Common RV Propane Appliances

Knowing a few propane “basics” will make you feel not only at home but also safe while you’re out having a great camping adventure! Before we dive in, we’ve included a list below that specifies types of appliances that might run on propane.

• Furnace
• Water Heater
• Stove
• Oven
• 2-way and 3-way refrigerators

Propane Basics:

1. The Parts
   1. Propane Bottle(s)
      1. The most common size is 5-gallon (20-pound) tank – These are the size you find at convenience stores and exchange for a replacement. They can be refilled, too.
      2. Smaller and larger sizes are available, but they must be refilled, not exchanged.
   2. Regulator – A device (usually white in color) that ensures a safe pressure and flow of propane from the bottle(s) to the hoses and trailer’s appliances.
   3. Hoses – High-pressure propane hoses route propane from the regulator to the various appliances and outlets within and outside the trailer
   4. Quick connect propane fittings (With or without safety/locking valves)
2. Propane handling
   1. In nearly ALL instances, we recommend and advise only transporting propane bottles, full or empty, in an upright position, with the valve/spout at the top.
   2. Only connect and disconnect propane bottles with the valve closed (turned full clockwise)
   3. Keep open flames, sparks, and static producing devices/materials away from propane containers
   4. Keep all fittings clean of debris
   5. Inspect hoses and rubber washers before each connection and trip.

Operating Propane Appliances:

1. Propane Appliances WON’T work if they aren’t supplied with propane!
   1. Make sure the propane bottles are attached
   2. Make sure the propane bottles have propane in them! (are they empty?)
   3. Make sure the propane bottle’s valve is OPEN (all the way counter-clockwise)
   4. Make sure the open propane bottle is selected (if you have two bottles and a selector)
2. Test each propane appliance
   1. After verifying propane is flowing to the appliances (bottle full, attached, valve is open)
   2. Stove
      1. Your stove may have a self-igniter, a piezo striker ignition button, or you may need a match or stick lighter
      2. If the stove doesn’t light, there may be oxygen in the propane line from when the bottle was exchanged
      3. To “bleed” the residual oxygen out of the line, keep attempting to light the stove.
      4. If the stove doesn’t light after 2-5 minutes of trying, turn off the stove and retrace the flow of propane from the bottle to the stove to verify propane is able to reach the stove.
   3. Water Heater
      1. * Most water heaters “self-ignite”, which makes them super easy BUT… they need 12-volt power to self-ignite. Make sure your battery is connected, healthy, and that the battery-disconnect switch is turned to the “ON” position.
      2. ** Before “Firing” the water heater, it MUST be filled with water.
         1. Fill the water heater by running the HOT side of a faucet until the water is flowing normally… not bubbly or spitty
            1. If you’re using “city-water” from the campsite, you don’t need to turn on the water pump.
            2. If you’re using on-board water from your trailer’s fresh water tank, you’ll need to turn on the water pump.
         2. “Dry-Firing” a water heater is when you heat a water heater without water in the unit. This reduces the life-span of the heater, damages the heater’s insulation, wastes precious energy… and it can be a fire hazard.
      3. Turn on the water heater using the switch(es) provided. 
         1. Some water heaters are propane only
         2. Some water heaters are propane and electric (usually only a shore power option).
            1. You can choose either or both
            2. Using both. Using both allows for the fastest hot water regeneration
         3. Allow 15-30 minutes for water to heat.
   4. Furnace
      1. * Most propane furnaces “self-ignite”, which makes them super easy BUT… they need 12-volt power to self-ignite. Make sure your battery is connected, healthy, and that the battery-disconnect switch is turned to the “ON” position.
      2. Depending on your trailer’s equipment, you’ll turn on the furnace using:
         1. The common/shared AC/Furnace thermostat
         2. The dedicated furnace thermostat
   5. Outdoor Propane Appliances and Accessories
      1. Using the proper hoses with quick-connect connectors
         1. Securely attach one end of the hose to the appliance’s quick connect fitting
         2. Securely attach the other end of the hose to the trailer’s quick connect fitting
         3. Open the valve on the trailer’s quick connect fitting by turning the lever “in-line” with the flow. “In-line” means the lever is pointing parallel to the propane line (or “hose”)
         4. You may need to open a valve on your device, as well
      2. Try your outdoor propane appliance!