April 26, 2025

Gas Fire Pit for RV: Your Cosy Companion on the Road

Tired of wrestling damp firewood or smelling like a smoke signal gone rogue? A gas fire pit for your RV is the cosy, clean, and hassle-free way to enjoy campfire vibes—no scout badge needed. Short answer: yes, it’s totally worth it. Keep reading to compare options, safety tips, and Fire Tables too!

Choosing a Portable Gas Fire Pit for RVs

Let’s face it—space in an RV is about as rare as a peaceful motorway on a bank holiday. Every gadget, grill, and fire pit has to pull its weight. So when picking the right gas fire pit, you’ll want to make sure it’s up to the job without cramping your rolling lifestyle.

Size and Weight

Compact and Lightweight Designs

When you're out on the road, compact is king. Most RV-friendly fire pits are small enough to tuck into a side locker or ride in the boot without moaning about legroom.

Look for models under 24 inches in diameter. Anything bigger tends to get in the way or feel like you’re dragging a satellite dish around. Some even come with built-in handles or carry bags, which are a game-changer when pitching up at a breezy coastal site.

Easy Storage and Transport

Picture this: you’ve just parked up at a stunning lakeside spot. You’ve cracked a cold drink. The last thing you want is to faff around assembling something with more screws than an IKEA kitchen.

Choose a fire pit that sets up in minutes and packs away just as easily. Collapsible legs, stackable parts, and snug storage cases make life on the road smoother.

Fuel Efficiency

Low Gas Consumption

Nobody wants to be the camper constantly switching out gas bottles while everyone else is tucking into toasted marshmallows.

The sweet spot for efficiency tends to be around 50,000 BTUs. It’s hot enough for warmth but won’t burn through your propane faster than a kettle on a Sunday roast.

Long Burn Time

You’re parked up under the stars. You’ve got your blanket, your brew, and a whole evening ahead. The last thing you want is a fire pit that fizzles out before your second cuppa.

Go for models that offer a 6–8 hour burn on a standard 20lb tank. It’s more than enough for a night’s warmth—and you won’t have to crawl under the van mid-chat to swap bottles.

Safety Considerations for RV Use

Just because it’s gas doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. Treat it right, and it’ll warm your nights. Use it wrong, and you’ll be the talk of the campsite—for all the wrong reasons.

Clearance and Distance

Maintaining a Safe Distance from RV and Surrounding Areas

Keep your fire pit well away from your RV—at least 10 feet is the golden rule. That goes for awnings, picnic tables, and anything else you’d rather not turn into toast.

And yes, check what’s above the fire too. Some awnings have the heat tolerance of a chocolate teapot.

Protecting from Wind and Weather

A gusty breeze can turn your relaxing fire into a game of flame dodgeball. Set up in a sheltered spot and consider a wind guard if you're parked somewhere open.

Bonus tip: Fire Tables with built-in lids are brilliant when the weather turns. Pop the cover on and it becomes an outdoor table—genius.

Surface Protection

Protecting Surfaces from Heat Damage

That beautiful outdoor mat or timber decking? It’s not built for 400-degree heat. Some fire pits get surprisingly hot underneath, so avoid placing them directly on sensitive surfaces.

Using Heat-Resistant Mats or Surfaces

If you want to play it safe (and keep your setup looking sharp), grab a heat-resistant mat. Gravel, paving slabs, or even concrete blocks work a treat as a base. Think of it as a doormat for your fire pit—functional and fire-friendly.

Fuel Options and Usage

Let’s talk gas. Not the baked-beans-at-midnight kind—the propane-in-a-tank kind.

Propane Tanks

Compatibility with RV Propane Systems

Some fire pits are designed to plug right into your RV’s onboard propane system. If that sounds like your jam, double-check that the connectors are compatible. You might need an adapter, but it’s usually an easy fix.

If you prefer a standalone setup, a 9kg or 4.5kg gas bottle is easy to store and swap. Just don’t forget the regulator.

Proper Ventilation for Tank Storage

Rule number one: never store propane tanks inside your RV. Not in a cupboard, not under the bed, not even “just for a bit.”

Keep them upright, outside, and in a well-ventilated area—ideally in a tank locker or strapped to a bracket at the rear.

Flame Adjustment and Control

Adjusting Flame Height for Desired Ambiance

Whether you’re going full furnace or low glow, flame control is your best friend. Most fire pits have a simple dial—twist it up for heat, turn it down for a romantic flicker.

Some posh models (like Fire Tables) even come with electronic ignition and built-in flame height memory. Fancy!

Maintenance and Cleaning

Gas fire pits are pretty low-maintenance—but a little love goes a long way.

Cleaning Burner and Surface

Removing Debris and Spills

Your fire pit might not create ash, but it can still collect gunk—especially if you’re roasting snacks or leave it out uncovered.

Give it a wipe with a damp cloth now and then. A soft brush is perfect for keeping burner holes clear and your flame even.

Checking for Gas Leaks

Using a Soap Solution

This one’s a must. Mix a bit of washing-up liquid with water and brush it over the hose connections.

Turn on the gas (without lighting) and watch for bubbles. If you spot any, switch it off immediately—tighten the fittings or replace the hose. Safety first, always.

Conclusion

A portable gas fire pit is more than just a nice-to-have. It turns a good camping trip into a great one—giving you warmth, light, and a place to gather (or toast an impressive stack of marshmallows).

With smart storage, solid safety, and minimal faff, it’s a perfect partner for life on the road.

So next time you're parked up beside a loch, deep in the woods, or at your favourite coastal pitch, spark up your fire pit and enjoy the crackle of comfort—without the smoke in your eyes.

Ready to fire things up?