If you've ever been ice fishing during the coldest part of winter, you know how vital a steady heat supply is for staying comfortable and safe. At Northland Auto Center, we make it our mission to keep Yetti Fish House RV owners informed about the unique challenges that come with heating in extreme cold. Today, let's take a look at propane—an essential fuel for your fish house—and how its performance changes as the mercury drops.

Propane in Extreme Cold: What You Need to Know

Propane is the go-to choice for heating in RVs and fish houses thanks to its efficiency, convenience, and availability. However, propane behaves differently as temperatures approach extreme lows, and understanding these changes can help you get the most out of your Fish House RV unit.

Propane is stored in a liquid state to maximize fuel storage within your tank. To be used, the liquid propane must convert (or "boil") into a gaseous form. This boiling occurs at -44°F. While this is extremely cold, it ensures vapor availability at nearly any temperature we would typically encounter. However, as temperatures approach -44°F, propane struggles to convert into gas, leading to a decrease in available BTUs (British Thermal Units—a measure of energy), which means less effective heating of your fish house.

For example, propane pressure starts to drop significantly as the temperature dips below 20°F. By the time you get to -15°F, the pressure inside your 30 lb propane tank can become so low that your furnace has trouble running properly, resulting in longer and more frequent heating cycles. This is why we use 30 lb tanks instead of 20 lb tanks, as the larger volume of liquid equates to more available vapor and helps maintain higher pressure in colder temperatures. For residential home use, the smallest tanks are typically 100 lb or larger to ensure enough propane vapor is available even during extreme cold.

According to the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), propane tanks can lose over 50% of their vapor pressure at 0°F compared to 60°F. This dramatic reduction in pressure affects the efficiency of appliances that rely on propane, particularly those, like RV furnaces, that need a steady flow of gas to keep running.

What This Means for Your Fish House RV

When temperatures dip below -15°F, many ice anglers begin to notice that their furnace isn’t working as effectively. The propane struggles to boil, creating less gas and therefore less available heat. As the furnace cycles more frequently to try and maintain heat, propane demand continues to exceed the supply—and despite your best efforts, the interior may still feel cooler than desired.

Fishing at temperatures below -15°F can become more of a chore than an enjoyable outing for the unprepared. The lack of available propane vapor at such low temperatures is one concern, while other factors like generator issues, redundant heating needs, and simply enduring the harsh cold can make things even tougher.

Ice fishing in sub-zero conditions often means diminishing returns: the fishing is rarely great, and the costs of specialized equipment like propane wraps, along with the potential for generator problems, can make these outings unsafe for you and your companions. Still, some choose to brave the elements. Others find themselves caught by a sudden drop in temperature. In either case, you'll want to know the following:

Tips for Maximizing Heat Efficiency in Cold Weather

To ensure you're getting the most out of your propane tank in cold weather, follow these tips:

• Keep Your Propane Tanks Full: The more liquid propane in the tank, the more vapor can be produced at a given temperature and the better it will maintain pressure. This helps with the conversion of propane from liquid to gas.
• Store Tanks Properly: Keep propane tanks protected from wind and extreme cold as much as possible. Placing your tank inside a cover can help mitigate some of the pressure loss.
• Monitor Fuel Levels: Cold temperatures mean increased propane demand, despite a reduction in available propane gas vapor. Make sure you monitor your fuel levels closely to avoid running out in the middle of a cold snap. We recommend keeping an extra tank or turning a tank off at night to avoid a 2 AM propane run.
• Use a Secondary Heat Source: While we don’t recommend heating wraps for every trip, using a heat wrap is a good option for extreme cold conditions.

Facts Regarding Propane in Extreme Cold

• Regulators Freeze: Regulators can freeze due to the rapid temperature drop caused by gas expansion, especially if there is moisture present in the propane or surrounding air. Moisture can freeze inside the regulator, leading to blockages. This is more likely to occur if the furnace is drawing more gas than the regulator can handle. To prevent this, using a regulator cover or keeping the regulator itself warm can help. Tank heating wraps are primarily useful for keeping propane at an adequate temperature for vaporization but may also indirectly help prevent regulator issues.
• Control Moisture: Water in propane shouldn't be a thing, but it does exist in small amounts. To control moisture in propane bulk tanks, methanol is added, which prevents the water from freezing and allows it to be removed. In the event there is not enough methanol in the bulk tank, you may receive water and the associated problems that come with it. Fill your tanks at the lowest outdoor temperature to avoid bringing water into your tank and ultimately, your appliances.
• Heat Sources: Heating wraps designed for use on propane tanks, while expensive, are safe and effective at keeping the propane liquid boiling. The wrap gently heats and insulates the tank to maintain a temperature between +40°F and +70°F. Wraps have no sparks, open flames, or dangerously hot surfaces that could ignite propane gas. Engine block heaters, trouble lamps, or radiant heaters, on the other hand, can cause fires and explosions that can be deadly.

RULE: Bring a Secondary Heat Source

While we don’t recommend radiant heaters (e.g., Big Buddy) as your first option for backup heat in your fish house, we do recommend electric ceramic heaters or a built-in fireplace in your Yetti to use in case of furnace or propane issues. Radiant heaters produce moisture as a byproduct, which can lead to condensation and damage to the wood interior. Electric heaters provide heat without contributing to condensation. During times of backup heat use, it is advised to avoid opening the floor holes to prevent heat loss and moisture entry. However, if you must use a heat source that creates carbon monoxide, it is imperative to vent the fish house to avoid asphyxiation.

At Northland Auto Center, we're committed to making sure your winter adventures are safe and enjoyable. The Yetti Fish House is a fantastic piece of equipment—well insulated and highly efficient for your comfort—but understanding propane limitations and preparing accordingly is essential for a safe experience. If you need help with winter prep, propane safety, or want to learn more about making the most of your fish house, reach out to us anytime.

For more Yetti Fish House accessories, parts, and winterization products, visit FishHouseToys.com. We’re here to help you stay warm, stay safe, and make every ice fishing trip one to remember.

Have more questions or need advice for your next winter outing? Contact us today and let our team of experts make sure you're ready for anything this winter!