Why It’s Essential to Choose an LP Gas State Licensed RV Technician or Inspector
RVs are a fantastic way to explore the world with the comfort of home, but like any home-on-wheels, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure safety and functionality. One of the most critical systems in any RV is its LP (liquefied petroleum) gas system, which powers essential appliances like your stove, furnace, water heater, and refrigerator. Whether you’re taking your RV in for service, calling a mobile RV technician, or hiring an RV inspector before a purchase, it’s vital to ensure that the person working on or inspecting your rig is state licensed for LP gas.
Here’s why LP gas licensing matters—and how choosing a licensed professional helps protect your RV, your family, and your peace of mind.
1. Safety First: LP Gas Is Highly Flammable
LP gas, also known as propane, is efficient and commonly used in RVs. However, it’s also highly combustible. A small leak or improper connection can lead to catastrophic results, including fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
A licensed LP gas technician is trained to:
- Properly inspect LP systems for leaks and weak connections
- Understand the safety protocols required for working with pressurized gas
- Use the correct testing equipment to verify system integrity
- Ensure that regulators, valves, and fittings are in proper working order
When you work with someone who isn’t licensed, you risk relying on guesswork rather than solid technical knowledge. That’s not a chance worth taking when it comes to gas lines.
2. Licensing Ensures Competence, Training, and Insurance Requirements
LP gas licensing isn’t just a piece of paper—it represents a standardized level of education and hands-on training. Licensed individuals and companies have demonstrated that they:
- Understand how LP gas systems function in RVs
- Know how to install, test, troubleshoot, dispense, and repair LP components safely
- Follow all local, state, and federal codes, including NFPA 1192 and NFPA 58
In Florida, the FRVTA works closely with RV training institutions and industry partners to promote ongoing education and certification, including LP gas safety courses. RV technicians and inspectors who are licensed are more likely to stay current on changes in code requirements and new technologies.
3. It’s the Law in Many States
Florida law, as well as regulations in many other states, require that only properly licensed and certified professionals work on LP gas systems. In Florida, for example, LP gas licensing is regulated by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Violating these regulations can result in steep fines—not just for the technician, but potentially for the RV owner as well if unlicensed work results in a safety violation or accident.
If you are hiring someone to work on your RV’s gas system, always ask to see proof of their LP gas license. A reputable technician or inspector will gladly provide it.
4. Insurance and Warranty Protection
Many RV warranties and extended service plans require that repairs or inspections be performed by licensed professionals. If an unlicensed person works on your RV and something goes wrong, you may void your warranty or insurance coverage.
Likewise, if a fire or explosion occurs due to unlicensed LP work, your insurer may deny the claim. Licensing protects everyone involved and creates a paper trail that proves the work was done according to recognized standards.
5. Peace of Mind for RV Owners
RVs are significant investments—both financially and emotionally. Whether you live in your RV full-time, take it out on weekend adventures, or use it for extended travel, you want to know that your rig is safe and functional.
Hiring an LP gas licensed technician or inspector gives you confidence that:
- Your appliances will function properly and efficiently
- Your family is safe from unseen hazards like gas leaks or carbon monoxide
- You’re in compliance with state regulations and insurance requirements
Peace of mind is priceless when you’re miles from home and relying on your RV to keep you comfortable and secure.
6. Mobile RV Technicians Must Be Especially Reliable
Mobile RV technicians offer a fantastic convenience—they come to you, whether you’re at a campground, RV park, or on the side of the road. But not all mobile techs are created equal. Some operate without proper certification, licenses, or insurance.
Before you let someone work on your RV’s LP system, verify their credentials:
- Are they LP gas licensed in the state of Florida (or your current state)?
- Do they carry business liability insurance? In Florida, a requirement to obtain and keep the LP license is that the company maintain a “minimum insurance of $1,000,000 bodily injury liability and property damage liability covering the products and operations of the business is required”
- Can they provide references or reviews?
The convenience of mobile repair should never outweigh the importance of proper training and licensing, especially when gas is involved.
7. RV Inspectors Should Be Trained in LP Gas Safety, Too
When buying a new or used RV, hiring a certified RV inspector is a smart decision. But make sure that the inspector is also LP gas licensed. A full pre-purchase inspection should include a thorough evaluation of the LP gas system.
A certified and licensed inspector will:
- Perform a timed pressure drop test to detect leaks
- Verify the correct operation of all LP-fueled appliances
- Inspect tanks, regulators, lines, and valves
- Check for compliance with current safety codes
Without certification and licensing, an inspector might miss critical safety issues—or skip the LP system altogether. Don’t be afraid to ask what certifications and licensing your inspector holds.
Conclusion: Ask Before You Hire
Your RV’s LP gas system is nothing to take lightly. Ensuring that any technician or inspector working on it is LP gas licensed is one of the most important decisions you can make as an RV owner.
Before you schedule service or an inspection, ask these key questions:
- Are you LP gas licensed in Florida (or the state I’m in)?
- Can you show your certification and license?
- Do you follow NFPA standards?
- Do you carry liability insurance?
If the answer to any of these questions is no—look elsewhere. There are plenty of qualified professionals who take safety seriously and invest in the training required to do the job right.
To learn more about LP gas licensing, training opportunities, or to find a licensed RV technician or inspector in Florida, visit www.frvta.org.
You may also visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website at https://csapp.fdacs.gov/cspublicapp/businesssearch/businesssearch.aspx to search for and verify propane and other licenses issued by the State of Florida.
