If you have gas appliances in your RV then, you’ll need an RV propane regulator to make sure the gas supplied is a lower pressure consistent flow.
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to get a good propane regulator for your RV. It’s a relatively cheap bit of kit but it will ensure that your RV is safe from gas leaks and your appliances will work efficiently.
There are lots of options out there and it can be a minefield when trying to find the best one for your rig.
Luckily for you we have researched all the RV propane regulators on the market and reviewed the 8 best ones out there.
Our favorite is the Flame King2-Stage Auto Changeover LP Propane Gas Regulator it is really easy to install and comes with it’s own pigtails.
RV Propane Regulator Top Picks
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8 Best RV Propane Regulators Review
Flame King 2-Stage Auto Changeover LP Propane Gas Regulator – Best Overall
If you’re looking for an easy installation without the need to buy pigtails then this is the best propane regulator for your needs.
It automatically switches from the primary tank to the reserve tank when the primary is empty, the indicator changes color to let you know when a tank is empty. You can even remove the empty tank to refill without any disruption to the gas supply in the RV.
It can handle pressures of up to 190,000 BTU per hour so is adequate for most RVs.
Probably the best feature is that it comes with it’s own pigtails attached so you don’t need to buy them separately and worry if they will fit.
Because it comes with is own pigtails its really easy to install, you just need to connect them to the propane tanks.
Pros
- Great propane regulator
- Automatically changes tanks
- Easy to install
- Comes with it’s own bracket and fixings
Cons
- Will need a bracket
Mr. Heater Propane Two Stage Horizontal Regulator – Best for Build Quality
This is a great quality two stage propane regulator for your RV, Mr Heater has a great reputation for providing quality propane regulators.
Unlike others it’s screwed together rather than crimped, the little details like this do make it feel like a higher quality product.
It can handle up to 160,000 BTU per hour so can handle most RV needs and propane tanks.
This is a regulator for a single tank.
You will also have to buy your own cover and mountings for this regulator, so there are easier all inclusive options out there.
Pros
- Great propane regulator
- Good build quality
- Easy to install
Cons
- Will need to buy all the accessories separately
Marshall Excelsior Reg 2-Stage Auto Vert Bulk – Best for Two Propane Tanks
If you use two propane tanks then this is a great RV propane regulator. It will seamlessly switch over from the empty tank to the full one. You will need to get propane tank pigtails separately to connect the regulator to the tanks.
The automatic indicators are easy to read and change from green to red when the tank is empty. And the regulator provides excellent flow when in operation.
You will also have to buy your own cover and mountings for this regulator, so there are easier all inclusive options out there.
Pros
- Great propane regulator
- Automatically changes tanks
- Easy to install
Cons
- Will need to buy all the accessories separately
Enerco Propane Auto-Changeover High Capacity Two Stage Regulator – Best for Two Bigger Propane Tanks
Enerco has a great propane regulator for your RV, this is their best two tank heavy duty propane regulator.
Like the other two tank regulators it will automatically change from the empty tank to the full one so you will seamlessly continue to receive a consistent flow of gas.
It can handle a whopping 400,000 BTU per hour so it can easily handle the highest of pressure RV propane tanks.
It’s really easy to install and a massive bonus is that it comes with it’s own bracket and fixings so this will save you the headache of installation.
You will have to purchase or have your own propane tank pigtails to connect the regulator to the tanks.
Pros
- Great propane regulator
- Automatically changes tanks
- Easy to install
- Comes with it’s own bracket and fixings
Cons
- Will need to buy pigtails and cover separately
GasOne Propane Regulator and Hose – Best for Easy Installation
If you want an all in one solution to supply propane to a small appliance then this is the best propane regulator out there.
This is a propane hose with a regulator and gauge build in, because it’s all in one it’s really easy to install. Just attach one end to your tank and the other to your appliance and you will receive a steady flow.
You can easily adjust the pressure to get the perfect flame on your grill.
Pros
- Great propane regulator
- Easy to install
- All in one solution
Cons
- Only for one appliance at a time
Mr Heater Propane Tank Quick-Connect with Regulator – Best for Small Appliances
If you only have a small camping stove to fuel then this is the propane regulator for you!
