Do Onboard RV Propane Tanks Use Regulators?
Yes, onboard propane tanks in RVs use propane regulators, and they are normally 2 stage ones.
If you are looking to replace the RV propane regulator on your motorhome’s permanent (also known as ASME) tank, you will need to get a special kind of regulator for it.
Related Product: Did you know RV Propane Detectors (click to view on Amazon) need to be replaced every 5-10 years? Make sure yours is still up to date before your next camping trip.
Most RV 2 stage regulators like the ones in this article (click to view) are for vertical propane tanks. Vertical propane tanks are the kind that sit near the front of your camper and can be removed for refilling.
Horizontal ASME or onboard propane tanks are permanently mounted onto your camper.
These tanks are mostly found in motorhomes and vans but they are sometimes added to 5th-wheels and travel trailers.
They are often much larger than the standard 20 or 30 lbs tanks you normally see. They are usually 20 to 100 lbs (5-24 gallons).
To get the right horizontal propane tank regulator it’s really important that you know the size of the tank. Because the larger capacity ASME tank requires a larger capacity 2 stage propane regulator.
Another thing to look at is the BTU output. Many of the larger Class A motorhomes that have a propane fueled onboard generator require a much higher BTU output.
Getting the right size is going to be safer and keep your appliances running properly.
Below are some of the best 2 stage RV propane regulators for the different sizes of onboard RV propane tanks.
Any of these should work for most of the horizontal propane tanks found on RVs. Remember to check the recommended BTU output for your RV.
See Also: Propane Tank Recertification: How & Where To Get Recertified
If you have any more questions check out the frequently asked questions section at the end of this post or leave a comment and I’ll try and help you find the right regulator for your RV.
Best Overall (Low BTU)
Medium BTU Output
High BTU Output
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
RV Regulators For ASME Onboard Tanks Reviewed
1. Camco Horizontal Two Stage Propane Regulator
Camco is one of the most trusted names in the RVing industry.
They make a lot of gear for every kind of camper, so it’s no surprise that they have a horizontal RV propane regulator in their line up.
This 2 stage horizontal propane regulator can be used for both permanent and removable propane tanks (so long as it’s installed horizontally).
There are two versions of it, one with a POL connection and one without. The POL connection is going to be perfect for most RV propane tanks but you might not need it for an onboard ASME tank.
If you are looking to replace an old propane regulator make sure you check the connections to see if your onboard tank has a POL connection or not.
Most of the time they do require a POL connection but you may be able to use the one from the old regulator.
See Also: What Does Oil In An RV Propane Regulator Mean? + How To Fix
The outlet is a standard 3/8″ female NPT that should fit any RV propane tank.
The outlet pressure is 11″WC which is perfect for RVs and the BTU output is 160,000.
Now for the important part, the size of propane tanks the Camco horizontal propane regulator is rated for.
Based on the product’s description and user reviews it works for propane tanks that are 20 to 100 lbs in size.
That means it should work for most permanent mounted LP gas tanks unless you happen to have a huge motorhome with a larger propane tank.
Always check the size of the tank and BTU requirements before purchasing a propane regulator to make sure you get the correct one.
The Camco Horizontal Two Stage Propane Regulator is going to be a perfect replacement for most Class C RVs and vans.
It’s CSA listed and made by a trusted name in the RV world.
PROS
- Used for 20-100 lbs propane tanks
- CSA listed
- POL connection option
- 2 Stage
- Made for RV use
CONS
- No pigtail included
2. Flame King 2 Stage Horizontal LP Regulator
Flame King makes a lot of great propane products. You can even get Flame King onboard propane tanks if yours is in need of replacement.
This 2 stage horizontal propane regulator is another great option for replacing the regulator on permanent 20 to 100 lb RV propane tanks.
It has the two stages connected together in a compact unit. Which is what you want for an RV since the tank is so close to the products using the propane and it’s small enough to fit in the space provided.
This one comes with a POL connection already attached. One thing to note is the connection does not come off easily.
See Also: How Does An RV Propane Regulator Work?
So if you do not need a POL I recommend going with one of the brands that have a non POL option like Camco.
The outlet has the standard 3/8″ female NPT, the outlet pressure is 11″WC, and the BTU rating is 160,000. Basically, it has all the settings and features you need for RV use.
The Flame King 2 Stage Horizontal LP Regulator is a fantastic option for most vans, motorhomes, and trailers with built in propane tanks.
Once again it’s only rated for tanks that are up to 100 lbs in size, if your RV has a larger tank than that you will need to get a more heavy duty horizontal regulator.
PROS
- Used for 20-100 lbs propane tanks
- UL listed
- 2 Stage
- Made for RV use
CONS
- No pigtails included
- POL connection non removable
3. Mr. Heater Horizontal Propane Regulator
Mr. Heater is mostly known for its propane heaters but the company also makes some fantastic propane accessories like regulators and hoses.
This 2 stage horizontal propane regulator is another standard option for ASME onboard tanks that are between 20 and 100 lbs in size.
It comes with a POL inlet connection that is removable if your RV propane tank already has one.
