May 6, 2026

RV Propane Safety Before Storage: What to Do With Your LP Tanks

Propane is one of the most overlooked storage prep items — and one that facilities care about most. Whether your RV has a permanently mounted ASME tank or removable DOT cylinders, there are clear steps you should follow before putting your rig in storage. Getting this wrong creates a genuine fire and explosion hazard, and violating your facility's propane rules can result in immediate eviction.

Here's what to do with your LP system before storage, what facilities typically require, and how to prep your propane appliances.

Understand Your RV's Propane System

RVs use one of two types of propane containers:

• DOT cylinders (removable): Standard vertical propane tanks — the same style as backyard grill tanks — mounted in a propane compartment at the front of trailers and fifth wheels. They can be removed for separate storage.
• ASME tanks (permanent): Horizontal tanks permanently mounted to the chassis of motorhomes. They cannot be removed and must remain with the vehicle.

Your propane system also includes a pressure regulator, supply lines, and individual appliance shutoffs. All of these must be addressed before storage.

What Facilities Typically Require

Requirements vary by facility type and local fire codes:

• Outdoor storage: Most outdoor facilities require only that the propane valve at the tank is turned off. Tanks can remain on the RV at any fill level.
• Covered storage: Same as outdoor — valve off, tanks can remain.
• Indoor storage: Fire codes in most states prohibit propane inside enclosed buildings above a threshold amount (commonly 200 cubic feet of gas or one standard 20 lb cylinder). Indoor facilities may require you to remove all DOT cylinders before bringing the RV inside. ASME tanks on motorhomes are typically exempt from removal requirements but must be in the fully closed position.

Always confirm the facility's policy before your first storage visit. Many indoor facilities have propane inspection requirements as part of the check-in process.

Step-by-Step: Prepping Your Propane System for Storage

Step 1: Turn Off All Propane Appliances

Before anything else, turn off every propane appliance individually — water heater, furnace, stovetop burners, refrigerator (if LP-powered), and generator (if LP-fueled). Verify each appliance is in the OFF position, not just at the thermostat level but at the appliance itself.

Step 2: Close the Tank Valve(s)

Close the main shutoff valve on each tank by turning it clockwise (righty-tighty). For DOT cylinders with a hand wheel, turn until it stops — don't overtighten. For tanks with a multi-turn valve, you'll feel increasing resistance as it closes fully.

If you have an automatic changeover regulator (switches between two tanks automatically), close both tanks even if one appears empty.

Step 3: Purge the Lines (Optional but Recommended)

After closing the tank valve, run one burner on the stovetop briefly to purge any propane remaining in the supply lines. This eliminates the small amount of LP gas that sits in the regulator and line between the tank and appliances. When the flame dies from starvation, the lines are empty.

Step 4: Check for Leaks Before Closing Up

A propane leak developing during storage is a serious hazard — especially in an enclosed or covered facility. Before your final storage, check for leaks:

• Open the tank valve briefly with all appliances off and listen for hissing
• Apply soapy water to the tank connection, regulator, and any visible fittings — bubbles indicate a leak
• Use an LP gas detector or sniffer if you have one
• If you find a leak, do not store the RV until it's repaired by a qualified technician

Step 5: Protect the Tank Connections

• Leave the propane compartment door closed and latched — UV and moisture degrade regulator diaphragms over time
• Check that the compartment has its required vent openings clear (these allow any minor leaks to dissipate safely)
• Do not wrap the propane compartment in plastic or tape over the vents

Preparing Propane Appliances for Storage

Refrigerator

• Switch the refrigerator to OFF (not auto-select mode) — in auto mode it will attempt to ignite the LP burner when power is lost
• Clean the interior, prop the doors open, and place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors
• Inspect the exterior burner assembly and flue for spider nests — spiders love the confined space and will block the burner during storage

Furnace

• Turn the thermostat to the lowest setting and confirm the furnace is off
• Cover the exterior furnace exhaust vent with mesh to prevent insects from nesting inside the combustion chamber during storage

Water Heater

• Turn the water heater to OFF at the LP/Electric selector switch
• After draining the fresh water system, open the water heater drain plug to drain the tank completely — water left in the tank promotes corrosion and freeze damage in winter climates
• Leave the pressure relief valve in the open position to allow any remaining pressure to equalize

How Full Should Your Tanks Be During Storage?

There is no safety issue with storing full propane tanks in outdoor or covered storage. Propane tanks are designed to hold product safely for years. Some owners prefer to store with near-empty tanks to reduce the LP quantity on-site; others prefer full tanks to minimize air and moisture in the tank headspace. Either approach is acceptable for outdoor storage.

For indoor storage that requires tank removal, you'll want to either use the remaining propane before storage or have the tanks exchanged. Partially full tanks can be stored outdoors, in a shed (with ventilation), or in a propane-approved storage location while your RV is inside.