Propane tanks used to heat a home are generally found in rural areas where fewer heating options exist. These tanks can be as small as 100 lbs or as large as hundreds of gallons. The smaller tanks can be taken to be refilled or for the larger tanks, having a company come out to fill it is the only option. Propane is efficient and it is usually a little costlier than natural gas.
Propane tanks used for barbecue grills are generally the little 20 pounders and they last for quite some time. Propane is popular with grilling because it cooks quickly and burns cleanly. Making sure your equipment is in good condition, no leaks, valves good, no dents in the can are very important for safety.
Hot dog wagons are usually mobile and therefore the best cooking gas for them is propane. The tanks are easy to move with the vehicle and more convenient than any other fuel source. Propane is the usual fuel source for this type of business because it is easy to set up anywhere and lasts for a long time.
Considering an RV is usually going to be on the move, propane tanks are the way to go for this application. Again, the fact that propane travels easily and can be set up anywhere makes it the best choice for heating and cooking for an RV. According to the California DMV website on RV safety, propane is safe as long as it is handled correctly. This means making sure there are no leaks in the tank as well as not overfilling the tank. Propane tanks should be filled to no more than 80 percent.
Use of propane on boats is common for all of the same reasons its popular elsewhere -- ease for travel, use and storage, cooks quickly and is long lasting. However, there are dangers if propane safety is not followed. Make sure the tanks have no leaks, valves are intact and tanks are stored in a compartment to prevent an explosion. Having a leak detector is an excellent idea as well.
