Hooking Up Your Grill To Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to connect your grill to your camper's propane tank, you'll need to consider the propane pressure and regulators involved. Propane regulation plays a crucial role in ensuring your grill functions correctly. The key is to use a Low-Pressure Grill or one that comes with its own quick-connect hose. You can either connect directly to a Quick-Disconnect port on your camper or install a T-fitting downstream of your RV's regulator. This way, the gas flowing to your grill is already regulated, and you avoid the issue of double regulation, which can cause the grill to not light or function properly.

Propane tank connection

If your grill has its own regulator, it likely requires high-pressure (unregulated) propane. In this case, you have two options: you can either bypass the RV's regulator with a T-fitting to supply high-pressure propane to the grill, or remove the regulator on the grill so that it can use low-pressure propane from the RV. If you choose to remove the grill's regulator, you can add a Quick-Disconnect fitting. This is the best option if you plan on only using the grill for camping and don't want to reinstall the regulator each time.

If your grill does not have a regulator, it requires low-pressure (regulated) propane. To use this type of grill, you can either connect directly to your camper's Quick-Disconnect (if it has one) or install a T-fitting between the RV regulator and supply hose. Connecting to the Quick-Disconnect is the easier option and will require a hose to run between the grill and the connection. If your camper does not have a Quick-Disconnect, you can install one off the main propane line using black iron pipe from your local hardware store. This type of connection is less likely to be damaged and offers more flexibility in terms of hose reach.

When installing adapter fittings or connectors, only use those designed for propane use and ensure they are rated for high- or low-pressure propane, as required. After making your connections, spray your hoses and fittings with a soapy water solution to check for gas leaks.

Quick-Disconnect fitting

To ensure a safe installation, use yellow thread tape designed for gas connections, not the white tape used for plumbing. Make sure any adapter fittings or connectors are rated for propane use and designed for either high or low-pressure propane, as required. After you've finished making the connections, spray your hoses and fittings with a soapy water solution to check for gas leaks.

If your grill has its own regulator, you will need to remove it before installing the Quick-Disconnect fitting. This is because propane that has been regulated twice (once in the RV and once in the grill) will have a pressure that is too low for your grill to function properly.

T-fitting installation

If your grill has its own regulator, it most likely requires high-pressure (unregulated) propane. To use this type of grill with your camper, you have two options:

• Bypass the camper's regulator with a T-fitting: Install a T-fitting between the camper's propane tank and regulator. This way, the grill connection runs off the T-fitting, bypassing the camper's regulator altogether and leaving the grill's regulator to do the work.
• Remove the grill's regulator: Modify the grill by removing its regulator so that the propane is only regulated by the camper. Keep in mind that you can't remove a gas grill's regulator if it's combined with the temperature control. If your camper has a Quick-Disconnect port, you can hook up the grill here. If it doesn't, install a T-fitting downstream of the camper's regulator (between the regulator and supply hose).

If your grill doesn't have a regulator, this means it requires low-pressure (regulated) propane. To use this type of grill, you have two options:

• Hook directly to the camper's Quick-Disconnect: If your camper has a Quick-Disconnect port, you can run a hose between your grill and this connection. If it doesn't, you can install your own Quick-Disconnect fitting by purchasing some black iron pipe from your local hardware store and T into the main (low-pressure) propane line on the underside of your camper.
• Install a T-fitting: If you don't have a Quick-Disconnect connection, install a T-fitting downstream of the camper's regulator (between the regulator and supply hose) and run the grill off this connection.

After making your connections, spray your hoses and fittings with a soapy water solution to check for bubbles indicating gas leaks. Use yellow thread tape designed for gas connections, and when installing adapter fittings or connectors, only use those that are designed for propane use. Ensure the fitting is rated for use with either high or low-pressure propane, as required.

Propane pressure regulation

Propane regulators are an essential part of any propane gas system, including those in campers. They control the flow of gas and lower the pressure from the LP Gas tank to the appliance(s) in the gas system. The regulator acts as a safety barrier between the high pressure of the tank and the end-use appliance(s).

Propane tank pressure can range from under 10 psig to over 200 psig. Residential applications generally require 11 inches of water column (about 6.3 ounces per square inch) and the regulator compensates for these pressure differences in the tank to supply a steady flow of required pressure to household appliances. The purpose of a propane regulator is to "bottleneck" the propane down to a safe and usable pressure.

Under normal operation, a propane regulator will make a "humming" noise. This is normal and is not indicative of a problem or malfunction.

Different propane applications require different types of regulators. The type of regulator is determined by the demand downstream of the regulator and what type of regulator is to be installed and where it is placed within the system. Some propane systems incorporate multiple regulators for efficiency, while others, such as a grill, only need a low BTU grill regulator.

It is important to note that installing the wrong kind of LP Gas pressure regulator will generally render a propane gas system inoperable. It is also illegal and dangerous to attempt to buy and install your own regulator. Always consult a professional for advice and installation.

When connecting a grill to your camper's propane setup, you need to consider the propane regulation. If your grill has its own regulator, it likely requires high-pressure (unregulated) propane as it regulates the gas itself. To use this type of grill with your camper, you have two options:

• Bypass the camper's regulator with a T-fitting and power the grill with high-pressure propane.
• Remove the regulator on the grill so that it can use low-pressure propane from the camper.

However, if your grill does not have a regulator, this means it requires low-pressure (regulated) propane. To use this type of grill with your camper:

• Hook directly to your camper's Quick-Disconnect (which is regulated by the camper) or install one off your main propane line.
• Install a T-fitting between the camper's regulator and supply hose.

Quick-Disconnects are much easier to use than other connection types and are less likely to be damaged. They can also be installed almost anywhere off the main line, so you're not limited by the reach of your hose.

If you are unsure about the propane pressure regulation in your camper or grill, it is always best to consult a professional for advice and assistance.

Hose connection

When connecting a grill to your camper's propane tank, you need to consider the regulators in your propane setup. If you run gas through two regulators, the propane pressure will be too low for your grill to work properly.

If your grill has its own regulator, it likely requires high-pressure (unregulated) propane. In this case, you have two options:

• Bypass your camper's regulator with a T-fitting so that high-pressure propane is supplied directly to the grill, or
• Remove the regulator on the grill so that it can use low-pressure propane from your camper.

If your grill does not have a regulator, it requires low-pressure (regulated) propane. In this case, you have two options:

• Connect directly to your camper's Quick-Disconnect port, or install one off your main propane line.
• Install a T-fitting between your camper's regulator and supply hose.

Quick-Disconnects are easier to use than hoses and are less likely to be damaged. They can also be installed almost anywhere off the main line, so you're not limited by the reach of your hose.

You can purchase a hose with a Quick-Disconnect fitting from Amazon or Camping World.

Frequently asked questions