The Importance of Getting an RV Inspection: A Real-World Example of a Propane Leak on a Brand-New RV
Owning an RV is often described as a dream for those who love travel, adventure, and the freedom of the open road. However, with that freedom comes the responsibility of ensuring that your RV is safe and fully functional. Many people believe that a new RV is problem-free, but the reality can be quite different. Today, I’m sharing a real-world example that highlights the importance of getting a professional RV inspection, even on brand-new units. Specifically, we’re going to focus on a serious issue that was discovered—a propane leak—and the critical safety implications it presented.
Here’s a detailed look at why an RV inspection is essential and how a propane leak was found in a new RV using professional tools and techniques.
Propane Leaks: A Life-Threatening Risk
Propane is an integral part of most RVs. It’s used to power stoves, heaters, refrigerators, and other appliances. While it’s highly efficient and reliable, propane can also pose significant dangers if it leaks. A propane leak can lead to two life-threatening situations:
Suffocation: Propane is a heavy gas that can displace oxygen in enclosed spaces, potentially causing suffocation. This is especially dangerous if you are asleep or unaware of the leak.
Fire Risk: Propane is highly flammable. Even a small spark could ignite it, leading to a catastrophic fire.
In this example, we’ll walk you through a propane leak discovery on a brand-new RV that had sat on a dealership lot for nearly a year.
Case Study: Propane Leak on a Brand-New RV
In this particular case, a customer purchased a brand-new RV that had been manufactured in August 2021 but wasn’t purchased until June 2022. Before taking it back to the dealership for minor issues, the owner decided to have a certified RV inspector check the unit thoroughly. This is where Jason from My RV Inspection came in, and his findings were eye-opening.
Step 1: Initial Inspection and Setup
Upon arriving, Jason immediately began with a thorough inspection. One of the critical safety checks he performed was a propane leak test. While many dealerships claim to inspect and certify their RVs before selling them, Jason has found that these inspections aren’t always as thorough as they should be.
The first thing Jason did was locate the manufacturer’s date on the RV. He discovered that although the RV was purchased just a month before the inspection, it had actually been sitting for nearly a year on the dealership lot. This can be problematic, as RVs that sit idle for long periods are more likely to develop issues, such as loose fittings, cracked hoses, or other mechanical faults.
Step 2: Propane Leak Testing with a Manometer
To properly test for propane leaks, Jason used a manometer. A manometer is a device that measures the pressure of gases, in this case, propane. Jason explained that for a proper propane leak test, the pressure should be set to 8 inches of water column. The RV’s stove regulator drops this to 9 inches, so keeping it below this threshold ensures that the regulator doesn’t interfere with the test results.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards, the pressure should hold steady for at least three minutes. Jason, however, performs his tests for five minutes to ensure the most accurate and reliable results.
Step 3: Multiple Tests to Ensure Accuracy
During the inspection, Jason ran the propane leak test five times. Three tests were conducted at the outdoor grill port, and two additional tests were done at the cooktop inside the RV. Each test indicated a pressure drop from the required 8 inches of water column to around 7 inches. While this might not seem like a massive drop, it’s enough to confirm a propane leak.
Jason’s approach emphasizes redundancy in testing. He used two different manometers at two different points on the RV to ensure that the leak wasn’t due to faulty equipment or an error in the testing process. This thorough approach is what sets professional RV inspectors apart from casual observers or less-dedicated dealership technicians.
Step 4: Identifying the Source of the Leak
While the manometer tests confirmed the presence of a propane leak, identifying the exact location of the leak required additional steps. Propane leaks can occur in several places, including:
- The stove or cooktop
- The furnace
- The RV refrigerator (if propane-powered)
- Under the RV in the propane lines
- Loose fittings or nails that have punctured propane lines
Jason mentioned that they’ve seen all kinds of problems in RVs, including nails or screws driven through propane lines, causing leaks. In this case, while the exact location of the leak wasn’t immediately determined, it was clear that a professional repair was needed before the RV could be considered safe for use.
Why This Matters: Life-Safety and Financial Investment
This propane leak was a life-safety issue. Even a small leak can have devastating consequences, especially in an enclosed space like an RV. Jason emphasized that any propane leak is dangerous, no matter how minor it may seem. It can cause suffocation, fire, or even death. And in an RV as small as 17 feet, the risks are even more concentrated.
Key Takeaways from This Inspection
Brand-New RVs Aren’t Always Safe: Just because an RV is new doesn’t mean it’s free from defects. In fact, Jason has found propane leaks in multiple brand-new RVs. A dealership inspection may not catch everything, so hiring a certified RV inspector is crucial.
Thorough Testing Is Critical: Jason’s use of multiple manometers and extended testing periods is key to ensuring accuracy. He recommends running the test for longer than the standard three minutes to be absolutely certain of the results.
Propane Safety: It’s important to have regular propane leak tests, even after you’ve purchased your RV. Propane lines can become loose over time or damaged due to normal wear and tear. A propane-certified technician should perform these inspections periodically to ensure your safety.
The Role of Certified RV Inspectors
One of the highlights of this case is Jason’s expertise as a master-certified RV inspector. He and his wife, Lisa, are two of only four master-certified RV inspectors in the United States. They have undergone extensive training and adhere to the highest standards set by the National RV Inspectors Association (NRVIA). This level of professionalism is crucial when it comes to identifying and addressing safety issues in RVs.
Jason also encourages RV owners to visit My RV Resource, an online directory for RV service providers. Whether you need a propane-certified technician or another type of RV service provider, My RV Resource can help you find trustworthy professionals who are equipped to handle your RV needs.
Final Thoughts: Always Get an RV Inspection
The example of the propane leak on a brand-new RV serves as a powerful reminder that an RV inspection is essential, no matter the age or condition of the vehicle. Life safety issues like propane leaks aren’t always immediately visible, but they can be catastrophic if left undetected.
Jason’s weekly reminder to get an RV inspection underscores the importance of protecting both your financial investment and, more importantly, the safety of your family. Don’t skip this critical step—your safety depends on it.
