Does Propane Go Bad In an RV? Everything You Need To Know

As fall rolls along, and some RVers are thinking about winterizing & storing their rigs for the winter, we thought this would be a good time to address the question, “Does propane go bad?” We’ve previously investigated gasoline and diesel in our posts entitled “Does Gasoline Go Bad?” and “Does Diesel Go Bad?” But we’ve never written a post about the shelf life of propane.

Does propane have an expiration date? Are there specific steps we need to take to store propane safely? Let’s find out!

Why Is It Important to Know If Propane Goes Bad?

Many RVers rely on propane for heating, cooking, and hot water. As the fall nights grow chilly, some are preparing to bring out their portable propane-powered heaters for winter camping. But they’ve been stored away for a long time. And, not only do some RVers store their rigs for the winter (often with partially full propane tanks), but many people also store partially full portable propane gas tanks used for summer barbecuing.

For all of these people, it’s important to know whether propane degrades over time. More important, however, is whether a stored propane tank presents a risk. Can propane tanks explode in the cold, for example? These are important questions to know the answers to before you store a propane tank of any kind.

OK, So… Does Propane Go Bad?

The answer is no. Propane doesn’t go bad – it does not expire. In fact, this is an advantage that propane has over other fuel sources. Propane (LPG or liquefied petroleum gas) is a component of natural gas that is compressed and stored as a liquid. And, it has a very long shelf life.

Why Does a Propane Tank or Gauge Have an Expiration Date?

When you see an expiration date on a propane tank or gauge, what you’re actually seeing is the date when the tank’s safety inspection expires. Essentially, the date on the tank serves as a reminder to inspect the tank itself, as it’s the tank that needs to be replaced, not the propane.

In the United States, portable propane tanks/cylinders with a capacity of 100 pounds or less will have an expiration date 12 years after the manufacturing date, as required by the DOT standard to which they are certified (they have a 10-year expiry in Canada). You should see the date stamped on the collar of a portable cylinder in the format of month/year (example: 09/22 for September of 2022).

On portable propane cylinders, DOT information including the expiration date of the TANK is stamped on the collar of the tank.

After that date, you’ll need to have the tank inspected to determine if it needs to be replaced or requalified/recertified. Requalified/recertified tanks will receive a new expiration date of 5, 7, or 12 years out, depending on the type of recertification and the method.

Brand new, larger, BUILT-IN RV propane tanks are manufactured with thicker walls and are certified by ASME (just like permanently installed propane cylinders for residential use), not the DOT, and don’t need to be recertified. However, it’s still a good to check regularly them for signs of rust and leaks.

Can Propane Tanks Explode?

Propane tanks can rust and leak. Since a gas leak is never a good thing, it’s important to prevent rust and to monitor tanks for the development of rust. It’s also why propane tanks have an “expiry” date – a reminder that it’s time to get the tank inspected.

As for the potential to explode, there are a few things that are important to know:

First, propane tanks rarely explode, but it CAN happen under extreme circumstances. Propane tanks are equipped with safety mechanisms. As long as you maintain your tanks and respect the propane as you use it, your propane tank exploding (or imploding) is highly unlikely.

One of the most important things you can do is to avoid leaks. Leaks can develop around valves, of course, but if rust penetrates the tank, you’ve got a real problem on your hands. The important thing is to ensure your tank never reaches that point by maintaining it and having it regularly inspected!

Propane tanks need to be kept rust-free and should be replaced (or recertified) by their expiration date.

It’s also essential to ensure that a propane tank isn’t exposed to extreme heat for prolonged periods. If temperatures outside the tank are so high that they cause the temperature inside to rise excessively, the tank can explode if the built-in safety release systems fail to function properly.

However, this is an unusual situation and would require the liquid propane inside a faulty tank to come to a boil and expand. That expansion could cause the tank to explode. For this to happen, your tank would need to be stored in a place with temperatures of 120℉ or higher for an extended period.

How to Store a Propane Tank Safely

There are a few things you can do to be sure your propane tank is safe:

1. It’s always best to store a propane tank (or a rig with a built-in propane tank) in a cool, dry place. Lower storage temperatures ensure the tank and the LP inside it remain at a safe, low temperature. Again, it’s best to store propane at temperatures below 120°F (49°C).
2. Do not store rusty propane tanks. Have the tank replaced if rust is a concern.
3. When storing a propane tank (or an RV with a propane tank onboard), be sure to shut off the valve prior to storage. You don’t want a gas leak developing.
4. Never store a propane tank indoors. If a gas leak were to develop, this could be very dangerous.
5. Always store portable propane tanks upright on a flat, stable surface in a cool, dry area, and monitor them for rust over time.

Can I Check the Propane Level In My Tank Without a Gauge?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have a working gauge on your propane tank, checking the level of propane in the tank is actually quite simple. We’ll let Peter show you how it’s done:

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