RV Propane for Cold Weather Camping

[@TREEfool]

Oh man, you explained the science behind propane tanks far better than any article I have found online. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I’m glad you found it helpful, thank you for watching!

[@gratefuloverland]

Brian as you know I've been fixing and outfitting vehicles and equipment since my teens. As a professional career for the larger percentage of that time. I think I still learn something new with every video of yours I watch. You're such a great teacher. Full of facts and presenting them in an understandable manner. Keep the vids coming!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I really appreciate that. Cant wait for you to launch a channel, I'm sure there will be some great stuff to check out!

[@donitajackson9859]

I am a new-ish camper. Taught myself watching KZbin and trial and error. I am so grateful for your honesty and gentle high school science teacher vibe. I'm learning a lot! Thank you for being awesome.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

thank you! I love meeting the like-minded people that love the outdoors. Thanks for tuning in and commenting 🙂

[@samuelbellamymusic1791]

Thanks, you just saved me. I am in below zero weather for the first time in a camper, and the propaine ran out, the tank I replaced it with was out side and when i connected it could only get a small flame on the stove and the furnace would not lite. I seen this video, brought the tank inside where I had a space heater going, in 20 minutes put it on and it was working as it should again. Reflilling my 30 lb tanks tomorrow.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That's great to hear, stay warm! I'm also I'll camping in this weather, it's been a chore

[@user-wn2st5ej2c]

Thanks! I find your knowledge and information very helpful. I appreciate you honesty and sincerity when sharing this information. Please keep up your valuable service. Simon Dean, Foresthill CA

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for your incredibly generous contribution to the channel. It really helps up continue to make content.

[@RoninATX]

Good content and all but, mad props on your presentation skills my dude. Excellent delivery.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate that.

[@susanryan622]

Wow! Thanks for the science! Now I'll approach my first "extended" season with more confidence!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s great to hear, stay warm!

[@58kevinsmith]

Another excellent video Brian! With regards to your great job of explaining the psi regulation, one thing I'd like to add is that even if you use a straight hose (in place of the extra requlator) the outdoor grill/stove may not work. I have seen people try ( unsuccessfully ) to use standard camp grills (Coleman tailgate styles and tabletop),and not know why they're not working. Those are often deigned to operate at around 11 psi (and that's what the regulator that comes with them puts out) Therefore, even if you eliminate the extra regulator with a straight through hose, those will still not run or have a useless flame at the RV's .5psi quick connect. There are stoves/ grills that are specifically designed to run off of the .5 psi quick connect port. In addition, I've heard of people "rigging" a T connector at the tank to bypass the RV regulator but personally I'd buy a new stove/grill. I personally use a Camp Chef and I get a very strong flame out of it. Here's an article that I think explains it pretty well. Thanks again for all your great videos. Keep them coming! weekendrvadventures.com/low-pressure-stove/

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

This is really valuable stuff! I appreciate you sharing the experience and knowledge. Thanks for contributing!

[@dustinl4420]

wow, you do such a great job explaining, this channel is in its mere infancy stages, glad I stumbled upon here early before it explodes! Everybody should subscribe to you Brian!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That's a really kind thing to say, thank you! We're coming up on our 1 year anniversary this month and I'm really excited about what's to come... thank you for hoping onboard!

[@paulshirley3054]

Brian you are an excellent teacher and explained the cold weather propane issues very clearly. Last spring I traveled from Georgia to the Rockies and had trouble with soot and yellow flame at high altitudes. My MH has a built in tank and was wondering if there are different blends of propane for better performance at high altitudes?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you so much, I appreciate you watching. As far as using propane at various altitudes, it’s going to be the same LP . They do make adjustable regulators, and sometimes adjustments in individual appliances. With the lower air pressure at higher altitudes, it screws up the air to gas mixture. By backing off the gas pressure, you can get back to good blue flames. Sometimes it requires upgrading your gear to get this adjustability. www.google.com/search?q=how+to+adjust+propane+for+altitude&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

[@EverythingRVbyPat]

I rarely go out in extremely cold conditions but I did have this problem with my fire pit last early spring in a very cold situation so we just switched out the tank with a fresh one but both of them were about 1/2 full so I was able to switch back and forth several times and we could keep warm outside in the cold wind. Great hearing it explained in such detail. Thanks, Pat

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I hear such great things about those fire pits, which brand did you go with?

