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Mendocino, California. Delivery all over Northern California. Call or text (909) 259-7837

Free RV manual

How to Use RV Propane Safely

Opening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.

Where the propane goes

Propane, also called LP, runs the stove, the furnace, most water heaters and many fridges. Trailers carry two tanks on the tongue. Motorhomes have one tank built into the frame.

The tanks feed a regulator that lowers the pressure for the appliances. Trailer regulators often switch to the second tank on their own when the first runs dry.

Turning it on

  1. Open the tank valve slowly, a full turn or more. Opening it fast can trip a safety device that cuts the flow to a trickle.
  2. Inside, light a stove burner first. It clears air out of the line so the other appliances light easier.
  3. Turn on the furnace, water heater or fridge from their controls. Most light by themselves with a spark.

The detector is not optional

Every RV has a propane detector near the floor and a carbon monoxide alarm. Test both before each trip. If the propane alarm chirps with a low voltage warning, your battery is low.

Never run the oven or stove to heat the RV. Use the furnace. It vents outside.

If you smell gas

  1. Put out any flame and do not flip any switches.
  2. Get everyone out and leave the door open.
  3. Close the valve on the tank.
  4. Do not go back in until the smell is gone. Then get it checked before you use propane again.

Traveling with propane

Close the tanks before you fuel up, and before tunnels or ferries that ask you to. Many people close them on every drive. Check your route, since some tunnels ban propane entirely.

When to call a shop

Call a shop if you smell gas with every appliance off, a burner flame is yellow and sooty, or the furnace runs but blows cold. Gas leaks and burner problems are not a do it yourself job.

The maker's own manuals

These guides cover how most RVs work. Your own rig may differ, so check the manual for your make and model.

Renting from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.

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