Campers, 5th-wheels and RVs all need a high quality propane management system.
Traveling in comfort and style is difficult without ready access to your stove/oven, water-heater and other propane powered systems.
The essential component every propane system needs is a high quality regulator to keep everything running at peak efficiency.
How do you find the one that's best for your RV?
I’ve got some product reviews, recommendations and a buyer’s guide to get you settled with a high quality regulator that best suits your needs, your type of RV and your budget. Check out what I’ve got for you.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Flame King (KT12ACR6) Silver 2-Stage Auto Changeover LP Propane Gas Regulator
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2. Marshall Excelsior MEGR-253 Reg 2-Stage Auto Vert Bulk
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3. Camco Propane Double-Stage Auto-Changeover Regulator
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4. UFPD 2-Stage Propane Tank Regulator with 2 Pigtail Hoses
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5. Fairview RV Camper LP Propane 2 Stage Automatic Regulator
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OUR TOP 5 PICKS
#1 Flame King (KT12ACR6) Silver 2-Stage Auto Changeover LP Propane Gas Regulator
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Specifications
Dimensions | 6.3 x 6.2 x 4.8” |
Weight | 2.38 lbs |
Connector Type (Inlet) | 1/4” SAE Inverted Flare |
Connector Type (Outlet) | 3/8” NPT female pipe thread |
BTU Level | 190,000 BTUs/Hour |
Features
This is your best bet for a high quality propane regulator that will stand the test of time. The corrosion resistant outer case, high quality brass fittings and included accessories all meet the highest standards of excellence.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
The auto switching feature is probably the most useful aspect of the Flame King regulator. Not only does it seamlessly switch tanks on dual tank propane systems, but it pops up an indicator to let you know you have a tank needing exchange. Better still, it’s easy to install, quiet and comes with its own plastic rain cover to protect the mechanism from the elements.
#2 Marshall Excelsior MEGR-253 Reg 2-Stage Auto Vert Bulk
Specifications
Dimensions | 7 x 3.5 x 3” |
Weight | 1.61 lbs |
Connector Type (Inlet) | 1/4” SAE Female Inverted Flare |
Connector Type (Outlet) | 3/8” FNPT |
Max Inlet Pressure | 250psi |
Primary Flow Capacity | 225,000 BTUs/Hour |
Reserve Flow Capacity | 150,000 BTUs/Hour |
Exterior Finish | Raw Zinc/Powder Coat |
Features
Instead of a side-by-side configuration, the MEGR-253 favors a vertical flow configuration intended to save space. It also has a corrosion resistant exterior finish with a black powder coat on the other hardware.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
The 2-stage auto switch functions flawlessly and also has a red color indicator to let you know when it’s time to swap out the primary tank for a refill. Installation is also an easy process, and the vertical orientation makes it easy to mount securely between your propane tanks.
#3 Camco Propane Double-Stage Auto-Changeover Regulator
Specifications
Dimensions | 7 x 3.5 x 3” |
Weight | 1.45 lbs |
Connector Type (Inlet) | 1/4” SAE Female Inverted Flare |
Connector Type (Outlet) | 3/8” FNPT |
Primary Flow Capacity | 210,000 BTUs/Hour |
Reserve Flow Capacity | 130,000 BTUs/Hour |
Exterior Finish | Raw Zinc/Powder Coat |
Features
Camco makes good budget RV upgrades and accessories, and the 59005 Double-Stage Auto-Changeover Propane regulator is no exception. It’s well-made, cost effective, and easy to install.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
This is a good choice for larger RVs and propane systems thanks to its higher propane flow capacity. The switching system functions flawlessly once you’ve installed it, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted service from all your propane appliances.
#4 UFPD 2-Stage Propane Tank Regulator with 2 Pigtail Hoses
Specifications
Connector Type (Inlet) | 1/4” SAE Female Inverted Flare |
Connector Type (Outlet) | 3/8” FNPT |
Features
If you’re looking for a low-cost and simple regulator, the UFPD regulator is the one for you. It’s got all the accessories you need in the box, and it’s significantly more compact thanks to its plastic enclosure.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
It does what it’s supposed to do, and it’s not super expensive. Those are the positive things I can say about this regulator. The simple design lends itself to the design philosophy of “the less there is, the less can go wrong.”
#5 Fairview RV Camper LP Propane 2 Stage Automatic Regulator
Specifications
Dimensions | 6.5 x 4.7 x 4.4” |
Weight | 2 lbs |
Connector Type (Inlet) | 1/4” SAE Female Inverted Flare |
Connector Type (Outlet) | 3/8” FNPT |
Primary Flow Capacity | 262,000 BTUs/Hour |
Exterior Finish | Raw Zinc/Powder Coat |
Features
The Fairview RV Camper LP 2-Stage Propane Automatic Regulator is a premium product that comes at a premium price. It is designed and intended for professional installation by users who understand its functions and use. Provided you’re willing to accept those qualifications up front, this is a great 2-stage propane regulator that will last you for years to come.
- WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- PROS/CONS OVERVIEW
Premium construction materials, high quality finish and rock solid fixtures are what I like best about this model. The indicator is easy to read from a distance, and the 2-stage switch can be reset once you have exchanged the empty tank.
BUYER'S GUIDE
How do I know if my propane regulator is bad on my camper?
There are a few symptoms that indicate your regulator isn’t working properly. First, you may notice that the flame on burners has turned from blue to a lazy yellow. Burners also tend to be louder when the regulator isn't working properly. In extreme cases, you may also notice heavy soot or rust deposits on or around the burners themselves.
When should I replace my propane regulator?
Most regulators last between 15 and 20 years depending on how you mount and maintain them. Keeping your regulator covered from the elements is critical to ensuring a longer lifespan. You can also have an RV or propane service technician test your regulator once a year to check if it's still maintaining the correct pressure. If the pressure isn’t being maintained consistently, the regulator needs replacing.
Do I need a high or low-pressure propane regulator?
That depends on the RV accessories that run on propane for your camper, 5th wheel or RV. The bigger the system, the higher the BTUs/hour flow rate needs to be on your regulator. For example, most 100lb dual tank propane systems need a regulator with a minimum flow rate of 200,000 BTUs/hour.
What happens when the propane regulator fails?
Your primary tank will run out of propane and the regulator will fail to switch over to the reserve tank. All propane accessories in your RV or camper will shut down, and you will need to cut off the service valve, install a fresh primary tank, and turn the system back on.
Worst case scenario, your regulator may be leaking. Newer RVs come with a built-in sensor that detects propane leaks and irregularities in gas pressure. It’s usually linked to the propane service valve and cuts off immediately when it detects a leak. It also sounds an alarm so you know that there is a leak present.
Do RV propane regulators go bad?
Your RV propane regulator should last, but it won’t last forever. You should replace them every 10-15 years. The regulator itself does not go bad but can freeze up if it is left outside during the winter.
CONCLUSION
After researching all of these regulators thoroughly, I find that Flame King KT12ACR6 is the best overall 2-stage automatic propane regulator. This model is built of high quality materials, has a weather resistant cover, and pushes out sufficient BTUs/hour to support most small to medium size RVs, campers and 5th-wheels. If you need a replacement 2-stage regulator, get a Flame King KT12ACR6. I am confident it will keep your propane system running smoothly for many years to come.