How do YOU handle propane restrictions?

[Jim Blackwood]

Tunnels are often "No Propane" areas. I'd like to just open this for discussion and see where it goes.

Jim

[Geoff]

Probably no where.  Did you do a search?

[Dave5Cs]

https://www.aisinsurance.com/products/recreational-vehicle/rv-articles/traveling-with-propane.aspx

[richard5933]

I've only encountered this going through a tunnel near Baltimore. Depending on the state and the size of your propane tank, you may or may not have a problem. The tunnel near Baltimore prohibits tanks larger than 10 gallons (and you can only have 10 of them.) Not likely to be a problem for any of us.

Some states (or individual tunnels) require that tanks be shut off. Others don't. You need to be aware of road restrictions, just like with bridge heights, etc. I believe that there is a feature on some Garmin GPS units that will show propane restrictions.

One of the reasons to maintain OTR heat is so that the propane can be kept off while traveling. We stay toasty and have no need for propane while underway. Our fridge is 12v/120v (no LP) so that's not a problem for us either. Most fridges that run on LP can also run on 12v, so that shouldn't present a big problem for anyone, especially if you're able to charge the house batteries while on the road.

So, we only run the propane while camped, and then only when dry camping. Otherwise we use electric heat & cooking.

[Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM]

I bought an all-electric bus. Propane was always a nuisance to deal with. Not only in tunnels on the east coast but just getting the tanks filled. 

[Dave5Cs]

And if in a bay leave the bay door marked (LPG contrasting lettering)and unlocked in case the fire department needs to find it fast or just to know where it is in a fire.

[Jim Blackwood]

I'm not real informed about this which is why I started the thread. I've heard of stupifying fines in some cases and naturally want to avoid those. At the same time I wonder if propane fueled vehicles are banned from tunnels? No doubt the devil is in the details, so I figured it'd be a good idea to know those.

Jim

[richard5933]

Here's some basic information. Please verify if traveling in these areas since regs change. Some of these are prohibitions. Some are just restrictions.

https://www.rvtripwizard.com/rv-info/propane-tanks-in-tunnels.php

Here's a thread from the FMCA forum talking about the same thing.

https://community.fmca.com/topic/6851-going-through-tunnels-with-a-motorhome/

There are apparently allowances for vehicles fueled by CNG related to OEM equipment, size of tanks, etc. Some of the rules vary, allowing for example a vehicle powered by CNG but not one powered by propane. Since this is not relevant to this conversation I didn't spend too much time reading about it.

[buswarrior]

Source your info from the authorities.

I have never read so much trash as I have on road going legal matters as I have on RV forums...

And "RV" publications aren't far behind in publishing useless, poorly researched fluff.

DOT from each jurisdiction will have tunnel info, or a tunnel authority with its own site.

My preference is also all-electric. Lots easier a choice today, with the advances in solar panels, vs 20 years ago.

But that still leaves the potential for forgetting about a propane outdoor grill and it's fuel supply, rolling around downstairs somewhere...

Go to the SOURCE in all things.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[DoubleEagle]

The main problems are in tunnels and areas in Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. The two tunnels in Baltimore are the most notorious with a maximum individual tank size of 10 pounds. I used to drive buses and trucks into Baltimore, and I can't recommend going through there with or without propane. 

[TomC]

Easy-just don't go where there are tunnels!