It is very, very, hard for an LP tank to explode. The tanks have valves that release the gasses in a jet at very low pressure.
upgrade propane tanks
- Thread starter Tod & Pam
- Start date
I don't think it's very hard if the RV is engulfed in flames
It is. There are a few firefighters on here. They'll tell you the same. These tanks are designed to behave predictably. RVs are required to be designed to NFPA standards, which compartmentalizes the tanks, shields them, and reduces the probability of direct exposure to flame should the rest of the unit be engulfed. With all the fires and and all the LP tanks in the world, you'd see a lot more firefighters with shrapnel injuries if they were likely to explode. Not saying you should stick around to see if it explodes or that it is impossible but it is exceedingly rare. My brother died in a fire, making fire a concern that I researched before deciding to get into RVing, and I believe the sources I found, but happy to be corrected. Now lithium battery banks, I'd run away. We put these banks in our RVs not even thinking about the risk...inside our rigs in some cases and right under the bedroom in others. My understanding is that the code on lithium fire risk has not caught up to RVs yet.
Although it is difficult to cause a propane explosion, it is not unheard of. A propane tank explosion can happen when attached to any application - such as a camper, icehouse, or grill. To avoid explosions, you can identify problems and prevent one from happening. This statement is from suburban propane via Google.
I understand there is protection and safety devices in play but to think that a propane tank can't explode is naive.
One of the problems you might want to identify to avoid an exploding tank is an RV engulfed in flames!
The not unheard of part of the statement is supported by our friend Murphy's law.
Which is typically defined as "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong", but is more correctly defined as "Whatever can happen will. happen".
Hopefully we have learned at this point that mechanical devices are not foolproof.
If you want to believe the Titanic can't sink and LP tanks can't explode. Feel free to toss a LP tank into your next roaring camp fire and let it simmer while you enjoy a cold one.......we know how the Titanic ended.
Never said they cannot explode. Not once.
If the bet is venting I win exploding tank you win, I'd take the bet and toss it in the fire. Again, never said LP tanks can't explode but to think it is likely would actually be naive.
I agree may not be likely. What's not likely is the RV being engulfed in flames.
Once there is a full on fire all bets are off.
I have no plans to take my own challenge. You will not see me throw my LP tank into my camp fire or any other fire.
I'm surely not counting on venting to save me!
Since we have now completely derailed this thread from where it started………
Yes, propane tanks are designed to vent once heated to a point where the internal pressure rises above the design limit, depending on the situation this can be achieved just by sitting out in the sun on a hot day. Most times and in most circumstances this venting will prevent an explosion. These explosions which are commonly referred to as a BLEVE or rapid cylinder failure typically don’t release a large number of shrapnel pieces, but it’s not the total number that matters, just the one that happens to find you.
I was a Firefighter for 35+ years in a busy suburban dept retiring as a Deputy Chief, as well as an oil refinery Emergency Response Team member at work for 30 years. I have experienced 6 BLEVE/rapid cylinder failures first hand, all at a large commercial roofers tar pot fire at the local high school. All were standard 100lb propane cylinders that were overheated beyond the capacity of the vents when the tar pot tank failed. Out of the six cylinders only 1 had a section of tank separate from the rest of the cylinder and that was a section less than 6”x6”. Did they cause large exciting fiery explosions, yes, did they blanket the area with flying shrapnel, no.
Yes, propane tanks are designed to vent once heated to a point where the internal pressure rises above the design limit, depending on the situation this can be achieved just by sitting out in the sun on a hot day. Most times and in most circumstances this venting will prevent an explosion. These explosions which are commonly referred to as a BLEVE or rapid cylinder failure typically don’t release a large number of shrapnel pieces, but it’s not the total number that matters, just the one that happens to find you.
I was a Firefighter for 35+ years in a busy suburban dept retiring as a Deputy Chief, as well as an oil refinery Emergency Response Team member at work for 30 years. I have experienced 6 BLEVE/rapid cylinder failures first hand, all at a large commercial roofers tar pot fire at the local high school. All were standard 100lb propane cylinders that were overheated beyond the capacity of the vents when the tar pot tank failed. Out of the six cylinders only 1 had a section of tank separate from the rest of the cylinder and that was a section less than 6”x6”. Did they cause large exciting fiery explosions, yes, did they blanket the area with flying shrapnel, no.
