Ask a Tech: Do I Need Propane Tank Heaters in the Winter?

Question:
Why do I need propane tank heaters in the wintertime?

Answer:
If you are one of those special people who enjoy camping in extreme weather, there are a few things that might make your experience more enjoyable.

Using your propane appliances in cold weather requires a little extra preparation. In extremely cold weather, your propane furnace and water heater will likely run longer and more frequently than in other times of year.

Because of the colder temperatures, RV appliances can “draw” propane vapor from the container faster than the container is able to supply it. The effect is much like running out of propane before the container(s) are empty.

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What is happening is this: Your propane appliances require propane VAPOR to operate. Propane liquid inside a cylinder must “boil” into vapor before flowing into the regulator and then to your appliances. The size and shape of your propane container determines how much surface area is exposed to heat so that the liquid inside can boil.

Propane, at atmosphere pressure, “boils” (or vaporizes) at -44 degrees Fahrenheit. But the rate at which it boils is affected by the volume of propane contacting the inside surface of the container, AND by the ambient temperature OUTSIDE the container. When a propane cylinder is less than 1/3 or ¼-full, along with the higher demand of running the furnace longer and more often, the situation can cause a condition described as “Exceeding the rate of vaporization”.

There are a few things we can do to remedy this condition. First, keep an extra (full) cylinder of propane handy in case you start to get to the 1/3 or ¼-full level and the furnace or water heater stops running. But another way is to simply warm the propane while you are using it.

Today, there are many safe and reliable propane tank heaters available on the market. One recommended by “RV Geeks” website is the PowerBlanket PBL 20 gas cylinder heater that fits around 20, 30, or 40-pound cylinders. Also recommended by “RV Geeks” are the WXHDYBLANKET propane tank heater and the Propagate Pro PPHM-LP20 blanket heater. These run around $60 to $120 depending on the brand and features. I am told by customers that they really do work well, and by the manufacturers that they actually increase the BTU/hr available from your supply of propane.

So for all of you cold-weather campers, be safe and warm! And as always, enjoy your camping experience!

-Keith Marshall, Master Certified RV Technician

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Disclaimer:
The advice and suggestions provided in our "Ask an RV Tech" blog are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional diagnosis or repairs performed by certified technicians. We are not liable for any damage or issues that may arise from attempting to apply the information provided here. For the safety and proper care of your camper, we strongly recommend visiting any of our dealerships to have a certified RV technician diagnose and address your camper's specific needs. Remember to always refer to your RV's manual for additional resources.