You can expect to spend around $70 or less for your propane regulator.
This is for high-quality regulators that are made to last and has all the features you would need. Example prices:
- Flame King – $70
- Fairview – $60
- Camco – $30
4 Best RV Propane Regulator to Buy in 2021
As fun as RVing can be, there are still some serious considerations you need to take into account. For example, which propane regulator you need to buy. But buying one isn’t a matter of grabbing whichever one you like from the shelf. That’s why this will be a review of the best RV propane regulators you can find on amazon.
If you’re short on time, just go with the Flame King KT12ACR6a Regulator and call it a day. It has all the features you will need like an uninterrupted supply and is very durable as well. Flame King gets my top spot but Fairview and Marshall are good choices too.
If you want to get in-depth, I also included other options you can choose from. I researched and looked into customer opinions and handpicked these ones available in the market today. All these should fit your needs perfectly. So, let’s get started.
What to Look for Before Buying a RV Propane Regulator?
Before I jump into the reviews, I would like to mention some key features and factors you need to consider before you pull the trigger on a regulator. Knowing what factors and things to look out for will help you make a more informed decision.
Not all regulators are made the same. So, if you want to better discern which one is right for you, this section will come in handy. There are mainly 6 things to look out for.
Type
First up you have the type. This one is pretty easy. Just ignore all types of 1-stage regulators. They are not capable of providing the pressure you need for RVs. If you happen to have a large RV, the troubles of one-stage regulators are magnified. Besides, RVs cannot even use them. These are meant more for grilling.
Your best bet here is to just avoid buying this type of regulator. What you need to look for are 2-stage ones that are powerful enough for RVs. These will give you the best pressure. A constant flow is important, which is another benefit of the 2-stage variants.
BTUs
If you know anything about regulators you would know that BTUs are pretty important. BTU is a measurement for energy. What it basically tells you is how much energy is needed to increase the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 F.
The higher the BTU the higher the capacity. You can check your rig owner’s manual to determine how much BTU you need. Anything over 100,000 BTU should be a good start.
You can go overboard here. Just because I say higher is always better, does not mean you should only pick one because it has a high BTU rating. You might not even need that much. No point in wasting money. Just get what you need.
Change Over
Seamless changeover is very important. It is just a quality-of-life thing that you will not know you need in your life till you experience it.
The ability for the regulator to change tanks when one is over automatically is a very convenient thing to have. Most of the ones I reviewed here should have this feature. So, there is nothing to worry about.
Durability
You cannot skimp on the durability either. A high-quality RV propane regulator should last you a good while – until of course when you need to change it. But that is another thing. A durable kit will last you longer and gives you some peace of mind that nothing will go wrong.
Also, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of installing a new one because the one you got kicked the bucket just after a couple of months.
Installation
Speaking of the hassle of installation, one that is easy to install is important to consider. The last thing you want is a regulator with confusing instructions that will take you hours to get through.
Why not make it easier for yourself and just get on that is easy to install. Of course, be sensible about it. If you really do not know what you are doing, it is always best to get it professionally installed. DIYers will like getting hands-on when installing it though.
Brand and Price
And finally, you have the brand and price. All the brand names I mentioned here are reputed and have a history of producing top-notch products. The customer opinions speak for themselves as well.
When it comes to settling on a price point, fix a budget for yourself and pick one that has all the things I mentioned above. Get one that’s right for your RV and your needs. Do not just get one because it was the cheapest (or the most expensive) option available.
4 Best RV Propane Regulators You Can Buy in 2021
With so many options in the market, here are the top 4 you need to care about. I reviewed these thoroughly so you end up with the right one for yourself. So, let’s get started.
- Flame King KT12ACR6a 2-Stage LP Propane Gas Regulator
This one takes the top spot for its overall great balanced features. It comes with a 2-stage automatic changeover regulator which makes it perfectly ideal for use with RVs. Have a trailer? It will work well for it too!
It is a trooper and able to handle tough heavy-duty use without breaking a sweat. One of the best features about it is the uninterrupted supply you get. If the first tank is empty, it will automatically switch to the second one without you needing to do anything. How cool is that?
Specifications
- Brand: Flame King
- BTUs (per hour): 190,000
- Inlet: ¼ inch SAE inverted flare
- Outlet: 3/8 inch NPT pipe thread (female)
- Stages: Two
- Dimensions: 7 inch x 4 inch x 4 inch
Features
Uninterrupted Supply: If the tanks get empty you don’t need to interrupt the supply to fill it up. This means you can get continuous operation with it and will automatically switch to the reserve.
Maintains Constant Pressure: Thanks to its 2-stage design, it will maintain a constant gas pressure. No matter how demanding the conditions are, be sure you will get the utmost performance.
Works Well with Flame Accessories: Since Flare King is such a recognizable brand, you can also use other hoses from the brand. And guess what? It will pair with it seamlessly.
High BTUs: With 190,000 BTUs/hour you don’t need to worry about not having enough oomph when you need it.
Pros
- Switches to reserve automatically
- High BTU rating
- Can handle demanding tasks
- Pairs well with Flare King hoses
Cons
- Might be a bit of overkill for some.
-
Fairview RV Camper 2 Stage Automatic Regulator
Another solid choice for RV enthusiasts is Fairview’s RV Camper 2-stage regulator. It has one of the highest BTU ratings and since it’s a 2-stage one, there is the option to have two propane tanks.
You don’t have to worry about it not switching to the reserve tank. One of the things I particularly like is the easy mounting. All in all, you will be hard-pressed to find a good one like this. It even gives the top pick a run for its money.
