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Comment by eksith | Hacker News Reader

In many cases, this is why the trailer is still somewhat better if you're thinking totally mobile living area. Since it has no engines to speak of, the only worry about leaks is if you connect 1 or 2 LPG tanks. Need to keep an eye on the gas lines for vibration induced abrasion/breaks if you move about a lot to make sure they're still intact.

As an alternative, a heat exchanger ventilation system may work. This way, you can maintain a comfortable temperature indoors for a bit longer while still ventilating.

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If you use LPG / Propane / Butane for anything in a vehicle other than propulsion:

- make sure it is periodically inspected

- keep a hawk eye and a dogs nose out for anything suspicious

- get a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket, learn how to use them

- make sure the vehicle is very well ventilated

- always ventilate for a few minutes before starting / igniting anything

- if you suspect something is wrong check with soap, not with a match

Gas explosions in RV's and mobile homes are unfortunately not rare at all.

Gas explosions in RV's and mobile homes are unfortunately not rare at all.

No, they are not.

It does not help that, as my brother-in-law found out the hard way, one of the effects of being exposed to the gas is that you become groggy and lose judgement. He's luckily still alive, but with serious scarring on about 1/3 of his body.

Therefore develop good habits. Be religious about it. It is only the fact that it IS a habit which will cause you to do the right thing when you need to and have impaired judgement.

Ai. I feel for your brother in law, I have had a very extensive 2nd degree burn (right arm, most of my back), no pigmentation there whatsoever which leads to the occasional weird look. Burns are bad.

I forgot to add one more thing in the list, which is that gas will pool at the bottom of enclosed spaces and it can blow up on you even when you think there is none.

> - if you suspect something is wrong check with soap, not with a match

Would you mind elaborating on this point? I don't know what you're referring to.

Some people have the habit to use a lighted match or flame to discover small gas leaks. Simply pass the flame near the suspected leak source. It almost never results in a tragic accident, since gas has mercaptans added to cause the unmistakable (rotten egg) smell of a gas leak. There have been a few cases, however, where some fool either ignored the smell of gas, or couldn't smell, or whatever, and blew himself to smithereens, and/or caused a big fire.

Why would anyone ever think this was a wise thing to do?

Well, if it is a large leak, the smell should make it obvious when it is a really bad idea, and you'll have no trouble hearing such a leak. If you're trying to find a tiny leak this actually seems to work well and is relatively safe due to the speed at which natural gas dissipates. IMO it is somewhat less safe when using LP gas, since LP gas is heavier than air, and can pool near the floor. Remember, until recently, gas water heaters, and other appliances had a partially exposed pilot light, so any significant leak could potentially find that, but rarely did.

source: I've somewhat nervously watched old-timers do this. I've also accidentally discovered leaky welding torches this way.

> it is somewhat less safe when using LP gas, since LP gas is heavier than air, and can pool near the floor

But if you're doing it with city gas, it's lighter than air and can pool between joists.

Really, just go mix up the spray bottle of soapy water. It works great for non-flammable gases too.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-check-for-gas-l...

If you think the tank or a hose is leaking, rub some soap on it and see if it bubbles.

I use a squirt bottle with dish soap solution, or a cup and a paint brush. I also have a gas detector, which are not too expensive, but I don't always have it when I need it. Soap and water are almost always readily available.

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