LP Question

[Mike]

I am a new TT owner with no experience or walk-through from the dealor. Therefore, I have a few questions. I have a 2009 189FBS. When turning on the LP to the trailer, should I open both tanks or just one? Before opening the valves, should I do anything inside the trailer or with the appliances? I assume the refrigerator, gas range, and water heater light automatically. Would someone be so kind as to lead me through potable water? Thanks for the assistance!

Mike

[jb_bb]

There isn't really anything you have to do, but maybe check that the stove wasn't accidentally turned on. Nothing else on the trailer is an open propane connection.

Typically what I do is only open one tank. Then once that tank is empty, I will open the other one. This is kind of a warning system for me. Basically once one tank is empty, I know I have to run and fill it up. Whereas if you leave both tanks open, you won't know if you're out of propane until it's too late.

The only thing that I do once my trailer is setup as far as propane is concerned is open one tank and light the stove tops for a minute. What this does is get rid of most of the air in the lines between the tank and stove sometimes caused by traveling and changing tanks.

The fridge lights automatically. The range does not, you need a BBQ lighter to start it. The water heater does light automatically once you turn it on (there should be a red switch that lights up, close to your tank full/empty gauges).

What do you need to know as far as potable water? How the system works?

There is two systems in one on most RV's.

You can use "city" water connection which means that water from the onboard fresh water tank is not being used along with the pump not being used, but you must have a water hookup at your campsite. If you are staying at a site with water hookup you can get away with not having to fill your fresh water tank before leaving your house. The only downside to this is that there is no garuntee the water quality at the campground is up to your standards.

The other method is filling the fresh water tank before you leave on the trip. Then you will be using the pump any time you want to turn on the water. But you will have better quality water (as long as you filled it with good quality water at home).

IMO, I would recommend not using potable water for drinking or cooking. I have got into the habit of bringing water bottles along and that is all I use for drinking and cooking.

I hope that helps. Maybe someone can chime in if I missed something.

Jeff

[LongFeltWant]

That's a good tip about bringing water bottles for cooking and drinking. I will do that.

[Kampnsfun]

Mike, it's important to sanitize the water system before you head out. If you don't then don't use your water to brush your teeth or drink. Multiply .13 per gallon of water and that's how many ounces of chlorine bleach to use, for a 25 gallon tank you should use 3.25 ounces of chlorine bleach, then fill up the potable tank; open the faucets long enough to smell the chlorine coming from them, then close the faucets and let that mix sit in contact for 4 hours before draining it. I usually follow that with a water freshener so there is no bleach smell remaining. Taking bottle water is a good idea if your dry camping or have not sanitized the system.
kampnsfun