Community Forums

jpspaz · 11-14-2022, 03:02 PM

When I open the compartment door that houses the propane tank I detect a slight odor of propane at times. There are no obvious leaks and I need to do more investigating, but I suspect it may be my regulator. I am wondering if I need to replace it with the one Tiffin sells for $82 or I can buy an aftermarket for about half the price. I also noticed that the line going into the regulator is rubbing against the mount so I am going to replace that as well and do something to protect is as it is routed behind the bracket. If I decide to do this job I know it requires a manometer to test and possibly adjust the regulator afterwards, so I may just pay someone to do it but I am looking for input from anyone with experience with this. Thank you. (Photos are rotated because I took them with my phone vertical).

twinboat · 11-14-2022, 03:21 PM

Dud you spray down everything with soppy water ?

Leaks will create bubbles. Start with t& tank fill valve, bleeder valve, shutoff valve ( needs to be opened fully ) and then connections near the regulator.

You can use aftermarket regulator. The RV manafacture didn't make the one you have.

jkroboth · 11-14-2022, 03:34 PM

I had a similar situation smelling propane at the tank area. I got a spray bottle with a soapy solution and found that the regulator was leaking around the edge where the two parts are crimped together. Check all connections and look for bubbles, they may be slow and small..
good luck

luvlabs · 11-16-2022, 07:45 AM

It could also be the hose that leads from the regulator. Check everything for leaks.

I had a fitting fail on my Phaeton that caused a big propane leak. Local propane dealer built me a new hose and the fix was pretty simple.

jacwjames · 11-16-2022, 07:54 AM

Mine did the same thing, I could smell propane. I spayed down the regulator and hoses with soapy water. The regulator was leaking.

The picture you post shows it is a Marshal regulator, there should be a model number, do a search. I bought a replacement for ~$30. I installed and tested everything, it appeared like I was getting the correct flow for Stove, hot water heater, furnace, and refrigerator so I didn't bother with an adjusting.

wolfe10 · 11-16-2022, 08:02 AM

I assume the pictures are 90 degrees out. Be sure that the "vent" points down.

The two stage regulators come with the vent both on the long axis of the regulator (for vertical mounting) and perpendicular to the long axis (for horizontal mounting).

Though the prices are likely the same, the two are NOT interchangeable!

Electrojake · 11-16-2022, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfe10

I assume the pictures are 90 degrees out. Be sure that the "vent" points down.
The two stage regulators come with the vent both on the long axis of the regulator (for vertical mounting) and perpendicular to the long axis (for horizontal mounting).
Though the prices are likely the same, the two are NOT interchangeable!

Interesting point!
I remember years ago seeing regulators stamper “vent” and “up” with an arrow but havent seen anything like that in years.
I will certainly pay better attention next time I change a regulator!
Thanks.

-

Second item to jpsaz. . .
I had a propane stink in my storage compartment that I simply could not find. Finally after trying everything else I removed my two 20Lb propane tanks, de pressurized the system, and aired everything out until the stink was gone.
Then when all was clear I put two propane tanks back in the storage compartment but left the valves closed and hoses disconnected.
Came back the next day and the stink was back!
Thus it was the tanks themselves that were causing the stink, NOT the camper’s equipment!

Just wanted to put that out there.
Happy camping.

Old-Biscuit · 11-16-2022, 09:02 AM

Any 'horizontal' 2 stage LP Reg will be correct be one to use for replacement

They come preset to hold/maintain 11"WC so no need to test/adjust

Use Yellow Gas Tape on any 'threaded' fittings
BUT none on Ferule fittings

Suspect that Inlet High Pressure fitting could be leaking.....there appears to be some 'crud' at it and onto the 1st stage reg

jpspaz · 11-16-2022, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Any 'horizontal' 2 stage LP Reg will be correct be one to use for replacement

They come preset to hold/maintain 11"WC so no need to test/adjust

Use Yellow Gas Tape on any 'threaded' fittings
BUT none on Ferule fittings

Suspect that Inlet High Pressure fitting could be leaking.....there appears to be some 'crud' at it and onto the 1st stage reg

Thank you for that. I didn't realize they were preset. I've also heard that they can be different BTUs so I wanted to make sure I got the right one.

jpspaz · 11-26-2022, 11:04 AM

After further examination, it seems that one of the quick disconnects is the source. When I open and close the valve on it, it is clearly hissing. I've never used them but one of them obviously has a faulty valve/seal. It is made by a company called Sturgis. I'll have to see if I can get a replacement.

Kjon · 11-26-2022, 04:10 PM

I had a faulty propane valve. It was OK when fully opened or closed, but would leak anywhere in between. Red Bay replaced it under warranty.

twinboat · 11-26-2022, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kjon

I had a faulty propane valve. It was OK when fully opened or closed, but would leak anywhere in between. Red Bay replaced it under warranty.

That's pretty common and normal.

Your supposed to open the valve completely to back seat it.

Kjon · 11-27-2022, 02:55 AM

Perhaps, but I use propane exclusively to heat my home, garage, grills, RV's, etc etc, and never had a valve leak while opening or closing it. At any rate, Tiffin replaced it and no more leaks. I agree propane valves should be either fully open or fully closed, no in between.

jaydee325 · 11-27-2022, 02:18 PM

Gas leaks are not to be taken lightly.

Neighbors house had a propane leak and blew up. Neighbors wife perished, husband spent weeks in ICU and almost lost his life. My wife pulled husband from rubble and tended to the wife on the side of the road (my wife is an amazing person!) I was stuck on 911 call trying to help EMS figure out exact location due to the miles wide area that experienced the force of the blast and therefore, the volume of calls.

If you smell gas, shut off the valve at the source and get professional help.

BTW, our house was damaged in the blast. This event is one of the most emotional, impactful events my wife and I have ever been through. The blast literally lifted us off our feet while we prepared dinner.