RV Propane and Stove: Cooking Safely in an RV
How an RV’s propane reaches the stove, how to light it, and the safety habits that go with it, with Freedom Rentals’ own stove video.
Propane in an RV
RV stoves and ovens usually run on propane, also called LP gas. The gas comes from a tank or cylinder outside the RV, and in many RVs it also runs the water heater, the furnace and the fridge.
Lighting the stove is simple once the gas is on. The habits around it matter more than the knobs.
What you need
- Propane in the RV’s tank or cylinder
- A long lighter, if the stove has no igniter
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Play the video: RV Stove directions
RV Stove directions
Lighting and using the stove in the RV.
Video by Freedom Rentals. It plays from YouTube (privacy-enhanced mode) only when you press play.
Lighting the stove, step by step
Gas on outside, gas on inside, fresh air, then the burner.
Open the propane supply
Slowly open the valve on the propane tank or cylinder outside the RV.
Switch on LP gas inside
Some RVs have an LP gas switch on the control panel. Freedom Rentals’ control panel video shows where it is.
Let fresh air in
Open a window or turn on the vent fan before you cook. Cooking with gas uses oxygen and adds moisture.
Light the burner
Push in and turn the burner knob, using the igniter or a long lighter. The stove video shows the order for this stove.
Turn it off at the knob
When you are done, turn every knob fully off.
On the road and at the pump
Turn the propane off at the tank before you refuel at a gas station.
Leave the propane and carbon monoxide alarms switched on.
Watch out for
- Never use the stove or the oven to heat the RV.
- If you smell gas (it smells like rotten eggs), turn off the burners, close the propane valve at the tank if you can do it safely, open the door, get everyone out and call for help from a safe distance.
What is LP gas?
LP gas is liquefied petroleum gas, usually propane. In an RV it fuels the stove and often the water heater, the furnace and the fridge.
Why won’t the burner light?
Check that the valve at the propane tank is open and, if the RV has one, that the LP gas switch on the control panel is on. On the first use, air in the line can take a few tries to clear.
What does a propane leak smell like?
Like rotten eggs. A smell is added to the gas so a leak is noticed. If you smell it, turn everything off, get out and call for help from a safe distance.
Can I use the oven to heat the RV?
No. A stove or oven is not a heater, and using one for heat can build up carbon monoxide.
The other setup guides
Each one comes with Freedom Rentals’ own video.
- Water HookupConnecting to the campsite spigot, the pressure regulator and the pump switch.1 video and a step-by-step guide
- Sewer and Black TankThe sewer hose, the black tank first, then the grey, and the habits that keep it clean.1 video and a step-by-step guide
- Electrical and BatteriesShore power, the control panel switches and the auxiliary start button.2 videos and a step-by-step guide
Plan your RV trip
Call with your dates and what you are planning, Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
- You call (210) 899-7016 with your dates.
- You talk it through and get a quote for your dates.
- You book and stay out past sunset.
- Open
- Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM
- Closed
- Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
Call for a quote
(210) 899-7016Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Closed Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Or email [email protected]
Have these ready: your dates, what you want to rent, where it is going and how many people.