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Termigator · 12-03-2019, 08:49 AM

As we were preparing to go out for the evening recently, I noticed a rather strong odor of propane. Thinking it was coming from one of the many nearby campers who were grilling, I did not think much of it at first. When it did not go away, I found that I apparently brushed against one of the range valves and turned it on. Our range uses an igniter rather than a pilot. Had we not found this and gone out, we may very well have blown up the coach or gassed our 2 animal companions.

Has anyone else had this issue? How did you deal with it? Seems like a VERY bad design!

Gary RVRoamer · 12-03-2019, 08:51 AM

Most gas valves require that they be pushed in and then turned, at least to move from Off to the On range of positions. Aren't yours like that? What brand of stove?

jacwjames · 12-03-2019, 12:20 PM

On our Class C the same thing happened to us. Accidentally turned one of the valves letting gas start filling the coach. We were sitting in the front when we started to smell it and immediately shut off the valve, opened the door and waited outside until it cleared.

We just learned to be more careful and check the knobs.

Termigator · 12-03-2019, 12:36 PM

The range is a Dometic Atwood Greenbrier, and yes, I agree that most knobs must first be pushed in before they can be turned, or if with a pilot, if the pilot goes out it shuts of the gas supply. This thing does neither. Very, Very dangerous! I would think some kind of locking block that would slide over the knobs might avoid blowing myself up.

gatorb8 · 12-03-2019, 12:37 PM

I thought it was the black tank so I treated it.....surprise! it was stove top as you mentioned.

Old-Biscuit · 12-03-2019, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Termigator

The range is a Dometic Atwood Greenbrier, and yes, I agree that most knobs must first be pushed in before they can be turned, or if with a pilot, if the pilot goes out it shuts of the gas supply. This thing does neither. Very, Very dangerous! I would think some kind of locking block that would slide over the knobs might avoid blowing myself up.

Dometic Atwood Greenbrier.
Not a model number---just a descriptor of MFG and where it was manufactured
Dometic acquired Atwood...range/ovens etc manufactured in Greenbrier, TN

Lift stove top and get model number off sticker --- IE: Atwood RA Series, Wedgewood RV Series/RW Series

Pull one of the burner knobs off

Then using a pair of needle-nose pliers grip the burner control shaft and gently push/pull on it to see if sticking.
May just need some 'cleaning' ----spray shaft with all purpose cleaner/degreaser

IF shafts do NOT push/pull then Remove all the knobs...place in drawer and put on when needed.
**they really should have to be pushed in to turn

RA-1732 etc

hohenwald48 · 12-03-2019, 03:18 PM

I had the same problem on a previous coach. I took a piece of plexiglass, cut slots in it for each of the knob shafts and simple slid it behind the knobs when the stove was not in use. The plexiglass was just the right thickness to keep the knobs from being pushed in. It's not hard to bump against those knobs and turn on the burner.

That was years ago so I can't provide a picture but hopefully you get the idea.

baraff · 12-03-2019, 03:28 PM

One thing you should do is check your propane detector. It should have gone off long before you smelled anything. Propane is heavier than air so it sinks to the floor. That is why it is so dangerous. Also why propane detectors are mounted at floor level.

NXR · 12-03-2019, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baraff

One thing you should do is check your propane detector. It should have gone off long before you smelled anything. Propane is heavier than air so it sinks to the floor. That is why it is so dangerous. Also why propane detectors are mounted at floor level.

Absolutely agreed. They also have a finite lifetime, as do smoke and carbon monoxide detectors so it may need replaced.

Ray

AZ RV'r · 12-03-2019, 03:51 PM

Agree with all above on gettin a new / additional detector.

Here's a separate battery operated propane detector on Amazon for $19.

https://www.amazon.com/Kidde-Battery...s%2C276&sr=8-8

You could put it right between the burners when not cooking... and just pick up and put on the counter when ready to cook.

Or maybe mount it under the counter, under the cooktop?

Easy, cheap, piece of mind.

Good Luck!

Termigator · 12-03-2019, 05:22 PM

Thanks for all the great comments and suggestions. I'll run through them all. I'm always amazed at the wealth of knowledge on this site.
Thanks again.

AZ RV'r · 12-03-2019, 05:37 PM

***** SORRY ******

My link to amazon above (post #10) is for a carbon monoxide detector not propane!

Here is a search link on Amazon for propane detectors.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=propane+d...ref=nb_sb_noss

Sorry for not proof-reading better.