14 Best RV Propane Regulator Choices in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST PROPANE REGULATOR FOR YOUR RV?
You are in the right place because the 14 best RV propane regulators are all featured here. How do we know they are the best? We have traveled in our RV since 2010 and bring you the best information, guides and products for your RV.
Propane regulators are an important part of any RV that uses propane gas tanks. Having a good functioning regulator will keep your family safe from leaks and help maintain your RV’s propane system. There are many reasons why you will want to replace your old regulator with the best RV propane regulator.
It could be to have the peace of mind that you do not have a gas supply leak into your RV or the main reason for replacing your regulator could be to have a very convenient automatic changeover regulator with a color indicator so you know when your tank is empty. The important thing is to find the regulator that will work for your family and your needs.
We have used many different regulators and have answered most of the questions you might have pertaining to RV regulators. We are sure you will find exactly what you need and it is a good thing to get professional help if you have doubts about your ability to install one of these high-quality regulators.
Best RV Propane Regulator Options
1. Flame King 2-stage auto changeover
The Flame King RV 2-stage propane regulator is one of the best auto changeover propane regulators. It is a quality product and is rated for 190,000 BTUs. This is plenty of BTUs for almost every RV.
You can purchase the regulator with pigtails or without pigtails. If your pigtails are good you might not want to purchase the regulator with pigtails. There are some complaints about the pigtails having a few issues and leaking shortly after installation.
There are more than 7,500 reviews with more than 200 answered questions on Amazon for this regulator and almost 80 percent of people give it a 5-star rating.
The regulator is very easy to use and is a great replacement for your stock regulator that does not change over automatically. This regulator will also notify you when one of your tanks is empty making sure you always have one full tank. This is very convenient.
2. Camco dual-stage auto changeover
Camco makes an array of RV gear that is great for RV owners. This double-stage motorhome propane regulator is a great product. It is rated up to 210,000 BTUs which is enough for all your RV appliances.
This regulator has an easy-to-read indicator light telling you when your propane tank is empty so you know when the regulator has automatically changed to the new tank.
You will love the auto-changeover regulators. This regulator can work with dual 100-pound tanks and is very versatile. If you want constant pressure in your travel trailer or propane for your house this is a good idea.
▶ Check Prices for the Camco RV Propane Regulator Here!
3. Marshall Excelsior
Marshall makes a great RV 2-stage regulator that is a double-stage design. This is a dual propane regulator for dual propane tanks. This is one of the best, if not the best, propane regulator for an RV. It is a high-quality regulator that will supply consistent gas pressure. Many people like the indicator light being on the top because it makes it very easy to see from many angles.
This regulator will keep your propane flowing for years. You will be happy with this product. It has many reviews and also 80 percent of the reviews give it a 5-star rating.
▶ Check Prices for the Marshall RV Propane Regulator Here!
4. Flame King
If you have only one propane tank on your RV, the Flame King is the regulator you will want to purchase. It is a compact two-stage regulator that will work for many different size propane tanks.
The regulator is durable and easy to use. The compact size is very convenient and can supply up to 160,000 BTUs.
You will have a great leak-free regulator with a POL valve connection with this regulator.
▶ Check Prices for the Flame King Regulator Here!
5. Fairview Camper Propane Regulator
The Fairview camper propane regulator for an RV is one of the higher-producing 2-stage RV regulators. It can supply up to 262,000 BTUs per hour.
Do keep in mind this product does not come with mounting screws. You will need to purchase self-tapping screws to mount this regulator.
▶ Check Prices for the Fairview Camper Regulator Here!
6. Jr Low-Pressure Regulator
Jr products provide a great two-stage regulator. This low-pressure regulator is for a horizontal mount and does not come with pigtail hoses. This is designed for RV applications and works great if you need another regulator.
The JR low-pressure regulator is not for dual tanks. This is for a single tank and therefore does not have auto-changeover. This can be mounted horizontally or vertically depending on how our tank is positioned in your recreational vehicle.
▶ Check Prices for the JR Low-Pressure Regulator Here!
7. Gas pro 10 ft hose with regulator
This is a great Gaspro regulator that is very versatile. It is a dual-stage regulator that can process up to 225,000 BTUs an hour. This is more than enough for most camper vans, travel trailers, RVs, and motorhomes.
