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cloverpatch · 08-29-2020, 07:03 PM

We were getting ready to leave on our trip tomorrow and went to turn the propane on in the motorhome and no propane is to any of the appliances. My husband has been troubleshooting this and thinks it might be the regulator since it is making a hissing sound. Any suggestions on where we need to go to get this problem checked out? We live in Noblesville Indiana (just about 30 north of Indianapolis). We had the propane tank filled on our way home from our last trip 3 weeks ago and have't used it since. Thanks in advance.

jacwjames · 08-29-2020, 07:19 PM

Try shutting the propane completely off. Make sure the small bleed valve is closed all the way. Then try opening the valve again.

Some rigs have electric cutoff switches, make sure if you have on it is on.

Bob_C · 08-29-2020, 07:21 PM

And open the valve slowly to not activate the major leak valve in the bottle pigtail...soapy water in a spray bottle to find the hiss....could be just a bad regulator...

cloverpatch · 08-30-2020, 07:30 AM

Tried that, didn't solve the problem. The hissing is coming from around the regulator so my husband thinks that it is a bad regulator.

jacwjames · 08-30-2020, 08:16 AM

My regulator went bad after ~15 years. I started smelling propane when I walked past the RV. Sprayed it down to with soapy water and it was leaking it around the regulator portion.
Any decent size RV dealer/parts department should have what you need unless it is a special high volume type regulator.

wolfe10 · 08-30-2020, 08:26 AM

Just replace it-- under $25.

IMPORTANT: be sure the vent (dime size screened area) faces DOWN.

So, if regulator installed horizontally, the vent is perpendicular to the long axis of the RV two stage regulator.

If installed vertically, the vent is on the long axis of the regulator.

Usually the same price.

MSHappyCampers · 08-30-2020, 09:17 AM

I had to replace the regulator in our Windsor a few years ago. I found one at Lowes!

jacwjames · 08-30-2020, 11:55 AM

Mine original regulator was a 2 stage 175,000 BTU high capacity. Probably needed because of the stove, furnace, water heater, and stove. Took me some digging to find a compatible they are available.
Just check to make sure you replace with a similar model/size.

Old-Biscuit · 08-30-2020, 11:58 AM

CLOSE the propane service valve
Replace that leaking regulator ----- do NOT valve propane back in until new regulator is installed

You need to purchase a 2 stage LP Reg for you RV

Ljwt330 · 08-30-2020, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

CLOSE the propane service valve
Replace that leaking regulator ----- do NOT valve propane back in until new regulator is installed

You need to purchase a 2 stage LP Reg for you RV

THIS x 100!

Hissing at the regulator is the give-away--bad regulator and extremely dangerous. Shut it all down at the tank valve and don't reopen until regulator is replaced.

Gary RVRoamer · 08-30-2020, 05:48 PM

A two-stage regulator is preferred, but you can use a single stage (like on a BBQ grill & gas bottle) if you need one in a hurry. The RV uses standard LP gas pressure of 11 WC inches of pressure (about 0.5 psi). A two-stage regulator produces a steadier flow, but the output pressure is the same whether single or two-stage.

Most hardware stores, Lowes or Home Depot, RV stores or LP gas services will have regulators.

HopsBrewster · 08-31-2020, 07:54 AM

Both of my propane pigtails developed leaks around the hose/brass fitting crimp while at camp a couple weeks ago. Fortunately found a replacement pigtail at a nearby garage and was able to get back in the game without breaking camp.

My plan is to keep a spare pigtail or 2 along with the spare regulator I have carried since one of those failed several years ago while 30 miles from the nearest paved road.