Getting to Know Your RV ASME Tank

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on 8/25/17 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehension.

Did you know the propane tank on your RV is an ASME Code tank? It’s one of the most important parts in your RV.

This RV propane tank helps to give you and your family a comfortable experience by providing hot water for showers, cleaning, cooking and keeping your food fresh.

Knowing more about the way your RV ASME tank works is important in order to keep it functioning as it should.

Here’s how you can get to know your tank better.

Sizing

The size of your ASME RV tank will vary depending on the type of tank and the size you need to properly function for your type of RV.

For example, a larger motorhome would need a tank that can hold around 80-100 pounds of propane, while a much smaller RV can get away with a tank that holds around 20 pounds.

Propane Gauges

ASME propane tanks on RVs come with either a gauge panel in the RV or a gauge by the tank.

These gauges are for telling you how much propane you have in your tank so that you can monitor when it needs to be refilled.

It’s important to keep an eye on this gauge so you can refill your tank when needed and keep your RV functioning properly.

Some RV units also have multiple tanks that are connected together via a pressure regulator switch. Once one tank is empty, the switch will allow propane to flow from the other tank but usually at a reduced flow rate of 80%.

If you notice your propane-fueled equipment is not acting as it should, such as a flickering flame on the stove, check to see if the propane tank the regulator switch is tuned to is empty. If so, turn the switch to the full tank to restore a 100% flow rate of propane to the RV.

Knowing how to read the gauges is important for the longevity of your RV’s propane equipment, and will keep you from sleeping outside at night because you failed to fill the propane.

Refilling your RV ASME tank

If you notice the gauges on your tank are pointing toward the tank being low, it’s time to refill the propane.

ALWAYS have your propane tank filled by a professional.

There are two reasons for this:

1. Propane tanks have to be inspected at regular intervals, usually beginning 10 years after the tank was manufactured. This ensures the tank is still capable of withstanding the pressures the propane is under while it’s in the tank, and that the tank’s safety pressure relief valve is functioning properly. Failure to have these interval inspections can create a deadly situation. Don’t risk it.
2. Propane needs room to expand during hot weather. Otherwise, it will leak out of the tank’s pressure relief valve and fill the propane tank storage area with flammable gas (hence the deadly situation remark above). To avoid this, the tank must only be filled to 80% of its rated storage capacity. This is one reason why propane tanks are weighed while they are being filled.

The are a number of ways you can have your RV tanks refilled without having to move your RV.

Get the most out of your RV ASME propane tank

Your fun and relaxing vacation won’t be quite as nice if you aren’t careful with your RV propane tank.

Make sure you have the sizing right, your gauges are working – and you know how to use them.

It’s also important for you to know where and how to refill the tank so you’re prepared when it gets low.

Have an uninterrupted good time when you have your RV ASME tank under control.