You feel like a walking icicle. Even with your camping gear on, your cheeks are flush, your toes are numb, and your breath seems to freeze like a science experiment–as soon as it hits the winter air. Wondering how much longer you can survive the brutal weather, you light your Coleman lantern, to guide you along the trail. Just when you feel as though you will be stranded in the wilderness forever…you spot the entrance to the campground. After using one of your Badge Holders to flash you ID to the guard, you head towards your RV, wishing that you had a Coleman propane heater inside.
Propane is a colorless gas that is located in both natural gas and petroleum. It has become a popular fuel for various types of camping gear, including camping lanterns, camping stoves, and camping heaters. But while petroleum products are instrumental in the modern world, they have actually been used for over 5,000 years. Ancient people in Mesopotamia first used petroleum compounds for products such as adhesives and caulking.
While propane is as practical as Clear Vinyl Badge Holders, it should be handled properly like other fuels. Here are some guidelines that will keep propane a safe, effective fuel for your camping gear:
1. Cylinder safety. Never use or move propane containers that have become damaged, are leaking, have corrosion, or have been in contact with fire. Also, never use or store liquid fuels or propane cylinders in your RV’s living or passenger sections.
2. The ins and outs of air. When using a propane stove, open a window or vent. This will take out particles of combustion and moisture that could have carbon monoxide in them.
3 Reminders for refueling. When you stop the RV for refueling, verify that all ignition sources have been turned off or put out. That includes engines and pilot lights. In addition, everyone in the RV should exit and stay outdoors, until the refueling is complete.
4 Read the signs of monoxide poisoning. Several medical signs of monoxide poisoning exist, such as nausea, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, headaches, etc. When such signs appear, order everyone to exit the RV, and seek immediate medical treatment.
5 Inspector Gadget. A certified technician should inspect your propane camping gear a minimum of once every two years. This will ensure that your equipment is safe and in working order.
6. Never sacrifice safety for savings. If you purchase a used RV, verify that a certified technician has inspected all of the propane camping gear .
7. Cooking up trouble. You should never cook while your RV is in motion. Also, never use the oven or stove burners for the purpose of space heating.
8. Be alarmed. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you have propane gear in your RV, a carbon monoxide alarm and propane gas alarm are outstanding investments.
9. Rotten equipment. If you pick up a scent like rotten eggs in your RV, turn off the supply valve and have everyone exit the vehicle immediately.
10. “Portable” may mean “outdoors.” Some portable equipment, such as camping stoves, should always be used outdoors. Unlike Proximity Badge Holders, they were not designed to be used indoors, in locations such as RVs.
While propane equipment can make your RV camping trip more enjoyable, it should always be used safety, to protect you and your fellow campers. When used properly, such equipment can provide hours upon hours of light, cooking, and warmth. Camping in an RV can be loads of fun, and propane equipment, when used correctly, can safely add to that enjoyment. Propane can make your RV camping trip a gas!
