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After all, RV’s and traveling are as American as apple pie and baseball. And, even if you aren’t from America, taking a tour of your country by driving through its winding streets probably makes for a great vacation.
[amazon box= “B00IZCNOS0,B06ZY5W3R7,B07PYVNJ2Z,B01C5IZHI4,B00RCUXEUY,B000KI7FPK,B00KPR9Q30,B07BCK2JNM,B007HRWNBI” template=”table”]
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The RV was born in 1910. Since then, RV owners have made it their mission to travel and have fun.
Or, taking the RV and picking up family members might make for a fantastic bonding experience.
What Is a Propane Regulator?
If you don’t know what a regulator is, then you’re more likely to cause an accident. Knowing your tools and accessories may mean the difference between life and death.
A propane regulator is a critical part of a propane gas system. The regulator controls the flow of gas. It almost acts like a valve.
[amazon fields=”B00IZCNOS0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image=”3″]
Image from Amazon
Not only does it control flow, but it also lowers the pressure of the gas coming from the LP (liquified petroleum) gas tank.
[amazon fields=”B00IZCNOS0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image=”1″]
Image from Amazon
These are both immensely important tasks the regulator must complete if you’re going to be safe while using propane.
It’s also key to understand the difference between a two-stage regulator and a single-stage regulator. A two-stage regulator reduces cylinder pressure in two steps while a single-stage regulator does so in one.
So, a two-stage regulator is useful when you’re not changing the pressure constantly. If you find yourself changing the pressure on a consistent basis, a one-stage regulator is the best choice.
So, you now know what a propane regulator is. But, why do you need a propane regulator for an RV? How does it differ from other types of appliances?
Why You Need a Propane Regulator for Your RV
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RV’s almost function the same way as a mini-house. Typically, they have a kitchen area, a bathroom, and a small living space as well. Whether you’re heating your RV, taking a hot shower, or cooking, using propane means you need to regulate it.
If you don’t, you could easily access too much of it and cause an explosion.
It’s also important to have because it sits at the heart of the propane system inside your RV. And, without the best RV propane regulator, not only do you get dangerous amounts of pressure from the propane but you also may not even get it to function.
So, a propane regulator is crucial to the RV. If it doesn’t work, then everything else in the RV gets affected as well.
Where You Can Buy Propane Regulators for RVs
The best RV propane regulator sits on shelves in a multitude of stores. Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, and Home Depot are three physical stores that have these items readily available.
Online, sites such as Amazon and eBay also carry them.
How We Chose the Best Propane Regulators for RVs
The best RV propane regulator carries a couple of qualities. First, it has to hit 100,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) at least. This number equates to the amount of energy it takes to raise one gallon of water one degree Fahrenheit.
This number is crucial because you can use this information to determine how long you’ll be able to heat things. It’s similar to a car and its “miles-per-gallon” ratio.
Second, all of these propane regulators score at least 4 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customer reviews play a significant role in determining how well a product is performing in the market.
Taking these two factors into account gets you a list of what many consider to be the best RV propane regulators money can buy.
Best RV Propane Regulator: Our Top 9 Picks
Below are nine of the best RV propane regulators. Each one gives you an excellent experience and offers you immense value.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first RV regulator or your fifth, you’ll find what you need down below.
[amazon link=”B00IZCNOS0″ title=”1. Flame King KT12ACR6 2-Stage Auto Changeover Propane Gas Regulator” /]
4.1 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B00IZCNOS0″]
There are many qualities to look for when buying the best RV propane regulator. Out of all the different things you can focus on, refilling is one of the most important aspects to consider.
Refilling a propane regulator may take a little bit of time, and this time could cause you to stop the flow of propane to the appliance.
Flame King considered this stoppage problem, and they created a way to remove the empty cylinder for a refill without interrupting the supply of propane.
Not only is this a fantastic invention, but it also saves the user time and energy so they can continue to use their propane unimpeded.
Another significant aspect of the KT12ACR6 is that the regulator automatically switches from the primary tank to the reserve one when the primary one runs out. This process is called auto changeover. Like the refill mechanism, it helps create an uninterrupted flow and allows you to use your propane without fear of stoppage.
