Do not create a spark
Do not turn lights, fans, appliances or battery disconnects on or off. Do not plug in or unplug cords. Do not smoke, use a flame or start a vehicle near the RV. Electrical switches and motors can create an ignition source.
Get every person and pet outside
Leave promptly. Propane vapor can collect in low spaces. Do not spend time searching cabinets or using a phone inside the RV. Once outside, account for everyone and keep bystanders away.
Shut the supply only if it is safe from outside
If the tank or cylinder valve is accessible outdoors without entering the RV or moving through a strong vapor cloud, close it. Do not put yourself at risk to reach the valve. For strong or continuing odor, use emergency help.
Do not put the system back into service
Ventilation may remove the smell without correcting the leak. The propane system should remain off until a qualified RV propane technician performs appropriate leak-pressure testing and inspects cylinders or tank, pigtails, regulator, lines, fittings and appliances.
What may cause propane odor
Possible sources include a burner knob left open, loose fitting, damaged hose, failing regulator, relief-valve discharge, appliance gas valve or cylinder problem. Odorant can also linger after a cylinder change. None of these should be diagnosed with a match, lighter or unapproved shortcut.
Propane and carbon-monoxide detectors
Test detectors using their built-in test controls, replace them by the manufacturer’s expiration date and maintain proper 12V supply. A detector alarm should never be silenced by permanently removing its power. Carbon monoxide is odorless, so a lack of propane smell does not make fuel-burning equipment safe.
Only continue once the immediate area is safe
The propane troubleshooter can explain no-flow and abnormal-flame symptoms, but it will direct odor and alarm situations to emergency action.
Open propane safety path →Sources and review notes
Emergency framing follows established fire-safety practice. See NFPA propane safety information and the instructions supplied with the RV’s propane system and detectors.