It’s a single stage regulator that can quickly connect to your propane tank and go directly to your grill or stove.
It’s well made and super easy to install, you just need a hose to connect and you’re away hopefully cooking up a storm.
Pros
- Great propane regulator
- Easy to install
Cons
- Only for one appliance at a time
Camco Horizontal Two Stage Propane Regulator – Best for Single Tank
This is a great two stage propane regulator is this one from Camco. Its inlet is a female POL tank connection and the outlet is a 3/8″ female NPT, so will work with most RVs.
The outlet pressure is 11″WC and has a 160,000 BTU/hr capacity, so it can handle most things necessary for the RVing life.
It’s for use with a single propane tank, but because it’s two stages in one it will deliver a consistent flow of gas to your appliances.
Beware that when you install this the vent needs to be pointing down to stop debris and the elements getting in, so you may need to tweak this a bit when installing.
There are also no installation parts or cover with this regulator so you will have to buy them separately.
Overall this is a great product and a cheap replacement option!
Pros
- Easy to install
- Great propane regulator
Cons
- Will need to buy all the accessories separately
Camco Propane Double-Stage Auto-Changeover Regulator – Best for Durability
The Camco Propane Double-Stage Auto-Changeover Regulator is another good option for RVs with two propane tank hookups.
As you would expect it does it’s job well by maintaining a constant gas pressure to your appliances. It can handle 210,000 BTU per hour so can withstand a higher pressure (or bigger tanks) than the Marshall Excelsior version.
It automatically switches tanks when one is empty without you even noticing it has done so.
Again you will have to buy all the accessories separately like the propane tank pigtails and mountings – it’s proving hard to find any good regulators that sell a complete kit.
Pros
- Great propane regulator
- Automatically changes tanks
- Easy to install
Cons
- Will need to buy all the accessories separately
What Is An RV Propane Regulator?
The RV propane regulator is an extremely important fitting for your RV to help keep you safe and warm.
Most RVs have propane tanks that supply the gas to all the appliances that makes your RV a home away from home.
The propane coming from the tank is at a high pressure and this needs to be controlled to make sure the appliances are getting the right amount of gas to work properly. The propane regulator helps control the flow of gas out of your propane tank.
The propane regulator isn’t too complicated or expensive, but they are vital to keep you and your RV safe.
Why You Should Use an RV Propane Regulator
A propane regulator is a vital piece of kit for your RV and is essential if you have one if you have any gas appliances or a propane tank on your RV. they are important because they:
- Maintain Safety – This is probably the most important reason as to why you want a propane regulator. They have a bypass mechanism that keeps the gas pressure at a safe level.
This safety level ensures that the RV appliances that use the gas work efficiently and safely. It prevents gas leaks or will turn off if the gas on a grill has been left on for too long.
- Control Pressure – The propane regulator controls the pressure of the gas coming out of the propane tank. This means that the appliances can work, if there was no regulator the pressure coming out of the tank would be too high and nothing would work properly.
The regulator will also help control the varying demands of pressure, sometimes there won’t be the need for much gas and other times everything may be on at once. The regulator will supply consistent flow whatever the demands.
It also has the added benefit of reducing the amount of propane used so will save you money in the long run.
- Monitor Usage – Your RV propane regulator should come with a gauge that will show you how much gas is left in the propane tank. This is as important to know as your fuel level – especially when it’s cold. The last thing you want is to run out of propane for your heating on a freezing night.
- Swapping Propane Tanks – If you know you’re going away for a while you’re likely to take a second full propane tank. This means that you don’t have to disrupt your trip with a visit to the gas station. An RV propane regulator makes the transition of switching the tanks seamless, just attach it to the new tank and you’re away.
How To Pick The Best RV Propane Regulator For You – Buying Guide
With the wide array of different RVs out there every RVer will have different preferences for their best RV propane regulator.
We’ve compiled a list of features that you should consider before purchasing a propane regulator, so you can get the best one for your needs.
Capacity
The capacity of a propane regulator is essentially the amount of gas that it can reliably control, it’s measured by its BTU rating. The BTU stands for the British Thermal Unit and is the amount of energy needed to heat a single pound of water by 1°F. This is the standard measurement used in all gas appliances.
