Propane and Your

Millions of people enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and comforts of recreational vehicle travel. But, along Recreational Vehicle
with their unique privileges, RVs come with unique maintenance needs that can become complex
when RVs are rented, resold, rebuilt, or used by many parties. Ultimately you are your best protection.
Whether you’re a long-time owner or first-time traveler, it’s important to know about your RV’s propane
system. Take a few minutes to read this brochure and learn how to manage it safely. A guide to help safely maintain
and use propane in RVs

The RV Propane System RV Modifications

Your propane system (liquefied petroleum gas or LP Over the lifetime of an RV, modifications and enhance-
gas system) is a very important part of your RV. It ments to the propane system may have been made by the
can provide heat and hot water, power your stove and current or previous owners. Make sure you are aware

IMPORTANT PROPANE SAFETY

refrigerator, and fuel barbecue grills or other small of these enhancements and modifications. Talk to

INFORMATION FOR YOUR RV

appliances. There are two basic types of propane a trained service technician to find out if any special
containers and systems: safety or maintenance instructions are required.

• Portable cylinders While you may do touchups to your RV from time

© 2011 PROPANE EDUCATION & RESEARCH COUNCIL | PRC XXXXXX

• Permanently installed tanks to time, do not paint propane cylinders, valves, or
mounting hardware. This may mask important
Travel trailers, folding camping trailers, and fifth- service issues, affect valves, or result in system failure.
wheel units use two portable cylinders, which are


positioned vertically upright and mounted to the Make sure your system is inspected at least
outside front or back of the RV. Motor homes use annually by a trained service technician. Their
a single, permanently installed tank, positioned extensive training enables them to detect
horizontally, and located underneath the cabin, incorrect tank pressure, leaks, or other
near the entryway. Regardless of container type, potential hazards, and address them properly.
all refilling, repair, or replacement must be done
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by a trained service technician. Do not connect your propane piping to another

gas source or attempt to repair any propane-related
component yourself. 
Before You Go Carbon Monoxide and Your Safety At Campgrounds/Destinations Have Fun and Be Safe
In addition to checking your propane fuel gauge, you’ll want You can’t taste or smell carbon monoxide, but it is a dangerous Propane is a great resource to cook food, cool beverages, Whether you’re on your first trip or a longtime enthusiast,
to follow these quick tips: gas. High levels of carbon monoxide can cause sickness or provide warmth/power at rest stops and campgrounds. RVs offer an exciting way to travel. Your propane system
or, in extreme cases, death. High levels can come from Keep in mind some key safety considerations: is essential to your comfort and enjoyment.
• Inspect propane cylinders and holding mechanisms for
appliances that are not operating correctly or properly vented.
signs of rust, corrosion, fatigue, or wear. For permanently • Open a window and turn on your exhaust fan when using Please keep this brochure in an easily accessible location
installed tanks, check the brackets and mounting hard To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, have your stove for cooking. in your RV. Share this information with your family and
ware, as well. Have a trained service technician check out a trained service technician check your propane system traveling companions to help keep everyone safe and to
• Do not use stove for comfort heat, or any appliances for
any issues. annually. Also, frequently check exterior vents and clear any reduce the risk of accidents.
means other than their intended use.
debris, insect nests, or other items that may restrict venting.
• If you are bringing additional propane cylinders, make • Portable fuel-burning equipment including wood, Important Contacts
sure they are stored secure, upright, and in a well- Never use portable heaters or other appliances in your RV charcoal, and propane grills should not be used inside
ventilated area. unless they are approved for indoor use. Follow manufacturer the RV or near the entryway. This can cause fires or Service Technician
instructions regarding operation and ventilation requirements.
• Inspect connections leading to your propane appliances carbon monoxide poisoning.
! i ?
911

FD

for frays or damage. If you or a family member suspect carbon monoxide is present, RV Dealer
• Keep your vehicle a safe distance away from any heat
get everyone out of the vehicle and call 911 or the local
• Make sure your RV has at least one Class BC fire source, such as grills or fire pits. Keep propane tanks i 911
x
fire department. RV Manufacturer
!
FD

extinguisher and operational propane, carbon monoxide, and cylinders at least 10 feet away from heat sources. i 911

FD
?
and smoke detectors. If you need to replace or install a x
new detector, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s Winterizing/Storage
! i i ? x
911 911

instructions regarding installation, location and FD FD

When storing your vehicle, turn off all propane appliances If You Smell Gas
maintenance. EXIT THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY IF On the Road and power and keep vents open. If you store your vehicle in i 911
x x
ANY OF THESE DETECTORS GO OFF. FD

Most RV refrigerators can keep food and beverages cold an enclosed area, remove all portable cylinders and store 1. Immediately put out all smoking materials,
during several hours of travel without a power source. them securely in an upright position, in a well-ventilated pilot x lights, and other open flames. Do not
It is recommended that propane systems be turned off area. Never store a cylinder indoors or in an enclosed ROUTEoperate lights, appliances, or cell phones.
EVACUATION

while driving. area such as a basement, garage, or shed. You’ll want to Flames or sparks from these sources can
It’s a good idea to review your RV owner’s manual and conduct a thorough inspection of your RV when you take it trigger an explosion or fire.
appliance manuals before you go, and follow their Other safety tips while traveling: out of storage.
! i ?2. If you are able to, safely turn off the
911 EVACUATION
ROUTE
instructions. If you do not have copies, contact your RV
FD

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• Shut off propane supply valves, pilot lights, ignitors, If you’re in an area where your RV is exposed to
ABOVE-GROUND TANK

gas supply valve on your cylinder

manufacturer or dealer. If you have received any recall and appliances, and have everybody exit the vehicle extreme temperature changes or inclement weather or container.
i 911
x
EVACUATION
ROUTE

notices on appliances—or anything in your RV—have during refueling. such as tornadoes, sand storms, or coastal winds, your
FD

3. Open all doors and other

propane system could become more easily damaged.
UNDERGROUND TANK UPRIGHT TANKS UPRIGHT TANK VALVE

• Extinguish all smoking materials any time you are near x ventilating openings.
ABOVE-GROUND TANK

your vehicle serviced right away.

CLOSE

tanks, filling stations, or other equipment where gasoline Consider having periodic inspections (e.g., bi-monthly,
! i 4. Immediately leave the area and call
quarterly), instead of annual ones, by a trained ? fire department.
911

or propane may be present. ABOVE-GROUND TANK FD

911 or the local

service technician. UNDERGROUND TANK UPRIGHT TANKS UPRIGHT TANK VALVE

• Turn off propane supply valves before entering tunnels CLOSE

or enclosed areas. Be sure to follow any postings around i 911

5. Before you restart
x or use any of your
propane appliances, have a trained
FD

UNDERGROUND TANK

restricted areas, such as military bases.

UPRIGHT TANKS UPRIGHT TANK VALVE

service technician inspect your

x
CLOSE

ROUTEentire system.
EVACUATION

ABOVE-GROUND TANK

EVACUATION
ROUTE

UNDERGROUND TANK UPRIGHT TANKS UPRIGHT TANK VALVE

CLOSE

ABOVE-GROUND TANK

UNDERGROUND TANK UPRIGHT TANKS UPRIGHT TANK VALVE

CLOSE