Locks on propane compartments

[OKI Marine]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

Fire response would not know about it either = to a lock, no?

Not if it is latched when it is at the storage lot. Have you ever had to replace 2 - 30 lb propane tanks that someone stole from your camper? They're not cheap

[Ford Idaho]

My FW is parked next to the house the tanks wintered in the back yard this year wrapped in a tarp.

If you think a 30 pound tank is spendy look at what an 11 pounder costs....

[B and B]

I just moved my trailer today to our HOA lot. I never had locks on my propane. Going to put a couple cable locks on the cylinders to deter theft.

[18CrewDually]

The tank valves need to be accessible to turn them off in case there is an emergency such as leak or risk of fire in or around the r/v to help eliminate a threat of explosion. If you're worried about theft, use a bicycle lock through the handle of the bottle. Putting a lock on the cabinet is more inviting to a crook and they make it a mission to get in that compartment after seeing it. Coming back to a door ripped to pieces because there was a lock for the thief to overcome would suck.

[mcnabbwr]

Propane tanks and the shut off valves for them must be in an unlocked compartment or accessible at all times. That is why all RVs with chassis mount tanks have them in an unlocked compartment or at least the shut off valve is accessible without a key. And RV's with 20 or 30 lb propane bottles must be in an unlockable compartment. Tongue mounted propane bottles must also have easy access to the shut out valves. As stated earlier this is due to the need for emergency access and is also regulated by the DOT.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by mcnabbwr

Propane tanks and the shut off valves for them must be in an unlocked compartment or accessible at all times. That is why all RVs with chassis mount tanks have them in an unlocked compartment or at least the shut off valve is accessible without a key. And RV's with 20 or 30 lb propane bottles must be in an unlockable compartment. Tongue mounted propane bottles must also have easy access to the shut out valves. As stated earlier this is due to the need for emergency access and is also regulated by the DOT.

And that is one reason why manufacturers deliver rigs configured the way they are. Commercial enterprises must also comply with whatever regulations are set forth. However; private owners can basically do modifications/changes to whatever system they want. Don't want an airbag in the steering wheel; pull it out. Anything that is not an inspection item for ones state inspections is subject to whatever the individual wants to change. These modifications/changes might not be the smart move but there is nothing to prevent he/she from doing it. When was the last time a federal entity took a look at your rig (under your ownership) to check for regulation compliance? No authority what so ever.

[doc73]

Very valid point.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

[Papa-t]

Never heard of a Fire Inspector checking campers. Just put a lock on it.

[mcnabbwr]

It doesn't really matter who does or doesn't have authority to inspect anything. It's just a simple matter of safety, if you want to lock it do so. I just hope you can find the key in case of an emergency or a simple leak in the middle of the night.

[W5CI]

Simple thing to do is just remove them, or park your TT in your drive way at home

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

Take the tanks out and store them at home, some states may have a law against locks on the Propane storage doors in the event of a fire.

I Always wondered why the tank compartments never have locks on them. It just seemed stupid to me, but this makes perfect sense. Now I understand. Thank you.

Bruce

[shughey00]

I put locks on mine as people were stealing tanks. However it is never locked until storage when the tanks are empty..the valves are closed and the tanks are disconnected from the regulator.

I'm not removing the tanks because I would have to store them in a storage unit which is locked so thats even worse.

There would be no reason to lock the compartment normally....I just do it in storage but again I have empty or mostly empty tanks...disconnected and shut off.

I am not worried....because I am not stupid.

I don't need a sticker on my hair dryer to tell me not to use it in the shower.....

[Herk7769]

Remember also that RV propane tanks must be re-certified at the 12 year from manufacture point, and every 5 years thereafter.

[KingFisher]

Originally Posted by B and B

I just moved my trailer today to our HOA lot. I never had locks on my propane. Going to put a couple cable locks on the cylinders to deter theft.

Is this legal? I ask because of all the other posts talking about illegality. I sometimes have extra tanks when working out of town so I don't have to get propane so often in cold weather, and have always cabled and locked them to the trailer tongue.

This thread also answers my question as to why the propane compartments on my windjammer don't have locks on them, I wondered about why that was.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by bubbles

And that is one reason why manufacturers deliver rigs configured the way they are. Commercial enterprises must also comply with whatever regulations are set forth. However; private owners can basically do modifications/changes to whatever system they want. Don't want an airbag in the steering wheel; pull it out. Anything that is not an inspection item for ones state inspections is subject to whatever the individual wants to change. These modifications/changes might not be the smart move but there is nothing to prevent he/she from doing it. When was the last time a federal entity took a look at your rig (under your ownership) to check for regulation compliance? No authority what so ever.

Before you enter a Tunnel in the State of Virginia, Don't want to comply there will be a State Trooper at the other end pulling you over and handing you one large $$$$ ticket.

[KingFisher]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

Remember also that RV propane tanks must be re-certified at the 12 year from manufacture point, and every 5 years thereafter.

I had a 20 pounder that they refused to fill last time I got propane. I took all the trailer tanks and also the home propane grill tanks to fill. It was an old propane grill tank.

They kept it and gave me a new one for another $8. Seemed like a good deal, maybe I got screwed, I really don't know.

[Ford Idaho]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

Before you enter a Tunnel in the State of Virginia, Don't want to comply there will be a State Trooper at the other end pulling you over and handing you one large $$$$ ticket.

Do they physically check that the tanks are off?

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by gljurczyk

Before you enter a Tunnel in the State of Virginia, Don't want to comply there will be a State Trooper at the other end pulling you over and handing you one large $$$$ ticket.

I did say "federal entity". State and local restrictions and enforcement of those restrictions are quite another issue and are not necessarily consistent across city/county and state lines. I also did say the mod/change may not be the smart move.

[BandJCarm]

So........does a compartment that has a lock on it, but which is unlocked during travel, pass the legal issue?

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by Herk7769

Remember also that RV propane tanks must be re-certified at the 12 year from manufacture point, and every 5 years thereafter.

"RV" needs to be defined. Factory installed motorhome tanks, (mounted on its side) I believe, are not subject to this requirement. Could be wrong but when the requirement for the new type valve was issued my motorhome was not subject to compliance. I think ASTM verses DOT came into play.