Propane Locker supposed to be airtight?

[VicR]

Is the propane locker supposed to be airtight? I check my bottle by pouring hot water on one of those heat sensitive strips, but there is no drain in the locker so I have to use a rag to clean up the water. Before I drill a hold for a drain hose to outside, is the locker supposed to be airtight? It has an ineffictive rubber seal around the door that I'll have to replace if it is supposed to be.



Thanks,



-Vic

 

[Larry Willard]

Mine is open in the bottom, so I would say it doesn't need to be airtight unless the rules changed since mine was built in '98.

Larry

 

[LarryB]

No it should not be airtight. It should be vented to the outside.

 

[Turbo Horseman]

Airtight is a scary thought if you have a leaky tank, open the cover and cause a spark... blam!

 

[klenger]

Mine is open on the bottom too. Only seems right.

 

[LandShark]

Propane is heavier than air. Propane compartments should be vented near the bottom.



The door for the propane compartment on my slide-in is vented (to the outside). The rest of the compartment is air tight to keep fumes from getting into the camper

 

[MojaveJoe]

Must be airtight to inside!

Must be airtight to inside!



LPG is heavier than air and settles to the lowest point. For this reason the RV codes require no openings into the structure's living or storage spaces where it might accumulate and ignite from an unexpected source of heat or spark. Your LPG compartment must be open only to the outside. (Note above posts stating the bottom is open) Be it vented in the door or the floor, make sure there is no place for leaking LPG to collect.

(Don't take chances with LPG, it can be deadly. )



Just some advice from a former RV inspector.

Regards,

Joe

 

[VicR]

That makes sense now that I think about it. If I did ever get a leak, I would want the gas to drain out of the locker as well. Next weekends project will be to fashion a drain/ vent.



As always, the TDR is a great resource. Thanks to those that responded.



-Vic

 

[clem]

You did not say what kind of rig you have . When you make your drain and vent make sure every thing goes out side direct. It can get real hot in your state,gas pressure builds in a bottle and will vent when they over heat. Safe travels

 

[Ron Bissett]

vent.?

My 95 American star has the bottom of the compartment open to air and a 1/4 screen called hard ware cloth ,to keep animals or bugs out and let blow off gas out . Make any vents big in all four corners or like mine hole bottom is open with screen . when bottles vent it forms a large cloud the faster you can vent this cloud the better . P. S Don't Smoke bad for your health. LOL Ron in Louisville KY :-{}