Having more real world fire experience than most of us. What is your opinion on removing tanks from a burning RV.Since we have now completely derailed this thread from where it started………
Yes, propane tanks are designed to vent once heated to a point where the internal pressure rises above the design limit, depending on the situation this can be achieved just by sitting out in the sun on a hot day. Most times and in most circumstances this venting will prevent an explosion. These explosions which are commonly referred to as a BLEVE or rapid cylinder failure typically don’t release a large number of shrapnel pieces, but it’s not the total number that matters, just the one that happens to find you.
I was a Firefighter for 35+ years in a busy suburban dept retiring as a Deputy Chief, as well as an oil refinery Emergency Response Team member at work for 30 years. I have experienced 6 BLEVE/rapid cylinder failures first hand, all at a large commercial roofers tar pot fire at the local high school. All were standard 100lb propane cylinders that were overheated beyond the capacity of the vents when the tar pot tank failed. Out of the six cylinders only 1 had a section of tank separate from the rest of the cylinder and that was a section less than 6”x6”. Did they cause large exciting fiery explosions, yes, did they blanket the area with flying s
Is it worth the effort/risk. Now I'm talking an RV that is fully engulfed but the fire has not reached the tanks yet.
I'm not talking about a last second effort that puts the person in harm's way of the flames
Do you try to remove tanks, do you not worry about them. Is it a case by case scenario?
In your scenario above were the tanks actually in the flames.
Jwtsg
Well-known member
,,,interesting question,,,imho the key issue for all of us,,,my gut says shut them down & get the heck away,,,fire imho removes my curiosity,,,get those you love or are near OUT & away in the minimum amount of time,,,
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My advice would be to get away from the burning RV and let the Fire Dept deal with the fire and any propane tanks. There are plenty of other things on an RV that can unpredictably react due to fire, best to remove yourself from them safely. The Fire Dept will have far better protection from them as well as plenty of water to deal with the fire. Fire ruptured tires and shocks can do very unkind things to you, as a matter of fact the local Chief at the above mentioned tar pot fire was just returning to duty after having a hood strut go through his leg at a car fire after it ruptured from fire exposure.
My opinion...I think thread drift is beneficial to forums like these. If we were at a campground having this conversation it would grow in scope. From straps to tank size to considerations/risks of changing tanks to apocalyptic explosive events that will destroy all life within the blast radius (humor).
Joking about the apocalyptic explosive events, not joking about the drift being beneficial.
I agree forum drift is OK. Forums are all about discussion and converstaion.
As long as the discussion pertains to RV's and RV'ing it will be beneficial to someone.
The forum does not need to remain solely on topic as though it's a lecture.
Forum drift generally keeps the discussion interesting.
Midnight Rider
Prominent Member
A lawyer buddy of mine always told me to Let it burn! Then at least you have options. 😂
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Flyer32RLS
Well-known member
A thought question. If the RV is fully engulfed, why would you try to save a $100 propane tank putting yourself at risk. I would say that if the RV is fully engulfed, stand back, way back and watch the fireworks! Fire crew are knowledgeable in fighting such fires. Can't do anything about it, its totaled and would probably help the clean up crew with less trash to haul away! Hello, Insurance company, I have a claim for you!!!
Maybe you have not been following this thread the idea of removing the tank was never about saving the RV or the tank. It was about avoiding a potential explosion and more collateral damage.
At this point it has been pointed out while not impossible aa exploding tank is not likely. Since an explosion is not likely removing the tank is not worth the risk involved.
yea the bad guys not gonna be harmed cuz the tanks not going to explode! It's going to vent and just let off some gas.
The bad guy gets away....
You'll have to get'em in the next dream/episode.
Leaves room for a sequel..... But that's when the dream gets goofy as they do.
You fill that sequel room with some unnecessary RV gadget that you must have.
Hopefully someone awakens you! ....Maybe drifting threads are not a good idea afterall
Flyer32RLS
Well-known member
Lantley, I have followed the thread. What smacked me was the RV is on fire, SO WHAT!! Assuming the RV is on fir and not just a curtain or some minor fire. We all know how people like to exaggerate!! Let it burn. The propane tanks will release the pressure and add to the fire,,,,maybe....so you're going to rush in to turn them off? What the heck for!! Let it burn!! Thats why we spend the big bucks on the over priced insurance!!
I know we seem to be going in circles but the just let it burn is fine. Until it puts the neighboring RV in jeopardy.
I generally stay where sites are spread apart. But I have certainly been in sites close enough where a burning RV could easily ignite another.
I 'm not suggesting one put themselves in harms way and turning off the tank could certainly do that.
On the other hand if I can limit the fire I imagine I will try within reason vs. taking a strict let it burn approach.
RV on fire "So what" is easy to say unless that RV is 5' away from yours.