Righto, heading south with a truck camper in which we rely on propane (LPG, call it what you want) for cooking and fridge. We have horizontal bottles
with stamped dates (one from a year ago, another from 10 years ago) that fit the standard US connection (I am Australian). We will try to minimize
usage of the resource as we travel to Panama and back by running the fridge off the batteries while moving and using the BBQ for cooking. BUT, I will
need to fill up many times on our 12 month journey.
THE QUESTION: what connectors will I need and what is the availability of propane in Baja (also the rest of Mexico)
Any assistance appreciated !
propane & panama
captkw - 3-15-2015 at 01:38 AM
I did that drive myself and found battery power on a dometic or norcold is iffy..best to run gas/propane. dead/weak batterys suck and sooner or later
it will happen using 12 volts...I recommend keeping it running on gas and use 110ac when avable for overnight...must units run fine and don't blow
out..if yours blows out due to wind make a baffle and sometimes it might take a little fine tuning.. no specil connectors needed.wish you luck.. and
in Baja/mex the "gas' is always just outside of town......K&Tmarksgone - 3-15-2015 at 02:56 AM
Thanks K&T,
we stay off the grid mostly so don't plug into mains power much/at all. We haven't had any problems with the howling wind in Alaska with the fridge
pilot light so don't think this will be a problem. Have used propane almost exclusively on that trip (we live in the camper for months on end)
BUT, no connections needed?? Really. I have read about different requirements almost for each country heading south. This is a baja forum so the
interest here is just for that region but if anyone knows about further a-field then please let me know.
Cheers
HOLA
captkw - 3-15-2015 at 03:26 AM
I am awake at this hr only due to the fact that a older lady friend (boater) is in a ICU and it does not look good...if you U2U your phone number I
will call you and give you some great tips/tricks on driving to panama and back.. first would be forget "the lonely planet guide book" and second is
to travel " in transito" you don't need a visa and you fly thru the borders ...(frontara) also about money exchange at each border and some other info
from someone that dragged a boat down there and back...and lived,,,,LOL...K&Tcj5orion - 3-15-2015 at 04:20 AM
be sure you have propane adaptors/connectors
for old to new and new to oldAKgringo - 3-15-2015 at 07:49 AM
The Maranatha Campground and RV park, just west of La Paz, is a good place to stop and restock your camper.
They use a lot of propane there, and if Cindy or Jose' calls the propane company they can fill your tanks right there. They carry a variety of
connectors on the truck.
[Edited on 3-15-2015 by AKgringo]woody with a view - 3-15-2015 at 08:19 AM
every time i've refilled in Baja the guy always had the proper connectors. don't worry about that aspect. worry about having too much fun....willyAirstream - 3-15-2015 at 08:30 AM
The propane supplier in Santa Rosalia can fill the horizonal tanks Check with my swiss friend Thomas at http://thebluetruck.blogspot.com/ He has been travelling the Pan American highway for 3 years. If you cant find answers on his blog, email him and
he will provide details on requirements. Do a search on his blog also.Pompano - 3-15-2015 at 09:01 AM
It's easy to have your own adaptors when traveling south...Mexico, Central America, and South America. Seems every country is different and you
should be prepared. Be a good idea to bring an electrical adaptor also. I wouldn't make that long a trip without this small addition.
Years ago, I got my propane adaptors at San Diego Welding Supply, but I think they're out of business these days. Try Northern Tool, Grange, or Acme
Tool?SFandH - 3-15-2015 at 09:07 AM
The propane supplier in Santa Rosalia can fill the horizonal tanks
Where in Santa Rosalia?
Thanksmtnpop - 3-15-2015 at 09:13 AM
Gaspasa plant north of Sta. Rosalia can fill any of your tanks
You can also search Ebay for the adapters most are available there if you are so inclined and have time...
most of the tanks I have seen here have only the valve with female thread... where the ones we bring from the states have male/female threaded
valves....which allows you to hook up a hose with the big hand tightening nut Alm - 3-15-2015 at 07:34 PM
Marksgone - taking chances of sounding unpatriotic, I'll suggest to visit another forum: rv.net -> Rving in Mexico and South America:
Nomads forum is a kind of misnomer, members are mostly "living" there, rather than traveling extensively. Rv.net folks are traveling.
From my (limited) experience, you'll be able refill in most big towns. Especially if you can talk. Where there is no big propane plant like in Sta
Rosalia, people are still using propane to heat their homes and cook their meals.
