If you’ve been RVing for any length of time, someone has probably told you about the trick to “resetting” your propane tank:

1. Turn off all propane-consuming appliances.
2. Turn off the service valve on the propane tank.
3. Wait 2-3 minutes.
4. Slowly, slooooowly open the service valve.
5. Continue life as normal. 

Yes, this trick works. It’s just like the old IT joke: “Have you turned it on and off again?” But why does this work? What are you resetting? And will it happen again?

If you’re as curious as I am, you may enjoy this post. I’ve packed a lot of information into the following paragraphs. But speaking propane is its own language: tanks and cylinders, ACME threads, excess flow valves, inches of water column, flare fittings, vapor pressure, bleeder valves … you don’t need to know all this stuff to be a responsible RVer. But if you enjoy the little dopamine rush from learning something new, read on!