The 10-foot hose works great for those RVs that have the tank a little farther away and want the consistent flow from a dual-stage regulator. This regulator can be used for your gas fire pit and your main RV propane tank.
The long hose gives you lots of options and room for many different propane needs. It has restricted flow and soft nose P.O.L and a convenient hand wheel making it easy to connect and disconnect from your propane tank.
▶ Check Prices for the Gaspro Regulator Here!
8. Stanbroil Horizontal
The Stanbroil is a very nice economical 2-stage camper propane regulator for an RV. It comes in two variations. This variation is for horizontal applications. They have the exact same regulator in the vertical variation also.
Both are for ¾ in female NPT connections. They are rated at an 11-inch water column, and they both have a BTU rating of 160,000. Unless you have a very large motorhome that will be using lots of BTUs, 160,000 BTUs per hour is plenty.
These are made from solid brass to ensure you have great leak-free regulators.
9. Cavagna Auto-Changeover
The Cavagna automatic changeover is one of the best dual tank propane regulators for your camper propane tank, it works with a second tank, and comes with a mounting bracket, and a highly visible empty indicator. This regulator can also adjust the propane pressure output.
This is very easy to install and we love the visibility when the tank is empty. This product is a great propane camper regulator but is also a good option for a regulator for your generator or other products that need a good propane regulator for an RV adventure.
▶ Check Prices for the Cavagna Changeover Here!
RV Regulators for Appliances and Fire Pits
10. GasOne with adjustable regulator
This GasOne regulator is a single-stage regulator and is an adjustable high-pressure regulator. It is used for directly connecting to your appliances. This is a great product for your deep fryer, grills, heater, and other camping appliances that are connected directly to a propane tank.
The adjustable knob is excellent to help supply your needed constant gas pressure.
▶ Check Prices for the GasOne Regulator Here!
11. GasOne
If you want a basic single-stage regulator that doesn’t need to be very long, the Gas One is a good regulator. It is very economical and has almost 9,000 reviews. This is one of the best propane regulators for your camper grill if you are looking for a replacement regulator that is on the shorter side (3 feet).
This low-pressure regulator can supply up to 80,000 BTUs and is very durable.
▶ Check Prices for the Gas One Regulator Here!
12. Longads
Longads has a great high-pressure adjustable propane regulator. This has a built-in gauge so you know how much pressure you are getting. This is fantastic in order to keep an eye on the best pressure for your gas cooker, camper grill, turkey fryer, or other propane appliances.
The stainless steel braided hose is very durable and comes highly recommended. The stainless steel helps reduce the damage that can come from getting UV rays from the sun.
▶ Check Prices for Propane Regulator Here!
13. Mr. Heater
This is your basic low-pressure regulator. It does not come with a hose so you will need to purchase an NPT hose if you do not already have one. If you need a new basic economical propane regulator for your propane tank this will get the job done.
Low-pressure regulators generally need NPT hoses but 2-stage pressure regulators will typically use a non-NPT hose
▶ Check Prices for the Mr. Heater Regulator Here!
14. Wadeo Quick Connect Regulator
For those looking for a quick connect regulator option, this is a good choice. Wadeo makes great products and a quick connection with a shut-off valve can be a great addition to your camping stoves or camping propane fireplaces. They allow for easy and quick use.
If you are tired of turning on and off your propane tank and connecting and disconnecting your hose to move your grill or propane tank you might want to try some quick connect options.
▶ Check Prices for the Wadeo Connect Regulator Here!
Other Needed Propane Accessories
You may need a few accessories to complete your different types of propane regulators. These useful accessories can range from propane gas gauges, pigtails, covers, or maybe a new fiberglass propane tank that is super light weight and great to take in boats or smaller RVs.
👉 Click on Any Image Below to Shop Propane Accessories 👈
Types of Propane Regulators for Campers
There are multiple different types of regulators and different uses for all of them. Below we will discuss the main types that you will need for a propane regulator for a travel trailer.
High-Pressure Propane Regulator for an RV
Your RV will most likely not use an RV high-pressure propane regulator. This is because the appliances in your RV do not require high pressure to function properly.