Customers on Amazon gave it 4.1 stars out of 5 stars.
[amazon link=”B06ZY5W3R7″ title=”2. Fairview LP Propane Two-Stage Automatic Changeover Regulator” /]
4.5 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B06ZY5W3R7″]
Fairview is known for its great propane products, and one of the best examples of this sentiment is the LP Propane 2-Stage Automatic Changeover Regulator.
The best RV propane regulator allows for a bit of flexibility when it comes to setup and execution of how to use the propane. Fairview knew this and created a propane regulator that has two hookups. The two hookups allow you to switch from one tank to the next when one is empty.
But, that’s not the only thing Fairview gets right.
The regulator is also set to a low propane pressure. Residential applications usually require about an 11-inch water column. This regulator contains this 11-inch water column, so you know your propane will be regulated safely.
Customers on Amazon enjoyed this product. They gave it 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
[amazon link=”B07PYVNJ2Z” title=”3. GASPRO Two-Stage Propane Regulator with Hose” /]
4.2 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B07PYVNJ2Z”]
Nailing the basics means crafting a foundation for your product that it can lean on if things go wrong. One of the fundamental pieces of knowledge about propane regulators is that a two-stage regulator generally works better than one.
GASPRO jumped on this idea, and their two-stage regulator is simply one of the best.
With a 3/8-inch female flare fitting, you don’t have to worry about your propane not flowing correctly.
This specific propane regulator contains a QCC1/Type 1 tank connection. Perfect for RV’s, you’ll rest easy knowing you have the ideal sized regulator.
It also comes with a hose, so you don’t need to buy a separate one for your propane needs.
Overall, customers were happy with this product on Amazon. Many consider it the best RV propane regulator available. They gave it 4.2 stars out of 5 stars.
[amazon link=”B01C5IZHI4″ title=”4. Enerco F173766 Two-Stage Auto Changeover Regulator” /]
4.1 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B01C5IZHI4″]
With the competition fierce in the propane industry, getting a leg up on your opponents is crucial to succeeding. Enerco understands this. So, they decided to create a propane regulator that has a couple of promising features.
First of all, the max flow for this propane regulator is 325,000 BTU. That’s a pretty good amount, and it’s something bound to catch a customer’s eye when shopping for the best RV propane regulator.
Secondly, the F173766 is decked out with solid brass fittings. These brass fittings are incredibly sturdy, and make sure that your regulator doesn’t rust. The last thing you need is a rusty regulator that decides it doesn’t want to work a year into use.
These two elements combined make for an outstanding propane regulator, and Enerco delivers on this front.
Customers on Amazon agreed with these positive attributes. They gave it 4.1 stars out of 5 stars.
[amazon link=”B00RCUXEUY” title=”5. JR Products 07-30325 High Pressure Regulator” /]
4.6 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B00RCUXEUY”]
JR Products makes some of the best propane supplies around. With their commitment to giving the customers the best experience possible, buying the best RV propane regulator from them is a no-brainer.
If you still need convincing, then checking out their 07-30325 model will change your mind.
With the ability to house 500,000 BTU, this regulator does quite a lot of work. More work than many other regulators are built for.
It’s also important to understand that this propane regulator utilizes one unit of measurement over another.
In this example, the 07-30325 is better suited for measuring pressure in PSIG (pound-force per square inch) rather than in WC (water column). While you can convert these units from one to another, PSIG is better used for this propane regulator rather than WC.
Its primary use is also ideal for a dual bottle setup with distant separation applications.
Customers loved what JR Products brought to the table. They gave this propane regulator 4.6 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon.
[amazon link=”B000KI7FPK” title=”6. Mr. Heater F273763 Two-Stage Vertical Propane Regulator” /]
4.8 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B000KI7FPK”]
The best RV propane regulator needs to provide a consistent gas flow. If the gas doesn’t come out smoothly and with consistency, time in the RV will be spent fiddling with the regulator instead of enjoying time with friends and family.
Mr. Heater makes sure you have a consistent gas flow. One of the ways they do this is to reduce the size of propane that feeds into it.
