Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician Practice Test

What is the approximate number of BTUs in a 20 pound propane cylinder?

1. 50,000 BTUs

2. 100,000 BTUs

3. 345,000 BTUs

4. 500,000 BTUs

The correct answer is: 345,000 BTUs

The approximate number of BTUs in a 20-pound propane cylinder is typically around 4,200 BTUs per pound of propane. Therefore, when you calculate the total for a 20-pound cylinder, you multiply 4,200 BTUs by 20 pounds, resulting in about 84,000 BTUs. While 'C', indicating 345,000 BTUs, may seem appealing, it significantly overstates the BTU content of a standard 20-pound propane cylinder. The correct approximation is closer to 100,000 BTUs, which aligns with the known heating capacity of propane. Understanding the energy content in propane is critical for RV technicians, as it helps in assessing heating systems, cooking appliances, and general energy consumption in recreational vehicles. Accurate knowledge of BTUs can influence decisions on equipment selection and usage during RV maintenance and operation.