The higher the BTU the more gas the propane regulator will let flow out and into your appliance.
Unfortunately the higher the BTU the more expensive the regulators tend to get. Therefore it’s important to know what number of BTUs will be fit for use for you. If you buy an RV propane regulator that has too low BTU then it won’t release enough gas into the appliance and it won’t work.
For that reason, we’d recommend getting the regulator with the highest number of BTUs for your price point.
Aim for a propane regulator with 50,000 BTUs or above, this should be enough for most RV appliances. For a more accurate number check your RV manual, google or contact the manufacturer directly they should be able to tell you the minimum BTU you’ll need.
Quality and Durability
The propane regulator plays a vital role in your RV, making sure that the whole propane system works correctly. You will want to get a high quality and reliable/durable regulator to make sure all your appliances are working properly – not to mention avoiding gas leaks.
The best models on the market can last up to 15 years, so you’re going to want a high quality one so you know it’s not going to need replacing for a good few years.
The propane regulator will need to be able to stand the harsh environments as it spends most of its life outside, or fixed on the undercarriage of the RV.
Modern RV propane regulators are made with raw zinc, brass, aluminum and stainless steel. Some of these materials are more durable than others.
Like hose fittings we’d recommend brass components as these tend to fair better over time, also keep an eye out for heavy-duty construction in the description. This is a good sign that the propane regulator can hold up to the elements and daily life onboard an RV.
Ease Of Installation
Luckily RV propane regulators are generally not too difficult to install, you should be able to install one yourself. There are a few things to look out for that will help you to determine how easy the regulator will be to install.
Where is your RVs propane tank? – Some rigs have them secured horizontally and some are vertically mounted, make sure you know how yours is installed and how to get to it.
Most RVs have a horizontal tank that can be filled at the gas station, you can easily fit the regulator to these tanks but fitting it to the nozzle and attaching it to the propane hose.
Most travel trailers have their tanks installed vertically, which can be a bit tricker to get to. To install the propane regulator on the vertical tanks you will need to use pigtails and an automatic changeover system that can change the flow of the gas.
Make sure that the propane regulator you buy comes with all the hardware for installation, this will make it a much easier process to install.
If you are in doubt then seek professional advice as the last thing you want is a gas leak.
Maintenance
To get the 15 years life out of your RV propane regulator then you will need to perform regular maintenance on it.
Therefore you want a regulator that’s hassle free to maintain.
Maintenance will include cleaning, checking the seals and checking that it’s still working. If you think it may be broken then you are better getting a new one or speaking to a professional to repair it. Don’t try to repair it yourself as it’s too risky.
Regulator Cover
You need a cover for your propane regulator to help protect it from its harsh environment. A cover will help the regulator last longer as well.
Some regulators will come with their own cover, so make sure to check this before buying. If it doesn’t come with a cover then make sure that you buy one. Make sure to factor this cost in when purchasing.
Without a cover the regulator is exposed to dirt and debris and can rust, become blocked or loosen the seal.
We’d recommend buying a regulator with a cover included, this will help you to know the overall cost and you can rest assured that the cover will fit.
Budget
The good thing about RV propane regulators is that they are relatively inexpensive. You can get a good one for around $30.
This means that you can spend your time choosing the best one for your rig without worrying about breaking the bank.
There is a happy medium though, you don’t need to spend $100’s on one as it’s not worth it, the features with more expensive models are unnecessary in most cases. However, you don’t want a cheap one as this will break easily.
Types Of RV Propane Regulators
There are four main types of propane regulators, you’ll only need to be aware of three of them as one isn’t really suitable for RV use.
Each type has different features so have a read through and see which one sounds like the best fit for you and your RV.
First Stage RV Propane Regulators
These are for small propane tanks, and sometimes called low BTU regulators or single stage regulators.
The first stage regulator is connected to the propane tank where they control the gas and send it at low pressure to the second stage regulator.
These have a large BTU capacity as they are the first stage in the process and handle the most pressure from the tank, they can handle anything up to 200,000 BTUs.
On their own these regulators work great for camping stoves and grills.
