I know that liquid propane and butane are available for purchase at wholesalers, but do we not purchase LP (liquefied petroleum) gas at retailers, specifically at RV parks and truck stops? I have never seen tanks labeled as butane specifically. Most folks seem to think that LP is an abbreviation for liquid propane, but does not it stand for liquefied petroleum (at least as far as my waning memory reminds me)? Butane is added to the propane (I believe at a 70 to 30 percent ratio, respectively) to liquefy the propane. From what I have read, our appliances are designed for liquefied petroleum, and with so many folks out there requiring this product, why would butane be sold in place of it, or is this just a case of mistaken identity? Is this actually an issue that one needs to be aware of in their travels?
Dennis McCanna, F392956
Rapid City, South Dakota
You are correct in stating that what many people refer to as propane is actually liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which can be propane, butane, or a combination of both propane and butane. Both propane and butane are what are known as saturated hydrocarbons, and each will liquefy under moderate pressure. This property allows LPG to be stored and transported in concentrated liquid form. Upon its release from pressure, the liquefied petroleum immediately returns to its gaseous state to be used as fuel.
Propane and butane are similar types of gases, have approximately the same heat values, do not react with one another when mixed, and will work equally well in most motorhome appliances. And they each have attributes that make mixing them beneficial. Butane is the less volatile of the two and boils at 33 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Propane, on the other hand, is more volatile and boils at -44 degrees F. They are mixed together to attain the vapor pressure that is required by the end user depending on ambient conditions. If the ambient temperature is very low, propane is preferred, since it will provide higher vapor pressure at the given temperature. At temperatures under 33 degrees F, butane will not boil and return to a gaseous state.
So if you live in a cold-weather area, you more than likely will get pure propane when you have your motorhome’s LPG tank filled. If you live in warmer regions where below-freezing temperatures are uncommon, it’s likely that you’ll get a propane-butane mix or straight butane. Really, the only problem you could run into using butane is if you bought it in a warmer region and then traveled to a cold area where the temperature dropped near or below freezing. At that point your furnace, stove, refrigerator, and anything else that may draw fuel from your LPG tank may not operate properly, since the temperature is too cold for the butane to become a gas again.
National RV Suppliers
In the November 2008 issue, the subject of National RV suppliers was addressed and a link to FMCA.com with contact information for these companies was printed. We have a National RV Sea Breeze LX and are interested in the list of suppliers, but evidently that link is no longer valid and, since we were traveling and had spotty Internet access, we are just getting around to finding that out. Please tell us how/where we can get that information.
Jodi Lyons, F360923
Punta Gorda, Florida
FMCA’s Web site recently was updated, so that may be why you had difficulty accessing the article. The list is now available by typing www.fmca.com/index.php/magazine/articles/657-national-rv-suppliers into your browser window or by using the “Search” box at FMCA.com with the keywords “National RV suppliers.”
Response To “Bad Batteries”
In reading your responses to the questions about bad batteries in the December 2008 issue (page 20), it occurred to me that I experienced the same problem on a Beaver coach I formerly owned. After some checking, I found that my problem came from leaving the inverter on while connected to shore power. Once I began turning off the inverter when on shore power, I no longer had an overcharging problem. I hope this helps your readers.
Ralph Mack, F193162
Durham, North Carolina
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Roadtrek Wanderer
I have a 1998 Roadtrek with handling problems. It wants to wander and follow road ruts. I have taken it to a Dodge dealer who said he could find nothing wrong. Using the services of other mechanics, I have had all the shocks and ball joints replaced, purchased new tires, and had the steering aligned. Nothing has helped. Roadtrek suggested that I contact Henderson’s Line-Up, Brake & RV Inc., but it’s on the West Coast. Any ideas? Could you recommend a good service shop in Florida?
Mel Eberly, F247399
Lake City, Florida
Roadtrek was right on with its suggestion. Your road wander is probably the result of the age of the vehicle and the mileage it’s accumulated, although you’ll want to weigh it as well to make sure it isn’t overloaded. Call Henderson’s Line-Up in Grants Pass, Oregon (888-898-3281). Henderson’s has trained many technicians from affiliated shops all over the country. These techs are experienced at diagnosing the exact handling problems you’ve described, and Henderson’s may be able to provide you with a service contact that is near your home.
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