Will Uncovered Propane System Cause Regulator to Fail in Cold Weather

Published 01/04/2025

Question:

Hi, How important is it, in general, to keep an RVs propane tanks and regulator covered? A few months ago I figured out my heat wasnt working properly because the tanks couldnt keep up with the demanded output rate at low temperatures, so I bought some propane tank electric heating blankets for them. The blankets make my hard shell tank cover not fit, so I stopped using the cover, and since then Ive had 2 regulators failed in just over a month. I am going to try covering them with a tarp, but I wanted to find out if this is plausible to actually be the problem.

asked by: Anthony C

Expert Reply:

Hey Anthony!

A lot of it depends on where you live, really. There are plenty of trailer setups that normally run without propane covers and are just fine, but if you're in an area where it's exceptionally cold and wet then that would be a contributing factor to your regulator issue you're having.

I'm wondering if your problem has to do with the exhaust port. As you use your propane there will be condensation that drips out of the exhaust port, and if that part of the regulator is freezing then I could see condensation build-up happening and causing the regulator to fail. If you check out the linked photo of the JR Products Automatic Changeover 2-Stage Propane Regulator # 37207-30395 you'll see what the exhaust port will generally look like.

expert reply by: Jon G