A slight smell of propane gas in the camper can be unsettling at first – but don’t worry: In most cases, this is completely normal and not a sign of a leak. Here we explain step by step what you can do, how to recognise a possible leak, and how to use your gas compartment correctly.
✅ First of all: Don’t panic – a slight smell of gas is completely normal
Before gas burns, it has to escape first. For example, when you turn on the gas cooker, a small amount of gas may escape for a brief moment before the flame ignites. It smells strong – and that’s exactly what it’s supposed to do!
→ Propane gas is deliberately given a strong-smelling odorant so you can detect it even in the smallest amounts.
Typical harmless situations:
- When lighting the cooker, if the flame doesn’t ignite immediately
- After cooking, when residual gas escapes from the system
- When changing bottles, when the valves are briefly opened
🔐 You suspect a leak? Your gas compartment still protects you!
Rest assured, your camper cannot explode and, thanks to the special construction of your gas compartment, you are never in direct danger:
✔️ The gas compartment is completely separated from the interior
Gas cannot enter the living area.
✔️ It has floor openings for ventilation
If gas escapes (gas is heavier than air), it automatically falls down and escapes outside.
✔️ The gas bottle must always be upright
Only then does the pressure regulator work correctly and safely.
✔️ Do not put any additional items inside
They could block the ventilation or damage the bottle.
✔️ Always close the door/lid of the gas compartment
This keeps it a closed, safely ventilated area.
➡️ In short: Even if gas escapes minimally from the bottle or a connection, it cannot flow into the camper.
🪟 Immediate action if you smell gas: Ventilate well
If you smell gas:
- Open windows and doors wide
- Ventilate for 2–5 minutes
- Do not light any flame
- Avoid operating electrical switches if possible
After airing out, the smell is often already gone.
🔎 Check the gas bottle and connections – here’s how
- Is the gas bottle upright and properly secured?
- Is the main valve on top of the bottle fully open (or closed if not in use)?
- Is the pressure regulator firmly attached to the valve?
- Is the gas hose undamaged, not kinked, and properly attached?
- Not sure how to connect the gas bottle correctly? Check the Instructions & troubleshooting section for your model. We explain how to change the gas bottle under the title "🔄 Changing an empty gas bottle"
💡 Important: Please only tighten all connections by hand – never with a tool!
🫧 The simple soap bubble test (no tools required)
This allows you to quickly check yourself if there is a leak.
- Mix some water + washing-up liquid.
- Apply the mixture to all connection points (bottle → pressure regulator → hose → pipe).
- Slowly open the gas valve.
- Observe:
- Do small bubbles appear? → Then gas may be escaping.
- No bubbles? → Everything is tight – all good.
This test is safe and is used in workshops in the same way.
🆘 When should you contact Roadsurfer support?
Please contact us directly if:
- The smell of gas is persistent
- Bubbles form during the soap bubble test
- Hoses or connections are visibly damaged
- You are still unsure despite all the steps
We will help you immediately.