[@EverythingRVbyPat]

@@DIYOutdoorLife we have two of the Outland fire bowls. One we gave to my parents but we got it back after he passed away. My mother didn’t want it anymore so we will have one for each rig.

[@klkquest]

Wow! You explain things so well ! So grateful for your help! I did a bucklet list thing and bought a 17 foot Baja Jayco Camper last Fall. I had no idea how much I had to learn! Thank you so much for all your teaching. I watched the Mopeka propane gauge video also. Excellent info. Hate doing things blind. You give such concise info, giving the underlying reasons for things. So important. Lot of catching up to do on your other videos!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I really appreciate that. It helps me remember things if I find out the “whys” instead of memorizing the “how’s”. I like to make “why-to” videos instead of “how to“…lol Congratulations on the purchase, it’s going to lead to a lot of fun and quality time!

[@expressivepets1]

Thank you for this vid. You run the absolutely best, kindest group on Facebook. I can't thank you enough for the deep dive into propane. You are truly awesome. My confidence grows every time I watch one of your vids. I used to be terrified of propane.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That’s really nice of you to say, thank you! Although Derick put a tag by my name, he is the moderator and runs the group. What a nice group of people!

[@ke6fxk]

Good info. Thanks. Also, a friend said he added a Y adapter between 2 tanks then Regular into RV. Doubling the surface area, as you did say, and now double the Gas above the Liquid. No more running out. Thank you sir.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

👍 👍 Great tip, thank you for tuning in!

[@Kat-rv5rj]

Nicely done

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, stay warm!

[@TravelingTeardrop]

Hi Brian, A helpful hink we have done for years is to cover the tank and regulators with a blanket to keep the wind and air off it. We also help get the tank warmed up with cheap hand warmers, it realy does help when the temp drops. One other reason we do this is when the pressure drops going to the furnace makes it run longer to produce heat and that eats up the battery.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That's exactly right! I've used the foot warmers (the bigger ones) and it worked great, shielding wind is definitely key. Great tips, I hope people who read this will swing by and see you amazing content, I see a collab in our future!

[@brianaustin1328]

Tanks for the LP tips!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for watching!

[@ZeroPointZap]

Wow. I learned so much. Excellent!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you tuning in and leaving a comment!

[@johnnybravo2u]

Dude, this was a great video. Ive been fighting mine thinking I need a new reg etc. You saved me $$! Thank You. Johnny

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching the video and I'm glad it was helpful

[@joshm3342]

Best way to check level is a spring-loaded scale like you would use to weigh fish. You can lift the tank a few inches off the ground and tell the level within a pound. I bought mine on ebay for $12.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I like that method as well. It becomes problematic in the winter with these RVs. The propane tank is bolted down, usually with some sort of cover over it. Using the Bluetooth sonar style detector is money well spent!

[@t-linn]

This was excellent. Thank you.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching!

[@billflintoft6170]

When I worked up north for a camp trailer we would wrap the tank with canvas with a heat lamp inside but we had times were the heat lamp was not enough. lol. We also had a generator for electrical power. Thanks for the video's.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I've been there, you must have been in some rough conditions! Awesome tips, thanks for contributing.

[@RockinWalls]

Another wonderful explanation well done! We love using our hand scale. Ofcourse we have to take off the tank which we do before we hit the trails. What your not taking us along on your trip I can't believe it. 😂 Mark (& Teresa) @Out Of Office Camping P.S. I love those old stone walls. You may need to come down and take some workshops at our training center. We'll plug you into our 30 Amp shore power. 🙂

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Count me in! Sounds like an excuse to go camping...lol

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

@@DIYOutdoorLife ❤🙂

[@mikemead2315]

Great job! Cleared up some things. Thanks! When it was not lashed down, I would pick mine up and slosh it to get a good feeling for the amount left. Now I have a 20lb with an actual float gauge.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Awesome! Do you have a link to that tank. [e-mail]

[@Cruzinsusan5101]

Great information Brian!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, happy camping!

