With over 4,000 RV fires occurring annually in the U.S., safety is not a topic to be taken lightly. Your RV’s propane system is the powerful heart of your adventures, providing the comforts of home on the road. But its complexity can feel intimidating—even for seasoned RVers.
This definitive guide to propane system safety will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the simple pre-trip checks you can perform yourself and explain when it’s critical to call in a certified professional.
Understanding Your RV’s Propane System
Your propane system is the workhorse that quietly powers your furnace, water heater, refrigerator, and stovetop. While every RV uses propane, the tanks themselves come in two distinct types, each governed by different regulatory standards for specific safety reasons.
Motorhome vs. Trailer — The Two Types of RV Propane Tanks
If you have a travel trailer or fifth wheel, you are using DOT cylinders. These portable tanks are regulated by the Department of Transportation because they are designed to be removed and transported. For this reason, they have special safety features—such as an Overfill Protection Device (OPD) valve—and are subject to a strict recertification schedule.
Motorhomes, on the other hand, use permanently mounted ASME tanks. Regulated by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, these tanks are built from thicker steel and are considered a permanent part of the vehicle’s chassis. Because they are not designed to be handled by the consumer, they follow different inspection rules.
Your Two-Stage Propane Regulator
The pressure inside your propane tank can exceed 100 PSI. The component that reduces this to a safe, usable flow for your appliances is the regulator. Your RV uses a two-stage regulator that first lowers the tank’s high pressure to an intermediate level, then reduces it again to the precise, gentle pressure your furnace and other appliances require.
However, the internal rubber diaphragms inside a regulator wear out over time. To prevent failures, manufacturers recommend replacing your regulator every 10–15 years—a critical piece of preventative maintenance for any aging RV.
Your Pre-Trip Propane Safety Checklist (What You Can Do)
Before you hit the road, a few simple checks can provide valuable peace of mind. Incorporating these steps into your regular departure routine is one of the easiest ways to stay ahead of potential issues and ensure your system is ready for the journey.
Three Simple Ways to Check Your Propane Levels
Running out of propane unexpectedly is a frustration every RVer wants to avoid. If your motorhome’s ASME tank has a built-in gauge, checking the level is straightforward. For portable DOT cylinders on a trailer, you have several reliable options.
- Read the Built-In Gauge
If your tank includes a gauge, simply check the needle to see the current level. - Use the Hot Water Trick
Carefully pour a cup of hot water down the side of the cylinder, then run your hand over the same area. The metal will feel cool at the level where the liquid propane begins, giving you a surprisingly accurate reading.
As part of your visual check, take a moment to inspect the flexible rubber hoses (pigtails) that connect your tanks to the regulator. Look for cracks, stiffness, or weathering. Also, examine your exterior appliance vents—the furnace, water heater, and refrigerator—as these are prime locations for dangerous blockages from nests or debris. - Weigh Your Portable Tank
When your tanks are low, we always recommend having them refilled at a certified propane dealer rather than using a tank exchange service. A refill allows you to keep your own tank—so you always know its history and certification status—and you pay only for the propane actually added, which is often more economical.
When to Call the Experts — Your Annual Professional Inspection
Your visual checks are an excellent first line of defense, but they cannot detect internal issues or measure the precise performance of your system. Think of a professional inspection as the essential annual check-up for your RV’s propane system. A certified technician uses specialized tools and expertise to verify the safety and integrity of the entire network.
The Gold Standard for Leak Detection — A Manometer Pressure Test
While soapy water can help identify a leak at a fitting you’ve just tightened, it can’t detect tiny leaks hidden in the underbelly of your rig. The only way to be certain your entire system is gas-tight is with a manometer pressure test.
Our technicians use a sensitive pressure-measuring device to isolate and pressurize your RV’s gas lines. If the pressure drops even slightly over a set period, it confirms a leak somewhere in the system. This test provides peace of mind that no DIY method can match.
Propane Tank Recertification
This is one of the most critical safety requirements for any owner of a towable RV. Portable DOT cylinders must be professionally inspected and recertified 10 years after their original manufacture date, and then every 5 years thereafter. You can find the date stamped into the metal collar of your tank.
These critical safety procedures—the manometer test and tank recertification—require certified professionals and specialized equipment.
At Leisure Coachworks, our certified technicians perform comprehensive LP System Inspections to give you complete peace of mind on the road.
During an inspection, we can also install modern safety upgrades—such as automatic shut-off valves—or replace aging regulators. You can find the same high-quality, technician-approved models we use on our Leisure RV Parts site.
Critical Rules and Safety Equipment for Every RVer
Beyond the propane system itself, a few core safety rules and pieces of equipment are essential for every RV owner. These practices and devices form your first line of defense against propane-related emergencies.
The Golden Rule — Traveling with Your Propane Turned Off
Should you travel with the propane on to keep the fridge running? We strongly advise against it. For an absorption refrigerator to run on propane, it must maintain a small, open flame at its burner.
That open flame becomes a significant ignition source if a leak develops from road vibration or, in a worst-case scenario, during an accident. The safest practice is simple: always turn your propane tanks off at the main valve before driving.
Are Your Safety Detectors Still Working?
Your RV is equipped with detectors that are vital for your safety, but their internal sensors have a limited lifespan. Most RV-rated propane and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors remain effective for 5 to 7 years from their date of manufacture, which is printed directly on the unit. An expired detector provides a dangerous false sense of security.
If your detectors are expired, it’s a critical safety concern that needs immediate attention. You can find reliable, 12V RV-rated replacement detectors on our Leisure RV Parts store. This simple check is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from an undetected leak.
Leisure CW Is Your Partner in Propane Safety
Propane safety relies on teamwork. Your routine pre-trip checks are essential, and an annual inspection by a certified propane technician adds an extra layer of protection and confidence.
If your RV needs a pressure test performed by a licensed propane specialist, if your regulator is older than 10 years, or if your tanks need recertification, contact Leisure Coachworks. Our certified team can assess your system and guide you to the proper next steps.