If you like the freedom of living your life out of an RV, you know it comes with catches. One of those catches is that most of your experience on the road revolves around your propane tanks. This guide will help you get set up with the best propane regulator for your RV so you can spend less time worrying about wasting propane and more time doing what you love.
Source: crowsurvival.com
Buying Guide
Before you buy the first propane regulator that you see online, please take a look at the research we did to make sure you’re getting one that’s right for you.
- What is an RV Propane Regulator?
To put it simply, an RV propane regulator is what makes your RV ride comfortable. It’s what helps power your appliances, heat water, and keep the RV cabin a comfortable temperature. The propane regulator is what administers the propane to all of these things without blowing up your RV, so safe to say; it’s a pretty important thing to have around. - What are the Benefits of Investing in a New One?
A good RV propane regulator isn’t very pricey. You can often find a good new one for under $50. A propane regulator should last you a while, but you should still replace it every 10 to 15 years to ensure that you’re keeping your RV safe. - What to Consider When Buying a New Propane Regulator:
Do you have one or two propane tanks on your RV? Some RV propane regulators are made for two tanks. Others are made for one. Another factor to take into consideration is what capacity regulator you need. We’ll cover that below. - How to Tell if It’s Time to Invest in a New Propane Regulator:
An easy way to tell if you need a new propane regulator is if you have new propane tanks on your RV and you’re not getting any gas to your appliances. When everything indicates that you should have power, but you don’t, it’s probably a problem with the propane regulator. But like we said, to be safe, you should replace them regularly anyway.
Buying Recommendations
Recommendations
Best Budget
BTU
190,000 BTU/hr capacity
190,000 BTU capacity
190,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet
QCC 1/Type 1 Connection inlet
1/4” SAE inverted flare inlet
3/8” female flare inlet
Outlet
1/4″ Female NPT
3/8” NPT female pipe thread outlet
3/8’’ male flare connector outlet
Best Budget
Recommendations
BTU
190,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet
QCC 1/Type 1 Connection inlet
Outlet
1/4″ Female NPT
Double-Stage
BTU
190,000 BTU capacity
Inlet
1/4” SAE inverted flare inlet
Outlet
3/8” NPT female pipe thread outlet
Heavy Duty
Recommendations
BTU
190,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet
3/8” female flare inlet
Outlet
3/8’’ male flare connector outlet
Budget RV Propane Regulators
Looking for a budget-friendly propane regulator? Check out these top-rated options!
1. GASPRO Two Stage Propane Regulator – Editor’s Pick
Specs
BTU: 190,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet: QCC 1/Type 1 Connection inlet
Outlet: 1/4″ Female NPT
Inlet: QCC 1/Type 1 Connection inlet
Outlet: 1/4″ Female NPT
What we like about it
- Cost-effective
- Good quality
- Keeps consistent gas flow to your appliances
Drawbacks
- If cost is on your mind, the GASPRO regulator is a great cost-effective option while still getting consistent gas flow to your RV appliances.
GASPRO Two Stage Propane Regulator, RV Propane Regulator 1/4" Female Outlet, fit for RV Appliance,Stove/Range More
- Two-stage regulator results in a more consistent inlet pressure between the first and second stage. This allows for a more consistent flow of gas to the RV appliance.
- Inlet: QCC 1/Type 1 Connection,Outlet pressure: 11＂Water Column
- Outlet: 1/4" Female NPT
2. Camco 59313 Vertical Two Stage Propane Regulator
Specs
BTU: 160,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet: ¼” Female NPT
Outlet: ⅜” Female NPT
Inlet: ¼” Female NPT
Outlet: ⅜” Female NPT
What we like about it
- Low cost
- Easy to install
- Available in horizontal and vertical mounts
Drawbacks
- If you’re looking for a cheap option for your double-tank RV, this is a good option, but it may not be as durable as other models.
Camco 59313 Vertical Two Stage Propane Regulator , Gray
- Two Stage Regulator-Vertical, Clamshell
- Two Stage Regulator-Vertical, Clamshell
- Two Stage Regulator-Vertical, Clamshell
3. Enerco F173766 Propane Auto Changeover Two Stage Regulator Clamshell
Specs
BTU: 325,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet: 1/4” inverted female flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8” female pipe outlet
Inlet: 1/4” inverted female flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8” female pipe outlet
Source: campingworld.com
The Enerco F173766 regulator is similar to the other Enerco model we have listed, but it is not as high capacity, therefore lowering the price a bit. This regulator is made with durable zinc with brass fittings and can be used on RV’s with two propane tanks.
What we like about it
- Durable material
- Good value for your money
- Can be used for double-tank RV’s
Drawbacks
- Enerco’s F173766 propane regulator model is a high quality option for a low cost; it’s the best of both worlds.
Premium RV Propane Regulators
Check out our top-rated premium picks.
1. Marshall Excelsior MEGR-253 Reg 2-Stage Auto Vert Bulk – Editor’s Pick
Specs
BTU: 225,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet: ¼” Female Inverted Flare inlet
Outlet: ⅜” FNPT outlet
Inlet: ¼” Female Inverted Flare inlet
Outlet: ⅜” FNPT outlet
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No products found.
What we like about it
- Fair price for a good quality product
- Durable material
- Can support RV’s with two propane tanks
Drawbacks
- If good value is what you’re looking for, then the Marshall Excelsior propane regulator is for you. The extra money that you spend will make it up to you in durability and longevity.
No products found.
2. Fairview GR-9984 High Capacity RV Camper LP Propane Automatic Changeover Regulator
Specs
BTU: 345,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet: 1/4″ SAE inverted flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8″ NPT female pipe thread outlet
Inlet: 1/4″ SAE inverted flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8″ NPT female pipe thread outlet
What we like about it
- High BTU capacity
- Durable material
- Regulator will automatically switch propane tanks when one is empty
Drawbacks
- If you’re looking for a more expensive, premium RV propane regulator, this model is a great choice. It may be a little harder to install yourself because it doesn’t come with mounting screws or a bracket, but everything else will be a breeze.