It has an 11″WC output and uses the standard 3/8″ female NPT outlet. The BTU output is 160,000.
The regulator is UL certified.
See Also: 7 Signs That Your RV Propane Regulator Has Gone Bad
Much like the two horizontal propane regulators above the Mr. Heater Horizontal Propane Regulator is a fantastic choice for standard sized onboard propane tanks.
Mr. Heater is a very trusted name and they make some of the best propane accessories and products on the market today.
Since quality control is one of the biggest issues with propane regulators I recommend Mr. Heater for RVs with a low BTU requirement since the company seems to be the most consistent with their products.
PROS
- Used for 20-100 lbs propane tanks
- UL listed
- 2 Stage
- Removable POL connector
- Excellent quality control
CONS
- No pigtails included
4. JR Products Horizontal 2 Stage Propane Regulator
If you’re looking for a medium BTU output 2 stage horizontal propane regulator for a large Class C motorhome, small Class A, or 5th-wheel the JR Products LP regulator is going to be one of the best options out there.
The inlet connection is POL but it’s removable if you don’t need it.
The outlet uses the standard 3/8″ female NPT for connecting to RVs and other standard propane appliances.
The outlet pressure is 11″WC and the BTU output is 225,000.
Even though it has a higher BTU output than the previous horizontal propane regulators in this review it is still only rated to be used on propane tanks that are up to 100 lbs in size.
See Also: Best Portable Propane Tabletop Grills & BBQs For Camping
The second stage has a UL 144 propane relief mechanism for added safety and the entire product is UL approved.
JR Products are known for their high quality and extra quality control.
The JR Products Horizontal 2 Stage Propane Regulator is one of the best options out there if you are looking for a 225,000 BTU output.
PROS
- Used for 20-100 lbs propane tanks
- UL listed
- 2 Stage
- Made for RV use
- Removable POL connector
- Propane relief valve
- Medium BTU output
CONS
- No pigtails included
5. M.B. Sturgis 400,000 BTU Horizontal Regulator
For large Class A motorhomes with extra large onboard propane tanks and super high BTU demands the M.B. Sturgis 2 stage propane regulator is one of the only options out there.
With a 400,000 BTU/HR output this horizontal regulator can handle pretty much anything.
The inlet is a 1/4″ female MPT connection and it has a standard 3/8″ female NPT outlet.
Even though it has a high BTU output it still regulates propane to the standard 11″WC pressure for RVs.
See Also: RV Rubber Roof Repair: When to Repair, Reseal or Replace
Unlike many of the other onboard propane tank regulators in this review, the M.B. Sturgis comes with a side tap to add an optional pressure gauge.
The regulator is CSA approved and built to perform well in cold weather and high elevations.
If you have an RV that requires a super high BTU propane supply the M.B. Sturgis 400,000 BTU Horizontal Regulator is a fantastic choice.
The M.B. Sturgis name is one of the most trusted in the propane industry and this regulator is built to last.
PROS
- For large Class A motorhomes
- CSA listed
- 2 Stage
- Made for RV use
- Excellent quality control
- Super high BTU output
CONS
- No pigtails included
- No POL connection option
Conclusion About Horizontal Propane Tank Regulators
Usually when talking about RV propane regulators only vertical options are mentioned.
For permanent onboard propane tanks, it’s important to get a horizontal one since the vertical regulators are not meant to be mounted sideways.
Getting the wrong kind of propane regulator for your RV can have some serious consequences and you want to make sure you are getting the right products, especially when working with flammable products like propane.
See Also: Best 50 Amp RV Extension Cords & Adapters Reviewed
The options reviewed above are for the kind of mounted propane tanks that you find in most vans, Class C motorhomes, and some camper trailers.
If you have a large Class A motorhome with a propane tank that’s larger than 100 lbs (23.6 gallons) you are most likely going to need to get a super high BTU capacity regulator like the M.B. Sturgis.
When replacing an RV propane regulator make sure you use gas thread tape (click to view on Amazon) and gas leak detector (click to view on Amazon) to make sure the connections aren’t leaking.
Frequently Asked Questions About ASME Tank Propane Regulators
Why does my motorhome have multiple 2 stage propane regulators?
If your RV has two propane regulators near the propane tank the most likely reason is the onboard generator.
A propane fueled onboard generator will often draw propane directly from the tank and have its own propane regulator.
Usually, it’s a similar or the same model as the other regular on the ASME propane tank.
What does CSA listed mean?
A CSA marking or listing on a propane product means that it has been tested and approved by the CSA Group, which is a global organization that tests different kinds of products for safety.
If there is a US marking in the corner below the CSA marking it has been approved for use in the United States and meets the requirements necessary to use safely.
What does UL listed mean?
A UL marking or listing means that a product has been tested and approved by the UL Safety Organization.
UL is a global certification company based out of Illinois, USA.
A product with a UL US marking means that the product is up to the safety standards set by the United States.
It’s a good indication that the product you want to use is going to be safe when installed properly.
Have any more questions about RV onboard propane tank regulators? Leave a comment below.
