Propane Safety & RVs

There are three main categories of recreational vehicles – travel trailers, motorhomes and park models.

Travel trailers are designed to be towed behind a vehicle and can be unhitched at one’s destination. These include travel, fifth wheel and pop-up/folding camping trailers.

Motorhomes are drivable RVs, with the vehicle and the living quarters combined in the same structure. These include Class A, B and C motorhomes and campervans.

Park models are movable, traditionally structured cabins, designed for seasonal use and only occasional relocation in which a heavy-duty tow vehicle is used.

To learn more about the different RV types in these categories try Go RVing Canada’s online tool Explore RV Types.

Winterizing processes will vary by model, so check your RV’s manual for specific instructions. You can contact an RV service technician to winterize your vehicle, or you can do it yourself. On a basic level, winterizing follows the following steps:

First, ensure the water heater is off, then drain and flush all pipes. Open all faucets while draining and fill the system with antifreeze.

Next, disconnect your batteries. If your RV has a single battery, remove it and store it in a warm, dry place. If it is a larger system, consult your RV’s manual.

Clean your RV’s exterior thoroughly, then apply a coat of good quality protectant or wax to the exterior and dry the awning. Remember to lubricate any locks and hinges. You can also leave moisture-absorbing materials inside the unit to prevent humidity damage. Finally, cover the wheels to protect them from any weather damage over the winter.

For more detailed instructions check out Go RVing Canada’s article How to Winterize Your RV. For advice on RVing in the off-season should you choose not to winterize read our Tips’ section article RV Winter Camping Trip Prep.

An RV should be checked over by a licensed RV service technician that is propane certified. A completed Technical Safety BC Propane System Re-Certification Checklist should be available with the vehicle and include a record of the safety inspection. Most RV service and repair shops have RV service technicians on staff; BC RV sales and service listings can be found on the camping map page of our website.

There are many advantages to using propane for your RV or motorhome. Propane is more environmentally-friendly than other fuels, cost-effective, portable, and a safe way to power appliances in your RV.

Always keep propane tanks safely secured and in the upright position for travel.

Yes­, all RVs should have both a propane gas alarm and a carbon monoxide detector installed. They should be checked prior to leaving before each trip.

You should always have a window open for proper ventilation while using a propane stove in an RV. Never use a portable propane stove or heater indoors or in a tent.

If it complies with Technical Safety BC (or BC Safety Authority) standards, the RV will have a decal confirming that the vehicle’s propane system has been safety checked. It is put on only after a comprehensive propane system safety inspection has been done and/or necessary repairs were made by a certified RV installation and service technician.

Propane is naturally odorless, but manufacturers deliberately add an artificial odorant, similar to the smell of rotten eggs, to help people quickly detect leaks. Propane is heavier than air, so remember to check low-lying areas.

When properly used propane can be one of the safest fuels to use.