Your RV propane regulator controls the flow of propane from the tanks to the appliances you use in your RV. Your rig may use propane for everything from cooking to heating to warming your water for showers. The RV propane regulator is a safety feature that can keep your hoses from rupturing and can even prevent an explosion.
We’ll take a look at how your RV propane regulator works, what to do if it breaks, how much one costs, and more.
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What You Need to Know About Your RV Propane Regulator
1. Your RV has a two-stage propane regulator to maintain proper pressure.
The RV propane regulator is a component that fits between your propane tanks and the rest of the system. It takes the fuel coming out of the tank at high pressure (or PSI) and brings it down to a manageable flow. The first stage lowers the pressure to around 10 to 15 psi from a much higher number, sometimes 250 or more. The second stage takes it down to around 11 water column inches, which is the right flow for your RV’s appliances.
2. Propane regulators are inexpensive and easy to install.
RV propane pressure regulators are relatively affordable, and you can get one for around $25. They’re also fairly easy to install. The inlet and outlet are different sizes, so you won’t mix them up.
3. Each stage on a two-stage propane regulator has a vent.
The vent for the first stage is small, often just a little hole. The second stage vent is bigger and more obvious. It’s important to keep these vents clean, or the regulator won’t work properly. The Stage Two vent must be pointed down to keep out dirt and debris. The Stage One vent should also point down, if possible.
4. Keep your RV propane regulator covered.
There are plastic covers made specifically to cover your RV propane regulator. If you bought your RV new, it should have one. If you have an older RV without a cover, or if your cover is cracked or damaged, you’ll want to get a new one as soon as you can.
5. Your RV propane regulator will need to be replaced.
It’s a good idea to replace your regulator every ten to fifteen years. Even if you’re not experiencing any trouble with your RV’s propane system, it can wear out after a while. It’s a good idea to replace an old regulator before something goes wrong.
It’s also a good idea to have a spare RV propane regulator. If yours breaks, having an extra one can mean the difference between a comfortable campout and a chilly night!
6. When you fill your RV propane tank, turn off the regulator valve.
Once the tank is full, don’t forget to turn it back on (or have your service technician turn it back on). If you turn on your gas appliances after filling your tank and nothing works, check the valve. It’s probably in the off position.
7. Some RVs have two propane tanks.
These RVs will often have an automatic dual tank changeover LP propane regulator. To use it properly, make sure both propane tanks are turned on, then switch the lever to one tank. When that tank is empty, just switch the lever to the second tank. Make sure you fill up your empty tank before your spare runs out!
8. If you smell propane, something is wrong.
Propane has a very distinct odor. If you smell that odor, something is wrong. It could be a problem with your RV propane regulator, or it could be an issue with some other part of your propane system. Whatever it is, you’ll want to find out quickly.
As soon as you smell propane, shut off your tanks, turn off appliances, extinguish nearby campfires, and get any lit cigarettes far away from your camper. Make sure the interior of your RV is well-ventilated by opening windows and turning on overhead fans. Then, start looking for the problem or get a professional to take a look.
9. When in doubt, hire a pro.
The RV propane regulator isn’t a complicated component. If you’re comfortable making repairs, you should be able to resolve any issue that comes up with yours. But propane is extremely flammable and you don’t want to take chances. If you’re not sure how to fix your RV propane regulator or any other part of your RV’s propane system, call an experienced RV repair person.
What to Look for When Buying an RV Propane Regulator
What should you look for when shopping for an RV propane regulator? Here are a few things to consider.
- Price is an important factor for the majority of campers. Fortunately, most propane regulators are pretty cheap!
- Material and quality are also important to consider since your RV propane regulator is a critical piece of equipment. You’ll want to look for regulators that are constructed of aluminum, zinc, stainless steel, or brass. Some also advertise themselves as “heavy-duty” or feature powdered coating.
- Regulator capacity is an important metric to understand before you buy one. Capacity is measured in BTUs, or British thermal units. The higher the BTU rating, the more expensive the regulator. However, most RVs don’t require high-pressure regulators. Anything over 50,000 BTUs should be acceptable.
- Protective cover – Look for a regulator that comes with a protective cover which will help keep it in proper working order.
- Automatic change-over – If your RV has two tanks, you’ll want a regulator with an automatic change-over. That way, you won’t have to worry about manually changing over the regulator. Simply flip the lever from one side to the other to keep using your appliances.
Types of RV Propane Regulators
It’s important to understand that not every propane regulator on the market will be appropriate for your RV! There are a few different types of RV propane regulators out there.
- First-stage propane regulators are used with a single cylinder of propane that you connect to a gas grill or camping stove. They’re also sometimes called low-BTU regulators or single-stage regulators, and they can deliver propane at low pressure to a second-stage regulator.
- Second-stage propane regulators go between the first-stage regulator and the actual appliance. They cut down the pressure in the tank and ensure the gas pressure won’t overwhelm the appliance it’s being delivered to. These kinds of regulators may be found on commercial or high-end appliances and are generally rated at approximately 175,000 BTUs.
- Integral twin-stage propane regulators are the most common. In fact, this is probably the type you have in your RV! They’re also referred to as inline twin-stage regulators or dual regulators, and they help you distribute propane among multiple appliances.
- High-pressure propane regulators deal with high gas pressure that needs serious regulation. These are generally not used in RV consumer appliances. You’re more likely to encounter them in commercial fryers and other large appliances.
RV Propane Regulator Troubleshooting
Trouble with your RV propane regulator should be fixed as soon as possible. While you can always hire a pro to check out your propane system, there are some minor troubleshooting steps you can take yourself.
If your RV propane regulator is leaking, and you smell gas or hear a hissing sound, try to tighten the fixture. If it won’t stop leaking even when you’ve tightened it by hand as much as possible, the regulator likely needs replacing.
If propane-powered appliances aren’t starting, the problem could be coming from anywhere along the lines including your RV propane regulator. If the propane regulator appears to be working but you still can’t use your heater or stove, you may need to take your RV to the repair shop.
Checking an RV propane regulator’s pressure requires a gas pressure manometer. It’s a specialty tool most people don’t own, so it’s often easiest to have it checked by a pro.
Usually, the easiest, and often cheapest, course of action when you have trouble with your RV propane regulator is simply to replace it since they’re so cheap.
RV Propane Regulator FAQs
Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions people have about their RV propane regulator.
How do you adjust an RV propane regulator?
If you need to adjust your RV propane regulator, remove the cap and look for the adjustment screw underneath. Turning this screw clockwise will usually increase the outlet pressure, but the proper direction of the adjustment will also be marked on the regulator itself.
How do you connect a propane tank to an RV?
Your propane regulator connects your propane tank to your RV. The regulator, along with a set of hoses, delivers the gas from your tanks to your RV’s appliances.
How do you know if a propane regulator is bad?
If your RV regulator is not working, or you hear a consistent hissing noise, it may be bad. The internal diaphragm is often what breaks. A professional can confirm that your propane regulator is dead with a manometer.
How do you reset a propane regulator on an RV?
Resetting an RV propane regulator is simple. Check that all the propane-activated appliances in your RV are off, and then turn the pressure off from the propane tank entirely. Wait a few moments before re-opening the lines and allowing them to become re-pressurized.
How do you install RV propane regulators?
The exact steps for installing your RV propane regulator will vary depending on your setup and where the propane tanks are stored on your RV. You can also hire a pro at your local RV repair shop or propane fill-up station to take care of the job.
