What Happens When the Propane Tank Runs Empty?

[One Awesome Inch]

Something that I have thought about that has me a tad bit concerned...

This winter and fall I'll be using an Olympian Wave 3 propane heater off of a 20LB propane tank.

So what happens when I am sleeping and in the middle of the night the tank runs out of propane? I'm pretty sure the Wave 3 will just shut-off.

However, if the valve on the 20LB tank is open but there is "no" propane left, are there *any* safety concerns?


I assume there is a simple answer to this but as a propane rookie, I want to make sure I have an understanding of such situations.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Not many run heat while sleeping except in extreme temps. Wintering in Southern Az we never do.
Our heater will flutter and quit and the thermocouple cool and shuts the heater valve off. Since we would be awake I would notice it right away.
I don't see a concern but it is recommended that you have a detector anyhoo.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Not many run heat while sleeping except in extreme temps. Wintering in Southern Az we never do.
Our heater will flutter and quit and the thermocouple cool and shuts the heater valve off. Since we would be awake I would notice it right away.
I don't see a concern but it is recommended that you have a detector anyhoo.

The difference being that I am in Canada and must have heat to be comfortable. Now I *could* survive without it, but I dont want to just survive. I want to live and be comfortable. I don't mind spending money on the propane to run the heater all night... but I want to do so safely.

Thus, my question about the valve being open, but the tank empty....

 

[amwbox]

It's advertised as having an automatic shutoff valve. Fuel pressure gets too low, valve closes. If your valve is open but the tank is empty...you should probably get rid of the dangerous as hell heater. It's defective.

Buddy heaters do the same thing. I've never heard of it failing. You should test it and see what happens.

If your going to run any heater while sleeping, get the appropriate LPG and carbon monoxide alarms. Be safe. I live in the PNW as well...and while my winters probably aren't as harsh, we still get sustained below freezing temps, and I've always slept without heaters when living on wheels. Probably out of pure paranoia. Don't think I could trust a machine to not poison me like that.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Check the paper work on your Wave 3...I think you'll be fine.
Seems I remember Bob mentioning running one 24/7 up in Ak.

 

[ccbreder]

Modern propane tanks are as safe empty as when full. The main worry is if the hose has a leak.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Thanks! That makes me feel better. I think I am going to fire off an email to Olympian, the maker of my heater and get their thoughts. Couldn't hurt.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

You know, the reason why you usually see TWO tanks side by side on the front of trailers is because the twin tank regulators switch automatically from the empty tank to the full one when the first tank goes empty.

You can tell by looking at the regulator which tank it is feeding from, so if you check every day, you will know when one tank is empty and can unhook it and take it in for refilling.

And best of all, your heat never goes off when it's cold enough to freeze a brass monkey's private parts.

Regards
John

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I don't see a problem when the tank runs out, there is no gaz left, so no problem other then you have to either switch tanks or get it filled. My tank runs out every month or so, I have two 6bls tanks, What are you worried about or thinking could be a possible problem or could happen??? I have a vented heater with a contained flame, lpg alarm but still I am not comfortable running it while I sleep I heat the cabin during the evening or daytime in extreme cold,shut it off when I go to bed wake up fifteen minutes early and warm the joint up. I know it would be a lot more comfortable if I ran it all night but I can't sleep with it on,maybe some day I will get over it. Last year I was in below zero temps and managed to find a plug in spot and paid a bit of the electric bill, used a little ceramic heater on low that kept it nice and comfortable other then the sound of the fan that annoyed me so I ended up shutting it off most of the time and starting it again in the morning an hour before getting up.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Well, I don't know what would happen. Thus, the inquiry. As I mentioned in the OP I have no experience with propane. The knowledge you guys share with me is very much appreciated and value to me. Whenever possible I find it wise to ask people who have experience in the area of question. I may end up leaving the heater off at night, or I might want to keep it on. 9 months of the year its not a major concern, just a bit of discomfort, but when it gets really cold, I am going to want heat.

 

[LeeRevell]

I have been using both smaller Buddy and Big Buddy heaters for some time.  Home, van and hunting blind - never a problem.
I don't yet have a CO Detector, but will invest in one before I live for any length of time in a van.

 

[Spirituallifetime]

I've had no problems running propane heat 24/7. When it runs out it just shuts off, I keep a 2nd propane tank ready because in really cold weather your van will start to get cold fast. Open a window or vent to get fresh are because the heater will use up the oxygen in the van.

 

[SoulRaven]

Thanks! That makes me feel better. I think I am going to fire off an email to Olympian, the maker of my heater and get their thoughts. Couldn't hurt.

Regardless of what Olympian has to say, to be safe, I would suggest that you test YOUR heater, and YOUR system while you are awake.

I might not always agree with other people's choices, but I do care, and want everybody to be safe out here.

 

[BC Guy]

However, if the valve on the 20LB tank is open but there is "no" propane left, are there *any* safety concerns?

No.  The only thing is that you are going to get cold.  I have had it happen a few times.

 

[highdesertranger]

and there you go. good job BC Guy, a short and to the point answer. highdesertranger

 

[One Awesome Inch]

No.  The only thing is that you are going to get cold.  I have had it happen a few times.

Thanks. Exactly what I was hoping.

 

[compassrose]

... I think I am going to fire off an email to Olympian, the maker of my heater and get their thoughts. Couldn't hurt.

When you get a reply, please post it here. It would be very helpful to others.