5 Best Flared Tube Fitting Kits For Diy RV Repairs To Support Self-Reliance
A flared tube fitting kit is essential for RV self-reliance. Our guide reviews the top 5 options for safe, leak-free DIY propane and brake line repairs.
You’re miles from the nearest town, setting up camp for the night, when you catch that faint, unmistakable smell of propane. A quick check reveals a cracked flare on the copper line running to your furnace. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical failure that grounds you until it’s fixed, turning a peaceful boondocking trip into a scramble for a mobile RV tech. Mastering the simple art of flaring a tube is one of the most empowering skills an RVer can learn, transforming a trip-ending problem into a 15-minute fix.
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Why Flared Fittings Are Vital for RV Propane Lines
A flared fitting is exactly what it sounds like: the end of a metal tube is flared out into a cone shape. This cone is then pressed tightly against a matching fitting, creating a strong, metal-to-metal seal that’s incredibly resistant to vibration. Your RV is essentially a small house experiencing a constant, low-grade earthquake while you drive. This is where flared fittings prove their worth.
Unlike compression fittings, which use a separate ring (a ferrule) that can loosen over time with vibration, a flare is an integral part of the tube itself. There are no extra pieces to fail. This makes it the go-to connection for systems where leaks are not an option, especially the low-pressure propane lines that feed your stove, furnace, and water heater.
The integrity of this seal is paramount. A properly made 45-degree single flare creates a perfect, gas-tight connection that will hold up for years of bumpy roads and temperature swings. It’s a simple, robust technology that is perfectly suited for the dynamic environment of a recreational vehicle. Getting it right means safety and peace of mind.
Eastwood Pro Flaring Tool: Precision for Steel Lines
When you want guaranteed, perfect flares every time with minimal effort, the Eastwood Pro is the tool you reach for. This isn’t a compact, toss-in-a-drawer tool; it’s a serious piece of equipment for the RVer who handles a wide range of mechanical repairs. Its main advantage is a turret-style head that holds all the dies, allowing you to switch between flare types and sizes in seconds.
While most of your RV’s propane system will use soft copper tubing, this tool truly shines on harder materials like steel brake lines or transmission cooler lines. Where cheaper tools might struggle or create off-center flares on steel, the Eastwood’s cam-lever action provides the force needed for a clean, precise result. This versatility means you’re equipped to handle more than just the occasional propane leak.
The tradeoff, of course, is cost and size. This is an investment. But if you’re committed to doing your own maintenance and want a tool that removes all guesswork, the Eastwood Pro delivers professional-grade results. It turns a potentially frustrating task into a smooth, repeatable process.
OTC 4503 Stinger: A Comprehensive Master Kit
The OTC 4503 Stinger represents the perfect middle ground for the serious DIYer. It’s a comprehensive master kit that prepares you for almost any tubing job you’ll encounter on your rig, from propane lines to brakes. It’s the kind of kit you buy once and rely on for decades.
This kit’s strength lies in its completeness. It includes a huge range of dies for creating 45-degree single and double flares, as well as bubble flares used in some automotive systems. It also comes with a good quality tube cutter and all the necessary adapters, neatly organized in a rugged case. You won’t find yourself halfway through a repair only to realize you don’t have the right size die.
While it doesn’t have the fancy turret of the Eastwood, its traditional yoke-and-bar design is robust and familiar to anyone who has worked on vehicles. It provides excellent results on both soft copper and harder steel lines. For the RVer who wants a single, high-quality kit to cover all their flaring needs without paying a premium price, the OTC Stinger is a fantastic choice.
ARES 70023: Compact for On-The-Road Repairs
Space and weight are always a concern in an RV, and that’s where the ARES 70023 shines. This tool is designed specifically for making repairs in tight spaces, directly on the vehicle. You don’t need a workbench or even much room to work; its compact design lets you fix a damaged flare right where it is.
Imagine finding a leaky fitting on the propane line tucked behind your water heater. With a traditional flaring kit, you’d have to disconnect the entire line to get it into the tool. With the ARES, you can often make the repair in place, saving an immense amount of time and hassle. This makes it the ultimate tool for an emergency roadside repair kit.
This tool is at its best working with the soft copper and aluminum tubing found in RV propane systems. While it can handle softer steel, it’s not the ideal choice for heavy-duty brake line work. Its value is in its portability and convenience, making it a perfect supplement to a larger shop kit or the primary tool for an RVer focused solely on propane line maintenance.
