An RV propane tank cover isn’t just for aesthetics. Although it may make your old propane cylinders look better, it’s wise to protect your propane tanks for a number of reasons. In this post, we talk about propane tank covers for RV use.
What Is an RV Propane Tank Cover?
RV propane tank covers protect your tanks from damage and corrosion by helping to keep them out of the elements. They also protect tanks from flying road debris as you travel. They can be made of metal (though this may not be the best idea, as they share many of the same problems as metal tanks), or they can be made from a vinyl/polyester fabric or hard plastic.
Some propane tank covers are designed to protect tanks on the front of your travel trailer (you often see these mounted on the A-frame/tongue of the trailer), while others are designed to fit a single propane cylinder, and some are RV double propane tank covers.
You can find 20-lb tank covers (RV dual propane tank covers or single), and there are also 30-lb propane tank covers for RV use. If you have two 30 lb propane tanks on your RV, there are 30 lb double tank covers available for those as well.
And finally, some propane tank covers are designed to simply protect and hide a portable tank, like those meant for use with a portable propane fire pit.
Why Do I Need an RV Propane Tank Cover?
Propane tanks can be damaged by flying rocks or other debris while rolling down the highway. Not only is a damaged tank dangerous in general, but it can be even more so while in use. When propane tanks are exposed to the elements, the metal corrodes, and rust begins to develop. If you saw our complete post on rusty propane tanks, you know that rust is the beginning of the breakdown of the tank’s structural integrity.
While a bit of surface rust on a tank is common, much more than that can start to eat away at the walls of the tank. Over time, this can cause them to become thin and brittle, leaving you with a dangerous situation. After all, the propane inside is under high pressure, explosive, and highly flammable.
Over time, exposure to the sun, rain, salt, and other elements can lead to corrosion and the development of rust on an exposed propane tank. This is a pretty extreme example, but without care, any propane tank can get this bad over time.
As you may have seen in our post How Long Are Propane Tanks Good For?, portable DOT cylinders have a date stamped into the collar of the tank indicating when it was manufactured. By U.S. federal law, the expiration date of a DOT propane tank is 12 years from the date of manufacture of the tank. In Canada, it’s 10 years.
When a DOT propane cylinder nears or reaches the date stamped on the collar, the tank must be replaced or recertified. If your propane tank has been exposed to the elements for a dozen years, you may find yourself in need of a new one because your current tank may not be re-certifiable.
A good, heavy-duty propane tank cover isn’t a huge investment, but it’s certainly a worthwhile one, especially as it relates to your safety and the safety of those around you.
What to Look For In an RV Propane Tank Cover
There are a few things to look for when you’re buying an RV propane tank cover:
Material
In general, it may be best to stay away from metal covers. You may find some high-quality diamond-plated steel tank cages, but most metal tank covers may suffer from the same problems that the metal tanks themselves invite — corrosion and rust.
Tank covers made of rigid plastic/polymer or heavy-duty vinyl/polyester fabric are best if you’re carrying your tank(s) on the outside of your RV, where they’ll be exposed to the elements and road debris. You’ll want to choose a high-quality, heavy-duty tank cover that will protect it from road debris, rain, and UV rays.
Note that there are lightweight tank covers designed for use with a propane tank attached to a grill, griddle, or portable fire pit. These are only suitable for use when the item is in use, with the tank later stored safely out of the elements when not in use.
If your tank will be exposed to the elements and road debris as you drive, you’ll want to opt for a cover made of a thick, durable material. For example, you’ll want to avoid thin, lightweight nylon covers if you’re mounting your tank outside your rig. Usually, polyester or Dacron is used, but you should note that these fabrics come in a variety of strengths.
If you see a fabric cover with a number followed by the letter “D”, this is something you’ll want to pay attention to. That’s because the “D” stands for Denier, which represents the tear strength of the material. The higher the number, the stronger the fabric. So a heavy-duty polyester might be advertised as “600D”.
UV Protection
Look for UV protection as an indication of how well your tank cover will hold up in direct sunlight without fading or cracking. The sun is relentless, and anything exposed to it for long periods of time will suffer unless UV-protected.
Waterproof/Water Resistance
You may want a tank cover that’s waterproof or water-resistant. In general, polyester doesn’t absorb water well, so you’re less likely to run into issues related to mold and mildew. A good, water-resistant material can be easily cleaned and is less likely to absorb moisture that leads to mildew.
Ventilation
Finally, ensure your propane tank cover is ventilated to prevent gas from being trapped inside in the event of a leak. Remember, a lack of adequate ventilation can lead to a situation where dangerous gas builds up in a small enclosed space. Liquid propane gas is highly flammable, and exposure to any spark or flame can cause an explosion.
So, you absolutely need a ventilated RV propane tank cover. Many models are open on the bottom or have some other means of ventilation. This is critical, so be sure to buy a ventilated tank cover.
