Safe Fueling

Safe fueling is a factor for RVers, OHVers, and tent campers.  Even if you're a tent camper and don't have any kind of RV, you will likely be using a motor vehicle to get to your campground. Almost all RVs use propane to fuel stoves, furnaces, hot water heaters, and refrigerators. Motorhomes also have gasoline or diesel tanks for engine fuel.  Travel trailers may have a gasoline tank for powering an on board generator and a propane tank for appliances (and sometimes the generator).

It should go without saying to NEVER smoke or use any kind of ignition source around fuel pumps or fuel tanks or when transferring fuel from one container to another. But some people still need a reminder. The brightly displayed warning signs are certainly preferable to suffering the natural consequences of igniting volatile vapors!   Note:  warnings against using a cell phone at many gas stations are not supported by the evidence.  You are far more likely to ignite fumes from a static discharge from sliding off the seat than from using your cell phone.

Always turn off the engine and all propane appliances before fueling either a propane tank or fuel tank. Sparks from a vehicle or generator exhaust could ignite fumes. Pilot lights or electronic ignition of propane appliances could also ignite fumes. The main shutoff valve on motorhome propane tanks must be closed prior to filling the tank. Trailers and campers usually have portable propane thanks. These should be removed from the vehicle and placed on the ground for filling. The attendant should insist that you remove them before filling. The same is true for the portable tanks for your BBQ. Always be careful when moving a propane tank. The steel construction of the tank could cause a spark from movement on pavement. Since excess propane is vented to release pressure in the hose before the hose is disconnected, there could be volatile fumes near the tank. Many propane filling stations have protective steel cylinders they put the tanks in while filling, just in case there is a defect in the tank that might let it explode was pressure increases.

Some motorhomes have dual fuel tanks. This nicely extends the distance between fuel stops, but increases the time it takes to fill the tank(s). Sometimes the fillers for the two tanks are located on opposite sides of the coach, requiring you to back up and switch sides of the pump to fill the second tank. If you haven't hung up the hose and stopped the pump be sure to have someone hold the nozzle. DO NOT lay it down on the ground. Fuel remaining in the hose will leak out and create a hazard. Most gas pumps have a purchase limit when using a credit or debit card. With today's high, fluctuating fuel prices, this limit is often inadequate to fill even one large motorhome fuel tank, let alone two. You may find it more convenient to plan fuel stops more frequently with the goal of staying within the purchase limits instead of running one or both tanks nearly empty before stopping for fuel. A large motorhome with 100 gallon fuel capacity can take around $400 of fuel to fill empty tanks at today's prices in remote areas.

It should go without saying that you should extinguish any smoking materials, open flames, or other possible sources of ignition. Yes, I said it before above but it is worth repeating. Fuel vapors are VERY volatile and can be ignited easily. There is even a common myth that cell phones can cause gas station fires. According to snopes.com this is FALSE. However, I suspect texting or chatting on a cell phone might cause a distraction that allows another hazardous situation to occur, possibly leading to a fuel spill or other accident. Even with the automatic shutoff on most gas pumps you should monitor filling to avoid overfill and spillage. If there is a spill, flush it with water or report it to the station attendant.

Static electricity is a real threat when fueling. See Static Electricity At The Gas Pump for more information. When you first exit your vehicle, any charge is usually dissipated as you use the pump card reader and pick up the nozzle. However, if you get back into the car, you may generate a new charge that can be dangerous. To be on the safe side, avoid getting back into the vehicle until your transaction is complete and always touch the metal cabinet of the pump before handling the nozzle.  Gas station fires once thought to be caused by cell phones have been proven to have been ignited by static electricity.

If you are filling a gas can, take it out of your vehicle and place it on the ground before filling it. Static electricity can build up from the act of fueling if the can is left in the vehicle.  Also, keep the nozzle in contact with the container while filling.  Touch the metal frame of the pump or a metal overhead canopy before starting fueling to dissipate any static buildup in your body before starting to pump fuel.

Cell phone use during fueling is often discouraged. The claim that cell phones cause gas stations fires is an unfounded myth, but there are still valid reasons to avoid using a cell phone while fueling. Even though there is no evidence that cell phones themselves can generate a spark sufficient it ignite fuel fumes, the static electricity from re-entering your car to get your phone or put it back can trigger a fire. Using your cell phone, either talking or texting, can also be distracting to the point that you may not notice overfilling or other dangerous conditions.  Sometimes drivers get back into their cars to retrieve their cell phones and that can create a static electric charge which can trigger an explosion.

Gas lanterns, portable heaters, and camp stoves all require fuel. If they use white gas you will need to exercise extra caution when filling them. Make sure the appliance is on a stable surface where it won't easily fall tip over.  Make sure you are in a well ventilated area so fumes won't accumulate.  Clean up any spilled fuel immediately.  The tanks are usually under pressure so be careful to go slowly removing the cap so the pressure can escape without spraying fuel on you or anything around you. Use an appropriately sized funnel to pour fuel into the tank and take care not to overfill and spill. Filling lanterns can be especially dangerous because they are often still hot when they run out of fuel and campers are anxious to get them going again.  Opening the pressure cap on a hot lantern can result in serious injuries from the resulting fire and/or explosion.  Camp stoves usually have a removable gas tank so you can take it a safe distance from the hot burners to refuel.  Propane appliances are a little easier to swap tanks on, but some gas may escape when you remove the old tank, so work in an open or well ventilated area away from flames or other sources of ignition.  It may seem obvious and indeed it should be, but be sure to shut off the burner before changing cylinders.

Gas stations have an emergency shut off switch that should always be clearly labeled and in plain sight.  It can be used to shut down all the pumps if there is a fire.  It is a good idea to make it practice to locate the shut off switch before you start pumping.  That way, if there is an emergency, you won't be wasting time searching for it.

Fire is our friend when it is safely controlled in an appliance or a campfire. It is definitely NOT friendly in a gas station!  Proper fueling procedures will avoid spills and fires and ensure your safety.

Safety First!