[@stevelardinois5812]

Wow, awesome video. I learned a lot and saw answers to some of the problems people have reported on other sites. Thanks Brian.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That's great, thank you! I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@neverwin2518]

Nice to see Ripple’s doing well!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

She stays warm and is an additional heat source in the camper...lol

[@neverwin2518]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Hopefully not filled with as much gas as the tank

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@neverwin2518 😂 separate gas video

[@daveinohio9383]

Another great video !!! Stay Warm...lol (PS, I have used the Mopeka Sensor System for 2 years, works great !)

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I love it! I'd put it on any camper I owned day 1.

[@LGADK]

I appreciate your breadth of knowledge. Truly fascinating. Thanks!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks so much for swinging by.

[@jagerpowell453]

Watched quite a few of your videos and damn you got great information! Subscribed!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, we’re really happy to have you on board!

[@tonyfredo2086]

Thank you for making that video, very informative.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for watching!

[@sabassalgado9485]

Incredible video!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I hope it helps!

[@bobsnextadventure]

Great information as always! I have been down below 0° in the bushwacker many many nights. I have never had an issue but I also run the thermostat as low as it can go while I'm sleeping.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yea, it's pretty great. You also run a 30lber though right?

[@bobsnextadventure]

@@DIYOutdoorLife as of this winter I do! I've only had to fill it up two times so far this winter. It's amazing how efficient these furnaces are.

[@darrylbinkley8710]

Thanks Brian for the great video. It was full of helpful and educational info as well as so simple and easy to understand. I really enjoy your videos keep up the great work!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I’m thrilled to hear that. I’ll keep making them as long as people watch… thanks for contributing!

[@hotmugatushouseofwheels8922]

Great info 👍. Really well done videos my dude, please keep them coming. 🤙🤙🤙

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I appreciate you watching, I'll keep them coming!

[@stevemccuen8131]

Hey Brain! Thanks for another great video. It gave me a much better understanding of what happens with propane in cold weather. I have a teardrop trailer with only a 5lb. propane tank (and a Propex heater) I've camped with weather into the low 20's, but if I'm ever in REALLY cold weather I may hook up a larger tank. BTW... I was a pretty early subscriber to your channel. I'm glad to see that it's growing!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hey Steve, I really appreciate that you’ve been onboard since the beginning, you were subbed and left comments before we had a couple hundred followers. It’s been exciting to see it start to take off. That propex unit is the gold standard. Part of the reason it does so well on smaller tanks is that it draws a small steady amount of vapor instead of taking large short bursts. I’d love to upgrade to one when my giant dometic tires out. Thanks again!

[@Thebearcave1776]

Dang I need one of those hoses for the propane port in back. Have a link? I'll post a video on Rumble how I charge my bushwacker in the barn while it sits, how I charge the camper with solar while I drive, and the cart I built that uses solar/batt to attach to "shore power". It's modular so I connect/disconnect certain plugs based on the power situation/need. Great videos brother.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Really appreciate you watching and commenting! I build solar carts like that as well, there’s some really cool stuff to play with these days! Here’s a hose, if it’s too long they make shorter ones. Sometimes it’s nice to get a little ways away from the camper. amzn.to/3hjwRhg Can’t wait to check out your videos, thanks again

[@MrMasterSpam]

Always helpful!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for swing by, I always appreciate your comments.

[@richardnwilson]

Great video thank you! Very informative and I believe very accurate. My only critical comment would be I wouldn't recommend putting a propane tank inside of your car with the car running. Any leakage would build up in the car and Spark could easily Set It Off

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

that would be a disaster! Thanks for contributing.

[@andrewcarlson1854]

Great physics!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Helps us stay warm! Thanks for watching.

