We have an article about whether you should drive or tow your RV with your propane refrigerator running. But we also know that you are still going to do it - more about that later. What if there were a device that would cut off the propane in the event of a leak and it were easy to install and inexpensive? 

Recently at the FMCA Convention we ran into the folks from the Airstream Life Store and bought a GasStop. This is a device that both gives you some idea of how much propane is in the tank but, more importantly, will stop flow of propane in the event of a leak? 

How does it know?

Essentially the GasStop has a small metal ball bearing inside. When you prime the system pushes a piston into the ball allowing normal propane flow. Typical propane flow is about 70 cubic feet per hour or about 75-100,000 BTU during normal demand. 

But if there is a leak in the system the propane flow increases significantly pressing the little ball against a Viton gasket inside which shuts the gas off. The good thing is, it’s instant, it’s simple and it works. No fancy electronics nor any electricity required. 

Simpler is always better. 

Easy to install

Essentially to install the GasStop on our travel trailer we simply unscrewed the Acme (seriously, that’s what it’s called!) connector and screwed in the GasStop. Then we screwed the Acme connector to the GasStop and we were done. 

There are also versions of the GasStop for permanently mounted tanks with different connectors, but the installation is just as easy. 

One of the things I found is that the GasStop did protrude a bit so GasStop sells high-quality propane lines that replace the ones you typically find on travel trailer regulators but these have an “L” connector. 

I put a GasStop on each of our propane tanks and then replaced the poor-quality gas lines that came with our automatic-changeover regulator with the higher quality ones from GasStop. Even with my limited ability to use tools without some foul language involved it was a really, really easy process. 

What do I do?

When you first turn on your propane the GasStop needs to be primed which is also easy. Essentially you turn the valve on the tank and then press a few times on the indicator on the GasStop. This suspends the little ball inside but also gives you a reading of gas pressure essentially giving you some idea of how much propane is in the tank. 

So not only do you get more safety out of your RV with GasStop but you also have an indicator of about how much propane is in the tank. Win. 

What causes a gas leak

There are a number of things that can cause a propane leak in any RV’s propane system. 

With more regulation about the materials we use every day there has been an adoption of soy-based gas lines instead of the old rubber lines. These lines may be more environmentally friendly but rodents like them too. 

It’s possible if there are rodents near your RV they can chew through the pliable gas lines. When you go to energize your propane system you may have a leak you didn’t have before which could be a big inconvenience or a life-threatening situation. 

Furthermore on travel trailers, in particular, the metal gas lines are often run outside the frame rails and I have seen them run right by the wheels more often than not. If you have a tire failure that can literally rupture the gas line and there may be a spark there causing a very unfortunate situation. 

Another function: leak detection

An additional function of the GasStop is as a leak detector. To use this function you simply prime your propane system with the GasStop as normal. Then you turn off the propane valve on the tank. If the GasStop need continues to show that there’s propane then your system is tight. 

If the needle starts to fall or goes flat then you have a leak and you might use soapy water in a spray bottle to find and remedy the leak. 

In summary

I’m always an advocate of doing the safest thing, especially with electricity or fuel. The GasStop is a simple, effective and well-made device that can potentially save your life but also offers the convenience of giving you an idea of how much propane is in a tank and adding the ability to help detect leaks as well. 

Any device that offers this many safety and convenience benefits is a must have, in my book.