Sale
Fairview GR-9984 High Capacity RV Camper LP Propane Automatic Changeover Regulator
- Automatically Switches To Second Tank When First is Empty
- Higest Flow Rate in Cold Temperatures
- Mounting screws not included
Double-Stage RV Propane Regulators
These regulators are ideal if you’re looking for a double-stage regulator.
1. Flame King (KT12ACR6) 2-Stage Auto Changeover LP Propane Gas Regulator – Editor’s Pick
Specs
BTU: 190,000 BTU capacity
Inlet: 1/4” SAE inverted flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8” NPT female pipe thread outlet
Inlet: 1/4” SAE inverted flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8” NPT female pipe thread outlet
What we like about it
- Good value for your money
- Easy to install yourself
- Automatically switches from primary to reserve tank when primary is empty
Drawbacks
- This is a great option if you have an RV with two propane tanks. This regulator will allow you to easily change your tanks without interrupting the flow of propane.
Sale
Flame King (KT12ACR6) 2-Stage Auto Changeover LP Propane Gas Regulator With Two 12 Inch Pigtails For RVs, Vans, Trailers
- Allows removal of the empty cylinder for refill without interrupting propane supply; includes 2 of the 12-inch pigtails to connect the regulator to the propane tank or propane supply
- For RVs with dual propane tanks; it automatically switches from primary to reserve tank when the primary tank is empty
- Pairs well with our 48 Inch Thermo Plastic Hose, item 100383-48
2. Camco Propane Double-Stage Auto-Changeover Regulator
Specs
BTU: 210,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet: 1/4” SAE inverted flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8” NPT female pipe thread outlet
Inlet: 1/4” SAE inverted flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8” NPT female pipe thread outlet
What we like about it
- Automatically switches from primary to reserve tank when primary tank is empty
- Good value for what you get
- Can handle changing gas pressure needs
Drawbacks
- If you’re looking for ease, the Camco Double-Stage Regulator is for you. After installing the regulator on your RV, you won’t have to worry about switching propane tanks once one runs out.
Camco Propane Double-Stage Auto-Changeover Regulator | Features Auto Switch Over from Empty to Full Propane Tank | Ideal for Refilling Propane Supplies for RVing, Camping, Grilling, and More (59005)
- Allows removal of empty cylinder for refill without interrupting propane supply
- Inlets are 1/4" SAE inverted flare and outlet is 3/8" NPT female pipe thread
- For RVs with dual propane tanks. Automatically switches from primary to reserve tank when primary is empty
3. MB Sturgis Vertical 2-Stage Propane Regulator – 11″ Water Column Outlet
Specs
BTU: 400,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet: 1/4″ Female NPT inlet
Outlet: 3/8″ Female NPT outlet
Inlet: 1/4″ Female NPT inlet
Outlet: 3/8″ Female NPT outlet
This Sturgis propane regulator will keep consistent gas flowing to all of your appliances even in frigid temperatures. This model gives you peace of mind that you’ll stay warm and comfy the entirety of your trip.
Source: etrailer.com
What we like about it
- Will keep running in very cold temperatures
- High capacity BTU
- Good quality
Drawbacks
- Reviews say that this model is good quality and reliable so you won’t have to worry about sacrificing your comfort in the winter months.
Heavy Duty RV Propane Regulators
Check out some of the most durable regulators on the market right now.
1. GASPRO 10FT Two Stage Propane Regulator Hose with Standard P.O.L.and 3/8in Female for RV, Grill, Generator, Gas Stove, Range – Editor’s Pick
Specs
BTU: 190,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet: 3/8” female flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8’’ male flare connector outlet
Inlet: 3/8” female flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8’’ male flare connector outlet
What we like about it
- Automatic shut off if there is excess propane flow
- Made with high-quality material
- Great value for your money
Drawbacks
- This GASPRO model provides you with the heavy duty performance that you need without sacrificing safety.
GASPRO 10FT Two Stage Propane Regulator Hose with P.O.L. and 3/8 Inch Female Flare for RV, Grill, Gas Stove, Range
- Standard Connector - Restricted Flow Soft Nose P.O.L. and Handwheel x 3/8" Female Flare. 5/16" diameter LP hose
- Well Gas Control - Has integral first and second stages that ensure smoother and more consistent flow of propane gas to all gas appliances
- Max BTU Flow - Providing 11" WC (1/2psi) low pressure output, with a maximum of 225,000 BTU flow
2. Enerco Propane Auto-Changeover High Capacity Two Stage Regulator
Specs
BTU: 400,000 BTU/hr capacity
Inlet: 1/4” Inverted Female Flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8” Female Pipe outlet
Inlet: 1/4” Inverted Female Flare inlet
Outlet: 3/8” Female Pipe outlet
Source: campingworld.com
This CSA certified propane regulator provides you with easy changeover when one of your tanks is empty while still allowing sufficient fuel to your appliances. This model can handle your heavy duty jobs while still keeping you safe with backflow prevention settings.
What we like about it
- High capacity model for a good price
- CSA Certified
- Easy to read propane level indicator
Drawbacks
- If your RV requires a more heavy duty regulator to keep your ride smooth, Enerco’s regulator is for you. Keep your family safe while still riding in comfort.
Final Thoughts
When you’re on the road, you want equipment that is reliable and will keep you comfortable. Investing in a quality RV propane regulator will make your ride smooth and carefree. Depending on what you’re looking for, we’re sure you’ll find the right fit for you in our guide. Happy trails!
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
