propane question

[joeybear]

We used the camper this past weekend for what is probably the last time this year. I winterized the water system, but forgot to bleed the propane lines. The propane is off, but my wife usually deals with the inside and forgot to bleed the propane that was in the lines. Is that something I need to do? Thanks

[tlhdoc]

I have had a camper for 16 years and never bled the propane lines. I have not heard of any reason to do it.

[tinlizzie23]

X2. I have never bled any propane lines. Actually, over a period of a month or more without use, with tank valve closed, my lines gradually lose pressure, so it's kind of a self bleeding situation. Never smelled any gas escaping, but my lines do bleed by themselves.

[clutch]

Just turn off the tank valves and you will be ok.

[Terry]

Seems to me you would be better off leaving them pressurized. If you open them up, it could allow moisture into the lines and create some rusting which could eventually clog up your system. I could be totally off on that one, but seems to make sense at least in my mind.

[tnchuck100]

Originally Posted by tafische

Seems to me you would be better off leaving them pressurized. If you open them up, it could allow moisture into the lines and create some rusting which could eventually clog up your system. I could be totally off on that one, but seems to make sense at least in my mind.

I agree. Unpressurized is inviting condensation in the lines. Then you really have problems come spring. The propane freezes at -304 F. I don't think your location will approach that temperature.

[dougfir1]

Propane is liquid under pressure in the tank. There needs to be a vapor space in the tank above the liquid which is why a tank is never filled totally full (20% is the vapor space when it gets filled). This is for safety and your appliances work off the gas vapor, and as you use the vapors up, the liquid propane in the tank regenerates more vapor as needed. Anything in the copper lines leading to the appliances is gas vapor and should dissipate over time and not be a problem with having the valves shut off. I think it is really better shutting them down in my opinion. Also I do not think the copper lines are that subject to corrosion.

[Terry]

Originally Posted by dougfir1

Also I do not think the copper lines are that subject to corrosion.

I have copper going into my appliances, but under the trailer the main feed lines are normal gas pipe.