[@Last-Varangian]

When I run into vaporization or freezeup issues, I'll pour hot water over the tanks and regulator for an immediate fix. This is a really good thing to know if you only have one tank or your spare is already empty. I have a hot water heater in my trailer, thus as long as it's kept turned on I always have a small reservoir of hot water, but it wouldn't take to long to build a fire and heat up water in a pot. Even cold water will help, because it's above freezing. I don't usually run into issues until I've been in an extended period of below freezing weather of more than about 5 days. I use twin 30 pound tanks with an automatic change over style regulator, but am seriously considering moving up to twin 40's and just keeping the 30's in my truck as extra capacity. They do add a lot of tongue weight, but I just bias my loading in the trailer towards the rear to even it all out.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

That's a great tip, it doesn't take much to kickstart the vaporization. Some people with two tanks keep one in their tow vehicle, just keeping it out of the wind in the elements is often times enough to make a swap if they have a problem. The water trick definitely helps when you have one tank.

[@norcoredneck]

Great info.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@craigbeattie5209]

😁. Looks like I owe Ripple a treat!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Haha… todays her 2nd birthday 🎉 🐾

[@craigbeattie5209]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Happy Birthday Ripple!

[@dianapearson1771]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you, I appreciate you watching.

[@ingepratt8889]

Great t information

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you for watching 😀

[@chrisdean4096]

Is there a video locating the heater vent more storage in the galley un the sink

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

No, I could do that though. That’s a good idea that could help some people out.

[@jaimecaldwell2909]

This is really informative! However, I'm sad to report that KZbin isn't letting me post a Hank Hill meme here...

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Taste the meat, not the heat… I’ll tell you whowatt… 😂

[@58kevinsmith]

HaHaHa!!

[@brads3111]

When are you going to start big projects like, longtravel suspension, upgraded hitch, and much more?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

It all points that way right…lol. I’m going to try to watch my budget and wear some factory parts out first. I have lots of ideas and fewer dollars.

[@brads3111]

@@DIYOutdoorLife it would be sick lol

[@cassandrarandall2457]

I'm in really cold weather in the negatives. I have a propane cover over my propane tanks. Is it safe to put a blanket over that cover and maybe a tarp over that to keep the snow off the blanket?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes, it's safe and a common practice

[@jameshubbard7965]

Brian, now that you have had the jack-e-up a while now. How does it work for you? Would you recommend it? Thanks Jim

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hands down, 100%. The pro's are the off road clearance, being able to swing jeep and truck tail gate, and even a little theft prevention. Cons are it's an extra step to install the jack and use at the campsite and it's a little janky when you're using the caster wheels to move camper by hand. I still move it regularly, just slightly more cumbersome. Thanks for watching!

[@cherylbarrett3443]

My squaredrop has a 20 lb tank. If I were going to carry another tank, where do you suggest I carry that, since I am driving a SUV, not a truck. I don't want to put any additional weight on the tongue.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Its safe to carry it in the vehicle with you, thats what Id do.

[@purpledragon316]

I keep having trouble with gas leaks at the hose connectors going to the regulator. Last season I drove the whole rig to the propane co. Any tips?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Pay attention to the radius that the hoses are turned. Gradual loops with low tension on the connection last a lot longer. I’ve had similar issues on other systems when I put too much tension on the pipe/hose and connector. Also, covering them up in storage so they don’t sit in the sun really helps. Good luck!

[@levijosefsson6450]

Thanks Brian! I've used the Mopeka product you suggested and have found it mostly unreliable. I've used the gel and placed the unit just about everywhere on the bottom of the tank, though there doesn't seem to be a "sweet spot" so to say. Every once in awhile, I'll find a reading good enough to show the percentage, but it doesn't stay longer than a minute before the error message pops up. Are there any tips you, or your other viewers, have for making this product work for longer stretches of time?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Hey Levi, this isn’t the first time I’ve heard this. The strange part is that I’ve never had any real issue. When I’m moving it from one tank to another, I’ll clean the tank bottom and mopeka up really well and apply the gel or petroleum jelly to the sensor. I make sure I adjust it until the app shows three stars. It generally works perfectly until I have to move it to a new tank and I repeat. That’s a real bummer to hear, I hope this fixes the issue or they replace it. I’ll keep my eye on the reviews and update the video if the product is inconsistent.

