Propane

Propane and Recreational Vehicles

  • Spend a Few Moments for Your Family’s Safety

    This module provides basic information about propane safety in recreational vehicles (RVs).

    Click the Next button to move to the next screen.

  • The RV’s Propane System

    Propane can provide heat, and power your stove, refrigerator, and other small appliances.

    There are two basic types of propane containers and systems:

    • Portable Cylinders
    • Usually one or two cylinders facing upright and attached to the front or back in a compartment
    • Found on travel trailers and folding camping trailers

    • Permanent Tanks
    • Tank attached horizontally underneath the chassis
    • Found on motor homes


  • Before You Get on the Road

    • Inspect propane cylinders and hold-down brackets for signs of rust, corrosion, fatigue, or wear. For permanently installed tanks, check the brackets and mounting hardware, as well.
    • Store any additional propane cylinders securely in an upright and ventilated area. NEVER store a propane cylinder inside your RV.
    • Make sure any connections to the propane tank are not frayed or damaged.
    • Check for functioning propane, carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors, and make sure a fire extinguisher is readily available.
    • Have a trained service technician inspect the propane system at least once a year in order to detect potential dangers.
    • EXIT the vehicle immediately if any of the detectors go off.

  • Safety Tips on the Road

    • Most RV refrigerators can keep food and beverages cold during several hours of travel without a power source. It is recommended that propane systems be turned off while driving.
    • Turn off propane supply valves before entering tunnels or enclosed areas. Be sure to follow any postings around restricted areas, such as military bases.

  • Safety Tips While Refueling

    • Shut off propane supply valves, pilot lights, ignitors, and appliances; and have everyone exit the vehicle during refueling.
    • Extinguish all smoking materials any time you are near tanks, filling stations, or other equipment where gasoline or propane may be present.
    • If you suspect carbon monoxide is present, ACT IMMEDIATELY!
    • If you or a family member shows physical symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get everyone out of the vehicle and call 911 or the local fire department.
    • Symptoms include:
    • HEADACHE
    • DIZZINESS
    • FATIGUE
    • SHORTNESS OF BREATH
    • NAUSEA
    • If it is safe to do so, open windows to allow entry of fresh air, and turn off any appliances you may suspect to be releasing the carbon monoxide.

  • If you smell gas, at any time, inside or outside your RV:

    • 1. IMMEDIATELY put out all smoking materials, pilot lights, and open flames. DO NOT operate lights, appliances, or cell phones.
    • 2. IMMEDIATELY get everyone out of the RV.
    • 3. SHUT OFF THE GAS. If you are able to, safely turn off the gas supply valve on your cylinder or container.

  • If you smell gas, at any time, inside or outside your RV:

    • Continued
    • 4. LEAVE the area and call 911 or the local fire department.
    • 5. DO NOT RETURN TO THE RV OR AREA until a propane professional, emergency responder, or a qualified service technician determines that it is safe to do so.
    • 6. GET YOUR SYSTEM CHECKED. Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances, your propane retailer or a qualified service technician must check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.

  • At Campgrounds and Destinations

    • While cooking, open windows or vents and turn on the exhaust fan when using your stove.
    • DO NOT use the stove for space heat.
    • Portable, fuel-burning equipment including wood, charcoal, and propane grills should NEVER be used inside the RV or near the entryway.
    • Keep the RV, propane tanks, and cylinders at least 10 feet away from heat sources like fire pits or grills.

  • Winterizing and Storage of Your RV

    • Turn off all propane supply valves and appliances and keep vents open.
    • Remove additional propane tanks and cylinders for the winter and keep them stored upright and secure in a well ventilated outdoor area.
    • After the winter, make sure a trained service technician inspects the entire propane system before using the RV again.
    • Have your vehicle’s system checked more frequently if you’re in an area with extreme temperature changes or inclement weather.

  • Additional Safety Tips

    • NEVER store or use portable propane cylinders in your RV.
    • NEVER use propane appliances if you think they may be damaged or broken.
    • NEVER connect your propane piping to another gas source.

    • ALWAYS contact your propane retailer or a qualified service technician to perform a complete inspection before using the equipment.
    • ALWAYS use appliances designed for inside use.
    • ALWAYS follow manufacturer instructions regarding operation and ventilation requirements.

  • What Have You Learned?

    Choose the correct answer.

    Which detector(s) should be properly installed in your vehicle?

  • What Have You Learned?

    Choose the correct answer.

    If you smell gas at any time inside or outside of the vehicle, passengers should do all of the following EXCEPT:

  • What Have You Learned?

    Choose the correct answer.

    During the winter, propane cylinders should be kept:

  • What Have You Learned?

    Read each statement below. Decide if the statement is true or false.

    True False
    It’s okay to use the stove for heat.
    A certified trained technician should check the vehicle’s propane system every year.
    Never connect your propane piping to another gas source.
    Store additional propane cylinders inside the RV over the winter so you don’t lose them.

  • Make Time for Safety

    Thank you for making time for propane safety. To learn more, visit: propane.com

  • Thank you for completing the e-Learning Module: Propane and Recreational Vehicles

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