At only a 160,000 BTU maximum flow, it may seem like a waste of time to look into this regulator. But, a smaller amount of propane doesn’t equate to a worse experience.
It’s also essential to take into account that this regulator is a two-stage regulator. By making a two-stage propane regulator, delivery pressure is constant. Mainly, that means you don’t have to worry about readjusting certain levels of the regulator.
A propane regulator that runs itself is a great find, and Mr. Heater delivers on this aspect.
Customers on Amazon gave this propane regulator 4.8 stars out of 5 stars.
[amazon link=”B00KPR9Q30″ title=”7. Marshall Excelsior MEGR-253 Two-Stage Regulator” /]
4.2 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B00KPR9Q30″]
When you begin your search for the best RV propane regulator, knowing the specifics of the item is key to understanding how exactly it works. For example, knowing if it’s a two-stage regulator or a one-stage regulator is immensely helpful. But, digging deeper into the tinier details reveals how the regulator will hold up over many different situations.
Take, for example, the detail of both the inlet and outlet connection. These connections occur between the tank and regulator, and it’s essential to know the sizes of these connections. Varying sizes apply to different types of regulators and tanks.
The MEGR-253 contains a 1/4-inch female inverted flare for the inlet connection and a 3/8-inch FNPT for the outlet connection. Making sure these connections match the size of your regulator and tank is the difference between a successful buy and a failed buy.
Along with these details, the MEGR-253 Two-Stage Regulator has a raw zinc/powder coat.
Customers loved these details and gave it 4.2 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon.
[amazon link=”B07BCK2JNM” title=”8. Cavagna Kosan 924 N Auto Changeover Regulator” /]
4.5 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B07BCK2JNM”]
The Cavagna Group are known for making quality products. This high praise is backed up by their 924 N Auto Changeover Regulator.
The best RV propane regulator needs to be tough and sturdy. After all, you don’t want your regulator to fall apart after years of use. With the 924 N, that thought will never cross your mind. Why?
Well, Cavagna decided to use stainless steel screws and bolts with this regulator.
Some other companies may skimp on this aspect, but keeping your items protected against wear and tear is just as important as how well the regulator performs.
A high-temperature resistant diaphragm helps measure the pressure given off from the regulator. It’s a critical piece of a regulator, and you need it to be strong if it’s going to withstand different types of weather environments.
Containing a 220,000 BTU capacity, it’s a little on the smaller side. But, with all the other positive aspects, this shouldn’t put too much of a damper on the regulator.
Amazon customers gave this product 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
[amazon link=”B007HRWNBI” title=”9. Camco 59322 LP Horizontal Regulator” /]
4.5 out of 5 stars
[amazon box=”B007HRWNBI”]
Camco makes some of the finest quality propane regulators you can find on the market today. It’s no wonder customers on Amazon gave this particular one 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.
One of the positive attributes that stick out about this regulator is the outlet pressure. Its outlet pressure is 11 WC, which is the standard pressure, so you know you’re not going to be disappointed in this regard.
With only 160,000 BTU it is a tad smaller than other regulators. But, a more significant volume of BTU doesn’t mean a better regulator. This one, with the pressure it’s working with, performs just fine.
Since this is a two-stage regulator, you don’t have to worry about pressure building up.
These attributes make for a propane regulator that gets the job done. Whether you’re using it for the first time or the hundredth, you’ll always get a consistent and quality result.
Buy a Propane Regulator Today
You now understand why buying the best RV propane regulator is essential. Not only does it make life in the RV easier, but it also keeps you safe as well.
If you get into a store and are still confused about which one to buy, don’t hesitate to ask a professional.
It’s also worth noting that propane can be a dangerous fuel to deal with. While you shouldn’t be scared of it, you should have some basic knowledge about the gas.
Also, there’s an easy way to tell if your propane regulator isn’t working right. Propane smells like rotten eggs. If you’re in your RV and smell this, take caution. You may have a propane leak.
Propane regulators are critical to the function of your RV. Buy the best RV propane regulator you can so you can continue taking RV trips for years to come.
Have you had to buy a propane regulator for your RV? Which ones have you tried? Share your experiences in the comments!