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To supply propane to your RV appliances, begin with the appliances off, open the cylinder valves slowly according to your system’s instructions, and start each appliance using its controls. If your RV has an automatic changeover regulator, understand its selector and indicator before relying on the reserve cylinder.
This First Time Camper Series guide covers basic campsite startup. Your RV’s Owner’s Manual and appliance instructions provide the procedures for your particular equipment.
Make sure the cylinders are secured upright and the connections are properly installed. Look for visible damage to accessible hoses and fittings, and keep the regulator vent unobstructed.
Confirm that propane appliances and burner controls are off before opening the supply valves. Test your propane and carbon monoxide alarms according to their instructions.
If a cylinder has been disconnected or refilled, follow the specified reconnection and leak-check procedure. Never use a flame to check for leaks.
Do not proceed if you smell propane, hear escaping gas, or suspect a damaged connection.
Before starting a tank-style water heater, confirm that its drain plug or anode rod is properly installed and its bypass valves are in the normal operating configuration.
With the water supply on, open a hot-water faucet to purge air as the tank fills. Follow the heater’s instructions to confirm it is full before enabling either propane or electric heat.
Never operate a tank-style water heater with an empty tank.
Do not open the pressure-temperature relief valve simply as a routine fill check. It can discharge hot, pressurized water.
If your RV has a tankless water heater, follow its specific startup procedure instead.
Open the cylinder service valve slowly, following the valve and regulator instructions. Opening it too quickly can activate an excess-flow device and restrict gas flow.
For a dual-cylinder system with an automatic changeover regulator, both cylinder valves generally need to be open for automatic reserve operation. Follow your system’s specified opening sequence, particularly if the cylinders are mounted on opposite sides of the RV.
If gas flow appears restricted, use the documented reset procedure. Do not loosen connections to release gas or attempt to bypass a safety device.
On common automatic changeover regulators, the selector points toward the designated service cylinder. The other cylinder serves as the reserve.
When the service cylinder is depleted, the regulator automatically draws from the reserve, provided that cylinder contains propane and its valve is open. A red indicator signals that the service cylinder needs attention; it does not necessarily mean both cylinders are empty.
Before disconnecting a depleted cylinder:
Monitor the indicator regularly so you can refill the depleted cylinder before the reserve runs out.
Once the supply is established, operate each appliance according to its manufacturer’s instructions.
After completing the filling and startup checks, select propane operation using the appropriate control. Watch for fault indications and follow the manual if ignition fails.
Select furnace or gas-heat mode at the thermostat and set the desired temperature. Keep furnace intake and exhaust openings clear.
Select the appropriate operating mode. On refrigerators with automatic energy selection, Auto may prioritize available electric power rather than propane. Check the display to confirm the selected energy source.
Some appliances also require 12V power for controls and ignition. An open propane valve alone does not establish that an appliance is ready to operate.
Stop startup immediately. Avoid flames, smoking, electrical switches, and operating appliances. Get everyone out of the RV and away from the suspected leak.
Shut off the propane supply only if it is safe to do so. Call emergency services or your propane supplier from a safe location, and do not resume use until the system has been checked.
Review the Propane Gas System section of your Owner’s Manual before your next campsite setup.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is deemed to be true and accurate at the time of publication. However, due to the evolving nature of our products and services, there may be changes or updates that occur after this article was published. We encourage users to verify the contents and consult with their dealer or Keystone RV for the most current information. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or reach out to Keystone RV directly.