High-pressure propane regulators are used commercially. Something that will use lots of propane or produce lots of heat quickly. An example of something that uses a high-pressure regulator would be a commercial-grade fryer.
First Stage Propane Regulator for an RV
First-stage propane regulators are used when you have one propane tank that is directly connected to the appliance. A good example of this is when you are connecting directly to a gas grill, camping stove, or portable fire ring.
Second Stage Propane Regulator for an RV
Second-stage regulators go between your appliances and the first-stage regulator. Their job is to make sure the tank pressure is not too much for the appliance that will be using the fuel. They also help provide a more constant pressure.
Two-Stage Propane Regulator for an RV
A two-state propane regulator is what you will typically have in your RV. It is used to control the flow of propane from your propane tank to your appliances that use propane.
The two-stage regulator combines the high-pressure regulator which is the first stage and the second stage which is a low-pressure regulator.
Both of these combined ensure your RV is functioning in a safe and efficient manner.
Components of the Best RV Propane Regulator
Each regulator has some slight differences to provide the best propane regulator for RV. Your best regulator might be slightly different than someone else’s. We have listed and described some important things to consider.
Color Indicators
Indicators on your regulator when your propane has an empty tank or empty cylinder are very helpful. Most have one indicator that shows red when your tank is empty. The visibility of these indicators can be different for each regulator.
Do keep in mind that many tanks have covers and the visibility of your indicator may not be overly important because you won’t see it until you remove the propane cover.
Protective Cover and Dust Protection
Regulators are like anything else and will not last forever. The more protected they are the longer they will last. Some regulators come with protective covers.
These cover and protect your regulator from debris and can protect them if they were to come in contact with something. Some covers when removed and replaced can hit your regulator and a protective cover can help give added protection.
Capacity (BTU/ British Thermal Units)
The capacity of your regulator is important but in general, is not something 99 percent of people will have an issue with. If you are using many high BTU appliances at one time you may run into an issue but in general, you will not have a problem with any of the regulators we have suggested.
Made of Zinc, Aluminum, or Brass
When looking for a camping propane regulator you will want a regulator made of brass. The majority are made of brass because it is resistant to sparking. Brass is durable and is on the cheaper side to produce.
Automatic Change Over
An automatic changeover regulator is one of the best RV propane tank regulator upgrades you will make. We have run out of propane multiple times because we didn’t know one tank or both tanks were almost empty.
The auto changeover makes it easy to know when to refill your propane tank and to know which tank the propane is coming from. It is a little surprising that more campers do not have this type of regulator as they are very reasonably priced and can make your propane use much easier to follow.
Ease of Installation
Most propane regulators are very easy to install. However, there are some important things to remember. When you are installing a regulator you will want the best RV propane pigtail. These Longads pigtails are great and they come with a gauge. You need to make sure you are using yellow Teflon tape when installing the pigtails.
▶ Check Prices for Pigtails Here!
This tape is thicker and is made specifically for working with gas. You will also want to pay attention to the different connections. There are 2 main types of connections. You have the NPT and NON-NPT connections.
They are very similar and differ in how the connection is flared. When purchasing pigtails make sure you purchase the correct kind. In general, if you are using a dual RV propane regulator they will be NON-NPT if you are only connecting to one propane tank you will use NPT fittings.
When you purchase your regulator it will tell you the type of fitting you will need. If you are not sure what your fittings are it is not that expensive to purchase new pigtails and a regulator together.
Purchasing both together is a good way to ensure you have good functioning products that will not leak.
Once you have installed your regulator and pigtails you can test for leaks by turning on the propane and spraying a little bit of soapy water around the connections. If you see bubbles you have a leak.
Cost
Let’s be real, cost is important for 95 percent of us on almost everything. Luckily when it comes to regulators and pigtails both are fairly inexpensive. Your auto-changeover regulators will cost more than your simple regulators but are worth the money.
How Do RV Propane Regulators Work
This video is a great video to learn about how 2-stage regulators work. In short, they work by pressure and springs. The propane tank has pressure and that pressure pushes on the springs which allow different amounts of propane through.
How to Install the Best RV Propane Regulator
RV propane regulators are not very hard to install. When you are installing an RV regulator you will want to keep a few things in mind.
