Propane cylinder and RV questions

Weigh it. The collar is stamped TW, the tare or empty weight; subtract that from what the cylinder weighs on a bathroom or luggage scale, and the difference is the pounds of propane inside. A PERC training guide uses the example of a cylinder with an 18-pound tare that holds 20 pounds of propane, so it weighs about 38 pounds when full.

WC is water capacity, the weight of water the cylinder can hold, which the filler converts to the pounds of propane it may take; PERC's example is 47.8 pounds of water capacity for 20 pounds of propane. TW is the empty weight of the cylinder with its valve. The collar also carries a manufacture or requalification date, which decides whether it can be filled.

The number is roughly how many pounds of propane the cylinder holds when properly filled. Grills usually take the 20-pound size, while travel trailers often carry 30 or 40 pound cylinders, many with two on the tongue. The WC and TW stamps give the exact figures for yours.

No. Those are DOT specification 39 cylinders, which federal rules (49 CFR 178.65) define as non-reusable, and they carry a printed warning with penalties for refilling. If you camp often, ask a camping retailer about equipment built to run from a refillable cylinder, and use it only as the maker directs.

Dealers do it both ways; a PERC training guide notes that some companies charge by the gallon and others by the cylinder. Call the office at (530) 888-7438 for the current refill price before you drive over.

Probably not as it is. Portable cylinders from 4 to 40 pounds need an overfill prevention device, and PERC's cylinder guide says most OPD valves have a triangular handwheel marked OPD. Bring the cylinder in and we will check it and tell you whether it can be filled or needs a new valve or replacement.

In a closed car, SUV or van, the U.S. limits that PERC summarizes are four 20-pound cylinders at most, nothing bigger than 45 pounds, and 90 pounds of propane in total. Stand them upright, wedge or strap them so they cannot roll, keep them out of the passenger area when you can, and unload them as soon as you arrive.

Outside, standing upright, and not underneath or next to the grill. PERC's guide says a spare that is not hooked up should be kept away from propane appliances and other heat, because heat builds pressure until the relief valve lets propane out.

That is normal. The liquid inside boils into gas as it feeds the burner, and that cools the cylinder even while the grill heats up, so on a long cook moisture can frost on the outside. The same cooling is why liquid propane on bare skin can cause frostbite.

Each time you connect a cylinder, and before the first use every season. Brush leak-detector solution or thick soapy water over the valve and fitting, open the valve slowly and watch for bubbles; if tightening the fitting does not stop them, close the valve and call your propane retailer.

Put out any flames and do not smoke or vape nearby. If there is no fire or visible cloud at the cylinder, close its valve by turning it clockwise, then move away and call 911 or the fire department, as PERC's cylinder guide directs. Have the cylinder and grill inspected by a qualified professional before you use them again.

Never put it in the trash. PERC's cylinder guide says to look for a local cylinder disposal program or ask your propane retailer for guidance, and never to use a cylinder that is damaged or has been through a fire. Call the office and we will point you in the right direction.