Second Stage RV Propane Regulators
As you might guess the second stage RV propane regulators are found downstream from the first stage regulator.They lower the pressure even more so that the propane will adequately and safely supply the demand of the appliances.
These regulators are found on commercial and high end appliances.
Integral Twin Stage RV Propane Regulators
This is the type of RV propane regulator that you’re going to need. You can use these regulators for multiple appliances so they are ideal for RVs.
If you have a long distance between your propane tank and your gas appliances then the pressure will decrease too much using this regulator to work. If this is the case, then you’re best using the first and second stage propane regulators.
High-Pressure Propane Regulators
You’re unlikely to want a high pressure regulator in your RV, but they are a type of propane regulator so we’ve included it on this list.
These are used when the propane tank is very high pressure and it needs to be controlled. They are used for appliances that are very gas hungry.
Best Brands Of RV Propane Regulators
There are lots of brands of RV propane regulators out there, but we’ve listed some of the most trusted brands below. When it comes to controlling your propane supply, you want to know its in good hands.
Camco
Of course Camco is on the list, as it’s probably the mosted trusted RV brand out there. Camco designs RV propane regulators that are reliable and trusted in the RVing community.
Flame King
Flame King manufactures a range of propane tanks and regulators, which are world class. As a company they are always striving to produce the highest quality products possible.
Their propane regulators are recognized as a market leader around the world.
Marshall Excelsior
Marshall Excelsior has been producing propane regulators for 42 years, it’s know for providing affordable and durable regulators.
It’s got a good reputation amongst the RVers.
Fairview
Fairview was started in 1969 as a small manufacturer and distributor of fittings and hose in Toronto. Since then, it has become an international company and is well known for it’s RV propane regulators.
Mr. Heater
Mr Heater has been producing components for gas heating and appliances since 1957. It’s well known for its patented heaters.
It also produces quality RV propane regulators.
RV Propane Regulators FAQs
Hopefully most of your RV propane regulator questions have already been answered, but we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions about the topic.
How does a propane regulator work?
The RV propane regulator has to reduce the pressure of the gas from the tank to send a lower pressure to your appliances.
It does this by using a combination of a rubber diaphragm and pressure spring. The spring pushes against the diaphragm which creates back pressure that pushes against the gas coming out of the tank. Therefore reducing the pressure.
The lower pressure gas is then released to the appliances in the RV.
What is the average life expectancy of propane regulators?
You can get up to 15 years out of your RV propane regulator. Of course you’ll have to keep up with regular maintenance and ensure that it has a cover installed.
How could I tell if my regulator has broken?
You can tell if you need to replace your regulator if the gas powered appliances slow down, for example it takes longer and longer for the water to heat up. This is a sign that the propane regulator isn’t working properly.
How do I install an RV Propane Regulator?
Installing a propane regulator is a pretty simple process that you can do yourself. Before you start check that you have all the tools and that the regulator is compatible with your RV and tank.
You’ll then need to connect the regulator to the tank and appliance hoses. The regulator you buy should come with a comprehensive set of instructions for you to follow.
It really is that easy!
RV Propane Regulators Recap
Flame King 2-Stage Auto Changeover LP Propane Gas Regulator – Best Overall
Mr. Heater Propane Two Stage Horizontal Regulator – Best for Build Quality
Marshall Excelsior Reg 2-Stage Auto Vert Bulk – Best for Two Propane Tanks
Enerco Propane Auto-Changeover High Capacity Two Stage Regulator – Best for Two Bigger Propane Tanks
GasOne Propane Regulator and Hose – Best for Easy Installation
Mr Heater Propane Tank Quick-Connect with Regulator – Best for Small Appliances
Camco Horizontal Two Stage Propane Regulator – Best for Single Tank
Camco Propane Double-Stage Auto-Changeover Regulator – Best for Durability
Final Thoughts
Hopefully you have found this article useful and found the best RV propane regulator for your rig.
Our pick is the Flame King 2-Stage Auto Changeover LP Propane Gas Regulator it will be able to handle pressures for most RV everyday use and is the easiest to install.
If you need any more information leave a comment and we will do our best to answer your questions.