Specifications
- Brand: Fairview
- BTUs (per hour): 262,500
- Inlet: ¼ inch SAE inverted flare
- Outlet: 3/8 inch NPT pipe thread (female)
- Stages: Two
- Dimensions: 8.35 inches x 6.73 inches x 2.95 inches
Features
Very High BTU Capacity: One of the highest BTU regulators in this list which should be plenty for most people. You can even pick it for heavy-duty uses.
Auto Switch Over: Since you can easily attach two propane tanks, it will automatically switch if one is empty. This makes things easier for you and that is a win in my book.
Easy to Use: You will appreciate how easy to use this one is. With a pretty simple process, new time RV buyers and campers should not have much trouble at all.
Easy to Install: You know what else is easy? The installation process of this one. I would still like to mention that the mounting screws are not included. Apart from that, if you know what you are doing, installing this kit will not take you much time.
Pros
-
High BTU Rating
-
Dual propane tank with auto switch over
-
Easy to mount
-
Fairly easy to use for people of all skill levels
-
Flexible pigtail for vertical mounting
-
Great for trailers and RVs that need lots of power
Cons
-
Mounting screws not included
- Marshall Excelsior MEGR-253
You can’t have a review of the best RV propane regulator without including an option from Marshall. The brand is also very well-known and the customer opinions for this one is a testament to that fact. By the way, it has an inlet max pressure of 250 psi.
It is easily one of the most durable regulators I have come across. That robust build comes from its zinc powder-coating. It will hold up nicely with daily wear and tear without much worry. Plus. Installation is pretty simple too. That is great news for you if you are not quite a handy person. And, of course, it will save you some time as well.
Specifications
- Brand: Marshall
- BTUs (per hour): 225,000
- Inlet: ¼ inch inverted flare (female)
- Outlet: 3/8 inch FNPT
- Stages: Two
- Dimensions: 6.5 inches x 1.8 inches x 25.3 Inches
Features
Solid Build Quality: A propane regulator for your RV is an investment. The last thing you want is it to break down just after a couple of months of use. Durability won’t be a problem with this one since it uses high-quality materials and coating to protect itself from the elements.
Automatic Redirection: Just like the previous regulator, this one will instantly redirect the gas flow. The moment the primary tank empties, it redirects to the reserve. This will save you the headache of doing it yourself.
Helpful Indicator Lights: Want to know another cool quality of life feature this one has? Well, how about a convenient little indicator light that tells you when your tank is empty? The indicator will light up red letting you know it needs a refill.
2-Stage Regulator Keeps Propane Pressure in Check: Not everything in your RV will work with the same pressure. That’s why the 2-stage design of this one ensures your RV gets just the right pressure it needs.
Pros
- Automatic tank switching
- Handy indicator light
- 2-stage design for RV compatibility
- Superb durability
- High BTU rating
Cons
- Not the best for use in cold weather
- Camco 59313 Propane Regulator
If you like to shop for value, you cannot go wrong with Camco’s 59313 regulators. For its price, it delivers great performance and features with a pretty simple yet ideal design. As you probably have guessed, this is also a 2-stage regulator.
The BTU rating is pretty respectable coming in at 160,000 BTUs per hour. And of course, compatibility with other Camco hoses is there which will help you get a bit more reach.
Specifications
- Brand: Camco
- BTUs (per hour): 225,000
- Inlet: ¼ inch inverted flare (female)
- Outlet: 3/8 inch FNPT
- Stages: Two
- Dimensions: 6.5 inches x 1.8 inches x 25.3 Inches
Features
Provides Smooth and Consistent Power: You won’t feel like there is a lack of oomph thanks to the smooth and consistent power this one provides.
Vertical Mounting: If you need to mount your propane regulator vertically, this one can easily be done so. That gives it some much-needed versatility for those who want that option. Apart from that, there is horizontal POL and without POL mounting options available as well.
Easily Adjustable: Adjusting the pressure is a complete breeze. You can do it in a jiffy by just unscrewing the blue cap and then turning the washer. How easy is that? Pretty seamless if you ask me.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Great value for the money
- Simple and effective design
- Constant flow with great pressure
- Vertical and horizontal mounting options
Cons
- Might not be up to the mark for heavy-duty use
Taking Care of Your RV Propane Regulator
I assume since you spent some cash on your brand-new regulator you would want to make sure it lasts you for a while. So, here are some maintenance and usage tips to help you get the most out of your new kit.
- Keep It Covered
One of the best things you can do for your regulator and help it extend its life is to keep the thing covered.
This will protect the regulator and also make it safe for operation. Newer models will come with a plastic cover. Older ones might not. But you can easily buy them separately.
- Clean the Vents
Another must-do. 2-stage regulators will have vents for each of the stages. They are very small and easy to miss. Make sure you keep them clean so the regulator can deliver proper pressure. Do not let it clog up, that is a big no-no.
Pro Tip: You can mount the regulator in a way so that the vents are facing downwards. This will help it stay clean and avoid anything getting caught in it.
- Safety First, Always
Propane has a very distinct odor. If you can smell it, something is not right. Immediately turn your RV off and inspect the situation. Better safe than sorry. Leaks are a thing. And if a leak happens, you will smell, as I said already.
Another telltale sign of a leak is a hissing sound. This is caused because of the high pressure. You can try to tighten the regulator as tightly as possible. That should be your second step (after turning everything off). If the leaks persist, you need to buy a new regulator.
- Replace It When Needed
You will eventually need to replace your RV propane regulator. Some models will tell you when you should replace it.
Be diligent and ensure you replace it when the time comes. Since propane can be dangerous you do not want an old and dusty regulator in the picture.
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