Galbavy   United States
Messages: 1443
Registered: August 2007
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Senior Member
While underway I leave the LP on to keep to keep the refrigerator/freezer working. Some think a 3 way refrigerator is safer, but a friend's caught fire on the 12 volt circuit while we were headed home from a rally. If you are in a crash / fire your LP tank could blow up even if the valve is closed. I guess we could all do like the OSHA Cowboy. If you have no flammables to catch fire and leave your GMC out in a field by itself, you MIGHT be safe.

jim galbavy
'73 X-CL (ANNIE)
heading home
Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71099 is a reply to message #71071] Mon, 18 January 2010 05:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Steven Ferguson is currently offline  Steven Ferguson   United States
Messages: 3447
Registered: May 2006
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Senior Member
Jay,
The only time I shut off the propane is when I'm refilling the propane tank.

On Sun, Jan 17, 2010 at 5:55 PM, Jay Rabe <jayrabe@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> What's the conventional wisdom about turning off the main propane valve while driving? Short distance, long distance? I assume I'd be turning off the furnace power and the refrigerator, but the stove doesn't have a pilot, so it seems like it wouldn't be a problem. Just curious.
>
> J "still learning" Rabe
> 76 Palm Beach
> Portland, OR
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Steve Ferguson
'76 EII
Sierra Vista, AZ
Urethane bushing source
www.bdub.net/ferguson/
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Re: turning off propane while traveling [message #71100 is a reply to message #71095] Mon, 18 January 2010 06:00 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
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Senior Member
Jim Galbavy wrote on Mon, 18 January 2010 03:17

... and leave your GMC out in a field by itself, ...


Out standing in it's field.
-
--
---
---- Sorry, couldn't help myself.


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: turning off propane while traveling [message #71102 is a reply to message #71071] Mon, 18 January 2010 07:52 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Rusty is currently offline  Rusty   United States
Messages: 197
Registered: October 2005
Location: Philadelphia Pa
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Senior Member
I suppose running with propane left on is about as dangerous as using HC-12 refrigerants and just as illegal. I had about a millisecond of concern at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel entrance last August when they asked if I had my propane turned off.

Rusty
75 Glenbrook
Philadelphia Pa
Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71150 is a reply to message #71102] Mon, 18 January 2010 20:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
I run with the gas on, but shut off at gas stations as there can be a
strong spill close by and the vapor can rise up to the level of my
flame on my refrigerator.
My coach is a Royal model and the refrigerator is lot lower than the
standard models.
The LPG system has a valve that will sense a sudden flow and will shut
it off automatically.
That was told to me by some person.
You need to be alert when your running the refer with LPG.

On Mon, Jan 18, 2010 at 5:52 AM, Rusty <gmc@bauerlein.com> wrote:
>
>
> I suppose running with propane left on is about as dangerous as using HC-12 refrigerants and just as illegal. I had about a millisecond of concern at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel entrance last August when they asked if I had my propane turned off.
> --
> Rusty
> 75 Glenbrook
> Philadelphia Pa
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Re: turning off propane while traveling [message #71163 is a reply to message #71100] Mon, 18 January 2010 21:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Jim Galbavy is currently offline  Jim Galbavy   United States
Messages: 1443
Registered: August 2007
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Senior Member
Mike,

I have to agree with you on the "outstanding in it's field" after our trip to Florida. Pulled in at home this morning with ANNIE after a great smooth ride. Local / County / State Mounties were everywhere along I-95 handing out tickets to the policemen's ball. We hooked up with some semi's and just buggied on down the road. We even took our turn leading the train. It really helps to make the time and miles melt away. Oh well, we dumped and flushed the black tank and winterized the water system this afternoon. Will pull ANNIE into her space for a nap tomorrow.

jim galbavy
'73 X-CL (ANNIE)
home in Chesterfield, Va
Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71167 is a reply to message #71163] Mon, 18 January 2010 22:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
UziYaH is currently offline  UziYaH   United States
Messages: 282
Registered: July 2007
Location: 10-O-C
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Hey Cuz, ...do ya get to talk to the truckers at all on the CB?  Tell them you are related to 'Papa Smurf' an' they might buy you a cup of coffee, ...or.... Watch out for 'Cowboy, 'Cotton' and 'Grasshopper'. They could be 'hostile witnesses'. : ) I didn't do it!  'Covered Wagon' owns two GMC motorhomes and is a member of the GMCDixielander's.
 
Glad you're home OK. Happy trails,
 
Howard Nylander - KFU4864
Royale Class of '78' - 'Rocinante,
Greeneville, Tn.


--- On Mon, 1/18/10, Jim Galbavy <j.galbavy@att.net> wrote:


From: Jim Galbavy <j.galbavy@att.net>
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Date: Monday, January 18, 2010, 10:32 PM




Mike,

I have to agree with you on the "outstanding in it's field" after our trip to Florida.  Pulled in at home this morning with ANNIE after a great smooth ride.  Local / County / State Mounties were everywhere along I-95 handing out tickets to the policemen's ball.  We hooked up with some semi's and just buggied on down the road.  We even took our turn leading the train. It really helps to make the time and miles melt away. Oh well, we dumped and flushed the black tank and winterized the water system this afternoon.  Will pull ANNIE into her space for a nap tomorrow.

jim galbavy
'73 X-CL (ANNIE)
home in Chesterfield, Va

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Howard Nylander
Royale Class of "78" "Rocinate"
E-10-o-C
Re: [GMCnet] turning off propane while traveling [message #71191 is a reply to message #71167] Tue, 19 January 2010 10:39 Go to previous message
Jim Galbavy is currently offline  Jim Galbavy   United States
Messages: 1443
Registered: August 2007
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Senior Member
Hey Howie,

We did get to talk on the CB. Started off just listening for road conditions, speed traps and the like. Then just letting a trucker know when he had cleared us. After a while when they knew I wasn't going to run them into a ditch we started talking back and forth, with them at first referring to us as "little Buddie". After I told them that her name was ANNIE that's who we were and our call sign was ANNIE after that.

Neat bunch a folks, but I'm afraid that driving long haul for a living would grind me into the ground. With the motorhome I don't have to be anywhere at a particular time for a delivery.

Is supposed to be about 50*F this afternoon so I'll try to give ANNIE a wash before we put her to bed.

jim galbavy
'73 X-CL (ANNIE)
Chesterfield, Va
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