1. Use the yellow Teflon tape when installing pigtails into the regulator
2. Spray soapy water on the connections. If you see bubbles you have a leak and need to make an adjustment.
How to Tell if an RV Propane Regulator is Bad
There are a few indicators that will tell you when your regulator is bad. If your regulator is leaking then it is bad and needs to be replaced.
If your regulator is not letting gas through when the tank has fuel and is turned on you should get a new regulator.
Also, if you are hearing weird noises or you see soot around the regulator where it connects you should replace your regulators.
How to Clean a Camper propane regulator
You can clean your propane regulator by scrubbing it with soapy water and a bristled brush. Don’t get too crazy when scrubbing. If your regulator is very dirty or appears to have soot you may want to purchase a new one.
FAQs – Best RV Propane Regulator
Buying a new regulator can be confusing. These are the most frequent questions pertaining to your camping propane regulator.
What is an RV propane regulator?
An RV propane regulator is a device that restricts the flow of propane to the appliances that use propane. Without a regulator, you are unable to sufficiently control how much propane is going from your propane tank to your appliance that is using the propane.
Without controlling how much propane goes into your appliance can create a dangerous hazard. Your gas grill, stove, or fryer would have so much available gas it could engulf the appliance or cause serious damage.
Are all RV propane regulators the same?
No, not all propane regulators are the same. Some appliances require a more stable pressure than others. This is why you will see things like a single-stage regulator and a dual-stage regulator. You will also find some regulators will connect to multiple propane tanks while others will only connect to one.
If you heat your house with gas there is a large regulator to your house that provides the correct pressure. This type of regulator is much larger and more complicated than a propane regulator for campers.
What propane regulator do I need for an RV?
You will need a regulator that is 2-stage, that can handle 1 or 2 tanks depending on your setup. If you have a dual propane tank setup you will want a dual tank regulator that is a 2-stage RV propane regulator for campers. These will often require pigtails that are NON-NPT.
If you only use one tank you will want a 2 stage regulator for a single tank and your pigtails will generally have NPT connections.
Do keep in mind that some regulators are made to be horizontal or vertical positioning. Depending on where your regulator is mounted will determine if you need a vertical or horizontal regulator.
Why do I need an RV propane regulator?
You need a propane regulator because they restrict the amount of flow of gas from your propane tank to your RV or appliance. The dial on your appliance which lets you control how high or low your appliance is heating or cooking is not sufficient to give you a safe and reliable flow of propane.
How long do RV propane regulators last?
Propane regulators will generally last about 10 years. There is debate if they last longer or less. The springs inside your regulator can weaken over time so they do not function as well as they first did.
Just like anything else that has moving parts they will need to be replaced eventually. It is safer to replace them sooner than later before they start leaking.
It is also important you have functioning carbon monoxide detectors. Some people disable these because they can use a good amount of power because they are constantly on. Please don’t do this. People are killed every year from carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you are unsure if your built-in carbon monoxide detector works, here are a few battery-powered options you can add but you should make sure your standard built in detector is functioning by having a professional look at it.
👉 Click on Any Image Below to Shop Carbon Monoxide Detectors 👈
What PSI is an RV propane regulator?
A two-stage regulator adjusts the PSI at each stage. The first stage will adjust the PSI to around 10 to 15 PSI. Your second stage adjusts the PSI to 11 inches of the water column.
Some single-stage regulators are easily adjustable so you can adjust the pressure up to 30 PSI.
Conclusion: Best RV Propane Regulator
Rv regulators can last for a long time but be reasonable with your expectations. Good functioning regulators are important to keeping a safe level of propane gas flowing to your hot water heater, gas stove, furnace, and other RV appliances.
Whichever regulator you decide will be best for your family make sure you keep safety in mind. This means using the proper Teflon tape when installing your pigtails into your regulator and testing to make sure all of your carbon monoxide equipment is functioning properly.
It is never a good idea to use propane appliances or regulators in an unsafe manner. Your best option is always to stay safe. We hope our information has helped you learn the differences between regulators and how they function. It is essential to use the correct regulator so you are not left out in the cold.
Feel free to add a comment about the regulators you love or if these regulators worked well for you. Together we can have a safe and enjoyable experience traveling and exploring the great outdoors with our family and friends.
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