🔥 Propane Guide
RV Propane System Troubleshooting
Updated March 2026 · 8 min read · Covers LP regulator, stove, furnace, water heater & safety
🚨 If You Smell Gas
Turn off all propane appliances and close the LP tank valve immediately. Do not turn any switches on or off. Open windows and doors and leave the RV. Do not re-enter until the source is identified and repaired by a qualified LP gas technician.
Quick Answer
When all propane appliances stop working at once, the problem is the tank (empty or valve closed), the regulator (failed or in lock-out mode), or a tripped OPD valve. When only one appliance fails, the problem is at that appliance — igniter, thermocouple, or clogged orifice. The regulator is the #1 failure point in RV LP systems.
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If All Propane Appliances Fail at Once
When every propane appliance (stove, furnace, water heater) stops working simultaneously, the problem is upstream — at the tank, regulator, or main supply line.
- Check the LP tank: An empty tank is obvious but commonly overlooked — weigh it or read the gauge. Also confirm the tank valve is fully open (turn counterclockwise to open).
- Check the OPD valve: Modern LP tanks have an OPD (Overfill Protection Device) valve. If you opened the valve too quickly, the OPD may have tripped. Close the tank valve, wait 30 seconds, then open it slowly (very slowly — takes 10–15 seconds to fully open). This resets the OPD.
- Check the regulator: The regulator attaches to the tank valve and reduces pressure from 150+ PSI to approximately 0.5 PSI for your appliances. Regulators fail in a closed position after freezing, water intrusion, or simply aging. Disconnect and check for flow by briefly opening the tank valve while watching the regulator — you should hear/feel gas flow. A failed regulator needs replacement.
- Check for freezing: In very cold weather or when large amounts of propane are being drawn quickly, the regulator can ice up and restrict or stop flow. Warm it with a warm cloth — never an open flame.
- Inspect the supply hose: The rubber hose from the regulator to the RV's pigtail can crack or pinch. Inspect visually and test with soapy water for bubbles.
If One Appliance Fails (Furnace, Water Heater, or Stove)
Furnace Won't Ignite
RV furnaces (Atwood/Dometic and Suburban are the main brands) use an electronic igniter and a sail switch (airflow sensor) to verify the blower is running before opening the gas valve.
- Check 12V power: The furnace needs both LP and 12V. If the battery is low, the blower doesn't reach full speed, the sail switch doesn't close, and the burner never fires. Measure battery voltage — needs 12.0V+.
- Check the sail switch: This small switch inside the furnace verifies blower airflow. It can stick or fail. Access the furnace compartment and push the switch manually — if the furnace fires, the sail switch is stuck and needs replacement.
- Check the electrode gap: The spark igniter electrode should have a gap of 3/32"–1/8". If it's corroded or bent, the spark won't jump reliably. Clean or adjust the gap.
- Check the limit switch (high temp cutoff): If the furnace overheated, the limit switch tripped. Let the furnace cool and press the reset button.
Stove Burner Won't Light
- Clean the burner ports — food debris clogs them and causes weak or no flame
- Check the igniter spark — it should spark visibly at the burner. If not, clean the igniter tip with a dry cloth
- If using a match or lighter, the burner should light but give a weak flame — this indicates a partially clogged orifice. Consult an LP service technician for orifice cleaning
Regulator Replacement
The regulator is the most failure-prone component in the LP system and should be replaced every 10 years minimum, or sooner if it shows any of these signs:
- Visible cracks, corrosion, or physical damage
- Gas smell at the regulator body (replace immediately)
- Weak flame at all appliances even with a full tank
- Flame fluctuates when appliances cycle on/off
- Regulator has been frozen or had water in the vent
Replacing an RV regulator is straightforward — close the tank valve, unscrew the old regulator, thread on the new one (left-hand thread on the tank fitting), and test all connections with soapy water. A two-stage regulator is the recommended upgrade over a single-stage unit.
Testing for LP Leaks
Never use a match or flame to check for leaks. Use soapy water or a dedicated LP leak detector:
- Mix dish soap with water in a spray bottle (or use Camco's LP leak detector solution)
- Open the LP tank valve fully
- Spray all connections: tank valve, regulator, hose fittings, and all appliance connections
- Watch for bubbles — any bubble formation indicates a leak
- Never use an RV with active LP leaks — find and repair the leak or call an LP technician
Recommended Products
🔧
Camco Automatic Two-Stage Propane Regulator
Dual-stage LP regulator provides consistent pressure regardless of tank level or temperature. Replaces most OEM single-stage regulators. Includes POL fitting for standard RV tanks.
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🔍
Camco 10324 LP Leak Detector Solution
Non-flammable liquid specifically formulated for LP gas leak detection. More sensitive than dish soap. Brush it on connections and look for bubbles. Annual safety check essential.
View on Amazon →
📊
Mopeka Tank Check Pro Bluetooth LP Tank Sensor
Ultrasonic sensor that attaches to the bottom of your LP tank and reads level via Bluetooth to your phone. Never be surprised by an empty tank again. Works on all standard RV tanks.
View on Amazon →
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my RV propane smell inside but no alarm goes off?
Leave the RV immediately and close the LP tank valve before anything else. Once outside, verify the LP/CO detector is working — test it with the test button. The detector may be faulty if it doesn't sound. If the detector works but didn't alarm, the concentration may have been below the alarm threshold. Have the system inspected by an LP technician before returning.
How long does a 20-lb propane tank last in an RV?
It depends on what you're running. A 20-lb tank holds about 4.7 gallons. A 30,000 BTU furnace burns roughly 1/3 gallon/hour at full output. Just the furnace on a cold night (running 4 hours) uses about 1.3 gallons. Cooking uses very little — about 0.3 gallons/day. Total light use: a 20-lb tank lasts 3–5 days. Heavy winter use: 1–2 days.
Can I use my RV propane appliances while driving?
In most jurisdictions, running a propane refrigerator while driving is legal. Running the furnace or stove while driving is not recommended due to fire risk in an accident. Many tunnels, ferries, and fuel stations prohibit any open LP valves. Always close the main LP tank valve before entering enclosed spaces, tunnels, or ferry decks.
Why does my RV furnace run but produce no heat?
If the blower runs but the burner doesn't ignite, the most common causes are: low 12V battery (sail switch won't close), low propane pressure or empty tank, a failed igniter electrode (no spark to light the burner), or a tripped high-temperature limit switch. Check battery voltage and LP supply first — they're the most common causes and easiest to fix.
RV AI Help provides general information only. LP gas work carries serious safety risks — always have repairs verified by a certified LP gas technician. Product links are affiliate links.