Liquid Propane, or LP, is a very versatile fuel source and the lifeblood of most RV appliances. As an RV owner, it’s important that you understand the fundamentals of how an LP system works.
That knowledge will help you keep your appliances running smoothly and operating your rig in a safe manner along the way.
LP is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas, making it a preferred choice for an RV fuel source as it is more economical to store and transport. In the RV application, trailers use containers known as DOT cylinders, which are upright containers like the type used in residential grills and come in small 20 lb. cylinders up to 40 lb. used in 5th wheel trailers.
Motorhomes typically use ASME tanks permanently mounted to the frame in a vented compartment – however some models recently have been using the DOT cylinders in compartments to make it easier to disconnect and refill without needing to take the motorhome to the propane distributor.
In this class, you’ll learn how LP was discovered in 1910 by a chemist in Pittsburg, how to properly fill an LP container, and how the LP system works in your RV.
In an RV, LP is used as a fuel source for the water heater, refrigerator, stove top, oven, and furnace. LP is stored in the DOT cylinder or ASME tank as a liquid and when the appliance calls for fuel, it turns to a high-pressure gas. The regulator controls the pressure as it exits and reduces it to a safe level for the hoses, valves, and appliances. This pressure is measured as water column pressure, and is typically 11 inches of water column in an RV.
Troubleshooting an LP appliance issue is easy with an understanding of how each appliance works on each mode of operation. Some appliances, like the refrigerator and some water heaters, work with either 120-volt power or LP. If the appliance does not work on the LP mode, verifying the 120-volt operation will help identify the trouble is in the LP operation and not the appliance in general.
In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this class provides you with some downloadable resources and helpful information, including: A detailed Class Guide you can follow and use as a reminder for the key points of the class instruction; and five resource documents that will help you with various aspects of safely using LP gas.
Class Guide PDF
Download this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key points of your LP Gas system
General Safety Precautions PDF
Use this printable reminder for some key LP safety tips
If You Smell Propane PDF
Print this short to-do list in the case you do smell propane
Proper DOT Cylinder Filling PDF
Print this sheet as a guide for the proper procedure in filling a DOT cylinder
Overfill Protection Device (OPD) PDF
This short reference sheet gives you a better understanding of an OPD
Troubleshooting an LP Refrigerator PDF
Print this checklist to help diagnose and resolve problems with your LP refrigerator
Bonus materials available after purchase
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of RV Repair Club to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on RV Repair Club Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great RV videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of RV Repair Club. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Classes” will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on RV Repair Club, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Q&A Resource area. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and RV Repair Club contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to rvrepairclub.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from RV Repair Club from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact RV Repair Club Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Class Discussion benefit to ask your question online – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at RVRepairClub@program-director.net. or call us toll-free, at 1-855-706-3536. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