[@YoutubeUsername7777]

Brian, what was the coldest temperature you have been camping in your bushwhacker? Is there a temperature below which you wouldnt camp and sleep in your trailer. I am seriously considering bushwhacker (and I am aware of your reviews) but living in Canada and I like to camp in the wintertime so I am trying to figure out limitations. In my part of Ontario we get -4f to -22f

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I went out in -12 and thought it was fine. The hard shell and insulation make it a breeze. When you start getting below 0F, the condensation and ice are a much bigger problem than the chill. You can get it quite warm in there, you just have to work hard to keep it dry.

[@YoutubeUsername7777]

@@DIYOutdoorLife thanks a million!!! I heard some people saying it has a decent insulation and I was suspecting moisture would be an issue. Lets see if and how I can solve it.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@KZbinUsername7777 I solve it by cracking open the top. Even though you lose a ton of heat, the furnace keeps up fine, runs efficiently, and it removes 90% of the moisture. When it’s two adults and a Labrador, I cracked the window open slightly as well. I can take sleeping with a little chill, the moisture is bad news.

[@knowledgeadventure1819]

Is it possible to hook the water line by using pump to a portable tankless water heater?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Yes, it’s relatively easy too!

[@knowledgeadventure1819]

@@DIYOutdoorLife any ideas or videos to guide me?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

@@knowledgeadventure1819 I’m making one but it won’t be out for a bit (A lot less traffic on showering videos in the winter🤣) Let me look to see if I can find something, I’d be happy to email you the best description I can do with text too.

[@knowledgeadventure1819]

@@DIYOutdoorLife awesome that will be great, trying to do more disperse camping this year

[@johnnybravo2u]

One more thing, Whats your opinion on single or dual stage regulators : )

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

From my understanding, dual stage regulators help with longer distances. It's a higher quality product that most are better off with.

[@twloughlin]

Hi Brian. You may not know the answer to this question, but as far as a propane pressure gauge is concerned, are the ones that come on a propane tank for a Class C rig mechanical gauges? I have a gauge on it and it appears to be pretty accurate, so I am assuming the gauge is mechanical like the one you showed towards the end of the video. The tank is built into the rig and not detachable. Thanks.

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

hey Tom, I didn't know. I did a little homework and it seems like your suspicions are correct. The horizontal tanks on class C's typically have built in floats. That's really handy. Can you read it from inside your rig?

[@twloughlin]

@@DIYOutdoorLife Inside the rig there is an indicator light along with those for the tanks, which I suspect is not terribly accurate. But the gauge itself is in an easy-to-read location right by the fill nozzle. Thanks for looking into that - above and beyond! Have a great camping trip!

[@Captndarty]

How long will your 20lb tank last heating that trailer in the winter?

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

I wish I could give you an exact time, but it depends on the conditions, etc. It's really efficient, if just running at night, I can go several weeks on 20lbs.

[@douglassmith445]

I like the fact that you can upgrade the size of your tank without having to change the holster that holds it. That makes good sense, it doesn’t cost you anything for the upgrade except the bigger tank! Great tip Brian!💪🏼👍🔥

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

it helps a ton, thanks for watching!

[@DamianLewd]

👏👏👏

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

Thank you 👍

[@russell1265]

Jeep wave 👋

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

👋 right on

[@gerrymatheson4020]

-44°F is the boiling point not the freezing point... I think the freezing point is like 304°F or something similar... not happening under any natural conditions on earth...

[@DIYOutdoorLife]

100%. We can extensively view. The freezing of LP is impossible. When we say that our propane system froze up, many people think that it’s actually solid or that the water inside is freezing. In fact, as you said, it’s getting below its boiling point. It doesn’t even have to be -44, as it gets really cold it becomes more and more difficult to vaporize . When someone says the propane is froze up, it really means the propane is having trouble converting from liquid to gas.