What RV Propane Tank Cover Should I Buy?
Depending on where your tank(s) will be stored and carried and how much exposure they’ll have, it’s best to opt for a good heavy-duty plastic or heavy-duty fabric tank cover. All of these covers protect your propane tanks, but some may fit your needs better than others. As always, read user reviews to get a sense of real-life experience from other RVers.
Following are a number of 20 lb and 30 lb propane tank covers to consider:
RV Propane Tank Covers for 20 Lb Tanks
These covers are designed for use with a single 20-lb propane tank.
Camco (40578) Single RV Propane Tank Cover
This tank cover is made of heavy-duty polymer, which is protective against UV rays. It has a removable top for easy access to the gas valves. Dimensions are 19 7/16″ (H) x 18 11/16″ (W) x 13 3/8″ (D), and it weighs just under 3 pounds.
- Protects Your Single RV Propane Tank: Shield your propane gas tank from flying road debris and harsh weather with this durable and reliable propane...
- Compatibility: Designed to fit one 20 lb steel propane tank, this RV propane tank cover is perfect for all types of recreational vehicles.
SIRUITON 600D Heavy-Duty Single Propane Tank Cover
Made of 600D Oxford cloth, this propane tank cover fits a single standard 20lb tank. It’s UV protective, water- and weather-resistant, and has a storage pocket for a hose or other items. Ventilation holes with grommets are built into the cover, and it has a side flap to make hose connection and access easy. Dimensions are 12.5″ x 12.5″ x 18.5″, and it weighs just over 1 pound.
- 【Upgrade Your Grill’s Look 】-Based on customer demand, we’ve enhanced the design with a sturdy hard top. This transforms your plain 20 lb...
- 【Propane Gas Tank Cover】- This Gas Tank storage cover measures 12.5 inches in diameter and 18.5 inches in height. It features a two-way zipper...
Flame King Dual 20LB LP Propane Tank Cover
Made of heavy-duty polypropylene, this tank cover fits two 20lb steel propane tanks. It offers individual ports on top for separate access to the cylinder valves. It also has an easy-access port on the side so you can see and adjust the regulator as needed.
- FITS TWO (2) 20LB Steel Propane Tanks – Designed for a perfect fit on RVs, trailers, and other dual-tank setups.
- SIDE ACCESS PORT – Easily view and adjust your regulator without removing the cover
RV Propane Tank Covers for 30 Lb Tanks
Now let’s take a look at a few options for larger, 30lb propane tanks:
SAMDEW 30 lb Propane Tank Cover
This tank cover is actually available in both 20lb and 30lb sizes. Made from water-resistant and tear-resistant nylon, reviews are very good with references to its quality and durability. The top of the cover is lined with a solid pad, making it useful as a tabletop if desired. It has two side flap pockets for storing hoses, lighters, and other tank accessories.
Dimensions are 12.8″L x 12.8″W x 23.2″H, and it weighs about 1.80 pounds.
- Convenient Design: Side flip flap makes the hose easy to connect the tank, you can open or close the valve more conveniently; 4 ventilation grommets...
- Fit Well: The side zipper allows you to put the cover on or off easily; the drawstring design at the bottom makes the cover fit the propane gas tank...
Camco (40559) Dual RV Propane Tank Cover
This white propane tank cover from Camco is a popular choice with good reviews from users. With dimensions of 15″ x 30″ x 25.5″, it fits two 20- or 30-lb propane tanks and weighs about 7 1/2 pounds. Made of a heavy-duty polymer that protects against sun damage, it will also shield propane tanks from the elements and flying road debris. It’s designed to offer easy access to gas and changeover valves with a hinged access panel.
- Protects Your RV's Propane Tank: Protects your propane gas tank from flying road rubble
- Compatibility: Fits 20 lb. or 30 lb. steel double tanks
Finally, it wouldn’t be prudent to talk about propane without mentioning the need for a quality propane detector. We replaced ours (yes… they have a limited lifespan and require periodic replacement) and made a video showing how easy it can be to replace your RV propane detector yourself.
For much more information on propane tanks in general and what you need to know for safety and comfort in your RV, please see our general post on RV propane tanks.
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Phil B
Wednesday 30th of July 2025
With the Camco cover orient the lid with the hinges to the front. This will prevent the lid from wanting to catch the wind when driving down the road and causing it to open or worst, being ripped off and lost.
Rich
Wednesday 30th of August 2023
Be sure to have the lid secured before heading down the road, ask me how I know,they will blow off. I drilled holes on the hinge side and looped cable ties through the holes. I haven't had a problem since.
Mike
Monday 28th of August 2023
Just a warning: For Camco orders on Amazon, they are unable to package the propane covers adequately to prevent shipping damage. I have ordered and returned twice after receiving broken/cracked covers. I then ordered one through Home Depot, same, arrived at the store for pickup damaged. Sometimes you just have to shop at your local dealer.