Titan 51535: Double Flaring for Brake Systems
While this article focuses on propane, true self-reliance means being prepared for other critical system failures. The Titan 51535 is an excellent, affordable kit that specializes in the double flares required for your RV’s hydraulic brake system. Owning this tool means you have the capability to safely repair the single most important safety system on your vehicle.
A double flare is fundamentally different from the single flare used for propane. It involves folding the tube end back on itself before shaping the cone, creating a thick, two-layer seal that can withstand the immense pressure of brake fluid. The Titan kit provides the specific adapters and a sturdy press needed to create these crucial connections correctly.
This tool can also create standard single flares, making it a versatile option. If your priority is having a reliable tool for brake work that can also handle propane lines in a pinch, the Titan 51535 is a smart, budget-conscious choice. It empowers you to take on repairs that many RVers would have to outsource.
Hilitchi 37-Piece Kit: Value for Assorted Needs
For the RVer who needs a flaring tool for occasional use, the Hilitchi 37-Piece Kit offers incredible value. This is the entry-level option that gets the job done without a significant investment. It’s perfect for building out a starter toolkit or for someone who just wants to be prepared for a rare emergency.
The biggest selling point is the sheer number of components. These kits typically include a flaring tool, a wide assortment of dies, a tube cutter, and a deburring tool. You get everything you need to cut, prep, and flare a tube in one affordable package. For making a single flare on a soft 3/8-inch copper propane line, it is more than adequate.
Quickly remove burrs from metal, plastic, and pipes with this deburring tool. It includes 11 high-speed steel blades and a comfortable aluminum handle for efficient and long-lasting use.
The tradeoff for the low price is in the build quality and precision. The metals may be softer and the tolerances less exact than in premium kits. It might require a bit more care and finesse to create a perfect flare, especially on harder tubing. However, for the price, it’s an unbeatable way to add a critical capability to your RV repair arsenal.
Choosing Between Single and Double Flare Fittings
Knowing which flare to use isn’t a suggestion; it’s a rule dictated by pressure and safety. The two types you’ll encounter are the single flare and the double flare, both almost always at a 45-degree angle in vehicle applications.
A single flare is the standard for low-pressure systems. This is the connection used for your RV’s entire propane system, from the tanks to the appliances. It’s a simple, effective seal created by flaring the tube end into a single-walled cone. It’s easy to make and perfectly sufficient for the low pressures involved with propane gas.
A double flare, also called an inverted flare, is required for high-pressure applications, most importantly your vehicle’s hydraulic brake lines. This technique involves folding the lip of the tube inward on itself before creating the flare, resulting in a robust, two-walled seal. Never use a single flare on a brake line. It will fail under pressure, leading to a complete loss of braking power.
Proper Technique for a Leak-Free RV Connection
The quality of your flaring tool doesn’t matter if your technique is sloppy. Creating a reliable, leak-free seal comes down to a few simple but non-negotiable steps. Rushing any of them is how you end up with problems.
First, get a clean, square cut. Use a dedicated tubing cutter, not a hacksaw. A tubing cutter creates a straight edge with minimal distortion. After cutting, you must deburr the tube. Use a deburring tool to remove the sharp ridge on the inside and any flashing on the outside. Any metal burrs left behind will prevent the flare from seating properly and guarantee a leak.
Cut tubing in tight spaces with the RIDGID 101 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter. It handles 1/4" to 1-1/8" tubing made of copper, aluminum, brass, and plastic, and features a durable design with a knurled knob for easy pressure control.
Next, clamp the tube in the flaring bar, ensuring it’s at the correct height as specified by your tool’s instructions. A little oil on the flaring cone helps create a smooth surface. Apply steady, even pressure with the yoke until the flare is formed. Don’t overtighten and crack the metal. The final flare should be smooth, symmetrical, and centered on the tube. When you assemble the fitting, apply propane-rated pipe sealant to the male threads only—never on the flare itself—and then check your work with soapy water to confirm a perfect seal.
Ultimately, carrying a flaring kit is about more than just owning another tool. It’s an investment in your own capability. It’s the confidence to travel further off the beaten path, knowing that a common mechanical failure won’t leave you stranded. That peace of mind is the true foundation of a self-reliant life on the road.
