HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2004-10-28, Page 16Season of change
With fall's arrival it's not a bad idea to start thinking about
winterization of your recreational vehicle. (Courtesy photo)
SPECIALS!!!
COOLANT FLUSH
01.. ANTIFREEZE DEX-COOL 441
$95.95 $99.95
Introducing
Goodwrench
FALL SERVICE $49,95 (F\- \ Les r
INCLUDES. LOF • 15 Point Inspection • Top yp Fluids • Inspect Brakes
• Tire Rotation 8 Tire Pressure
We specialize in
General Motors Vehicles
but service all makes
and models
CHEVROLET
JOHN CULLEN
OLDSMOBILE
Liimf wil/1114
DEALER Of
LXCELLENGE- 115 Josephine St., Wingham 357-2323
SERVICE DEPT HOURS.
Mon • Pr,. 8 a.m 5 p m., Sal . 9 a.m. -I p.n)
INCLWAES...
• New filter, installed • Up to 5L 5W30 motor oil
Iii • Chassis lube (if applicable)
•
Comprehensive 55 pt. check over with report card
FREE BRAKE
INSPECTIONS
N/C estimates if work recommended.
Free ride to area shopping available!
Free local shuttle service!
YOUR KEY TO RENEWAL, PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION.
346 HURON ROAD, GODERICH
524-9381
1-800-338-1134
PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2004.
Maintaining your RV gas system
By Ron Taylor
Propane Gas Association of
Canada
It's come to that time of year again
when the leaves turn and the weather
starts getting a bit iffy. Being as this
is Canada, it's not such a bad idea to
start thinking about the winterization
of your recreational vehicle..
There are many kinds of RV's,
including motorized homes and
campers, as well as travel and tent
trailers. Maintenance (including
winterization) of these units is
essential to happy motoring and
optimum performance.
The first thing that people think
about once the cold starts to hit is the
fluid system and that means purging
your tanks and putting anti-freeze
throughout your unit. Another key
procedure to think about is your
propane powered heating system.
Propane is a heavier than air gas
that is non-toxic, colourless and
odourless. It is also one of the
cleanest burning of all fossil fuels.
That makes it an ideal energy source.
Another of propane's positive
qualities is its portability. Propane
liquid expands 270 times to its
gaseous form when in use, so that
makes for compact transportation
and storage. The tanks themselves
are also 20 times more puncture
resistant than regular gas tanks.
Propane leaves your tank as a gas
and does not dissolve in water but
will dissipate into the air. The key
thing here is to make sure it doesn't
gather into low lying spots in the
event of a leak. In confined spaces, it
has nowhere to go, so the -rotten-
eggs" additive as well as your RV's
gas detector will help identify any
problems.
On that note, check your gas
detector each time you use your RV.
If you think it isn't working
properly, replace it with a new one
immediately.
While the location of various
pieces of equipment varies, propane
cylinders and their relief/regulating
equipment must be located such that
any leaks go to the outside, where
gases will dissipate.
After a long summer either of
heavy use or of extended periods of
storage it's always a good idea to
have your system checked out. If
you haven't covered your furnace or
water heater vents, all sorts of debris
can enter your RV. Insects seem to
like the smell of propAne and
sometimes will build nests where
your propane flows. This will cause
poor combustion, delayed ignition or
ignition outside the combustion.,
tube.
Any change in flame appearance,
from a hard blue flame to a soft, lazy
flame or a yellow flame is an
indication of an obstruction in the
burner tube.
Recreational vehicles most often
are equipped with a furnace, but also
house many kinds of appliances
powered by propane that require
maintenance and safety checks.
These appliances include your
refrigerator, stove, lights and various
other gadgets. Make sure that no
supply lines are old, or rubbing
against sharp edges and lines are the
correct length.
Watch for any changes in the
performance of your appliances,
particularly if you plan on utilizing
your RV's furnace and appliances
over the winter. Consult your unit's
instruction manual for general
maintenance, but be sure to contact
your RV service technician when
working with your propane system.
Most of us are not experts with gas
systems, but these people are!
On that note, have your propane
system inspected each year by a
licensed RV technician. Doing this
in the spring is fine, however, if you
plan on using your RV in the winter,
a fall inspection might also be wise.
Technicians can certify the condition
of your tanks, inspect the valves,
check for leaks and ensure proper
regulator settings. And
remember...only a certified propane
fitter may lawfully install or remove
propane piping, tubing, equipment.
and appliances in your unit.
Your RV is an amazing machine
and many are .made for winter use.
but like any piece of equipment, it
has to be maintained. Use the same
rules of safety as you would
throughout the rest of the year.
Following proper procedures each
time out will result in a system that
operates efficiently and reliably.
The Propane Gas Association of
Canada (PGAC) is the national
voice of the Canadian propane
industry. Comprised of 236 member
companies, the PGAC's mission is to
promote a safe, environmentally
responsible Canadian • propane
industry by collaborating with
govei-nments on policies affecting
propane, facilitating cooperation
between member organizations,
informing the public and providing
state-of-the-art training and
emergency response services to
members.
For more information on Propane
(including the refueling location
directory), please go to
www.propanegas.ca
Closer look
After summer it's good to
check your system out
thoroughly (Courtesy photo)