Heating conundrum

[marycontrary]

My class c has an onboard propane tank. I bought a “T” and had it installed for an auxiliary propane tank. Got a 20# tank(can’t lift heavier ones).
I think the furnace has been working fine , but here’s the scenario.

New to aux tank, I took it to TSC (where I bought it) and had it filled after using it a week. Only took 1.7 gal.

This morning, quite chilly, turned furnace on; only blowing lukewarm air and I swear the outside furnace exhaust smelled weird and almost irritating to eyes.

Turned off aux tank and turned onboard tank on. Furnace blowing hot air!

So, I don’t think it’s the furnace. Any ideas or rationale why the auxiliary propane tank isn’t working as it should?

I’m parked in one spot for a few months and don’t want to have to move MH to go get propane as it’s at least a 30mi trip, plus a hassle. Thanks brains!

[twinboat]

Shut the tank valve, remove the hose fitting and reconnect it.
Turn gas valve on slowly and see if that helps.

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by marycontrary

My class c has an onboard propane tank. I bought a “T” and had it installed for an auxiliary propane tank. Got a 20# tank(can’t lift heavier ones).
I think the furnace has been working fine , but here’s the scenario.

New to aux tank, I took it to TSC (where I bought it) and had it filled after using it a week. Only took 1.7 gal.

This morning, quite chilly, turned furnace on; only blowing lukewarm air and I swear the outside furnace exhaust smelled weird and almost irritating to eyes.

Turned off aux tank and turned onboard tank on. Furnace blowing hot air!

So, I don’t think it’s the furnace. Any ideas or rationale why the auxiliary propane tank isn’t working as it should?

I’m parked in one spot for a few months and don’t want to have to move MH to go get propane as it’s at least a 30mi trip, plus a hassle. Thanks brains!

20# propane cylinder holds 4.7 gallons when filled

Used it for a week and only needed 1.7 gallons on refill?
That is suspect

Irritating Exhaust....luke warm air
That is suspect


New cylinder.....Did Tractor Supply 'Purge' that new cylinder?
New cylinders ship empty but can be filled with AIR
IF shipped with AIR....they have to be purged 3 - 4 times with VAPOR to expel the air

Air mixed in with propane will create issues with proper combustion


*If cylinders are shipped with 'vacuum' ---no purging needed

Need to check with TSC and inquire if cylinders are shipped with AIR
IF YES.....need to have that new cylinder properly purged with VAPOR then refilled with Liquid Propane

[Bill 3rd]

Did you install just a T connection in the line or did you add the Extend A Stay propane kit?

[marycontrary]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Shut the tank valve, remove the hose fitting and reconnect it.
Turn gas valve on slowly and see if that helps.

OH MY GOSH, I think this worked! Always one to adhere to KISS, I tried this first. Am in Southern AZ, got down to freezing last night, but now sun streaming in windows so rig has heated up to temp above comfortably. I cranked the thermostat up to 80 just to get furnace to run, it seems fine now! Air in line? Is it necessary to open the aux tank all the way? Smells better!

[marycontrary]

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

20# propane cylinder holds 4.7 gallons when filled

Used it for a week and only needed 1.7 gallons on refill?
That is suspect

Irritating Exhaust....luke warm air
That is suspect


New cylinder.....Did Tractor Supply 'Purge' that new cylinder?
New cylinders ship empty but can be filled with AIR
IF shipped with AIR....they have to be purged 3 - 4 times with VAPOR to expel the air

Air mixed in with propane will create issues with proper combustion


*If cylinders are shipped with 'vacuum' ---no purging needed

Need to check with TSC and inquire if cylinders are shipped with AIR
IF YES.....need to have that new cylinder properly purged with VAPOR then refilled with Liquid Propane

Cell service bad, unable to make the call to TSC, but will when I drive to “town”. Thank you!

[Flyer15015]

Question.
When you put the "T" in the line, did you put a shut off valve there too?
Can you switch from the main tank to the "aux" tank, or they combined?

Mike in Colorado

[marycontrary]

Originally Posted by Flyer15015

Question.
When you put the "T" in the line, did you put a shut off valve there too?
Can you switch from the main tank to the "aux" tank, or they combined?

Mike in Colorado

Sorry, don’t know how to post pics. I shut off the main tank and draw from aux tank, or vice versa. Does not draw from both simultaneously

[marycontrary]

Originally Posted by Bill 3rd

Did you install just a T connection in the line or did you add the Extend A Stay propane kit?

Don’t know how the extend a stay works, just bought (camco) brass fitting that allows me to use one or the other. Tech said aux tank line has check valve so when main off only draws from aux and vice versa. I close the aux tank if wanting to use the main tank. Sorry, haven’t figured out how to post pics ��

[Old-Biscuit]

Sounds like you have the issue resolved......

Don't worry about TSC. Otherwise you would still have problems

Stay warm.

[Jmac00]

something EVERYONE should keep in mind.

The furnace in a Magnitude XG32 are designed to work at sea level, Heck, maybe all LPG fired furnaces are designed to work at sea level. IF you go above 4000 feet, don't expect the furnace to work correctly.

I had this problem at Kaibab National Forest Dispersed campground. The furnace would lite off, and then go out, like the flame sensor was bad. I took the freak'n thing apart because we were in a sand storm the week before and I figured some crap got in there. Nope, perfectly clean. So I got to thinking about it, and Kaibab Lake is at 5800 feet above sea level, there isn't enough O² to keep the furnace working. We ended up breaking out the Big Buddy heater and using that. IDK if anyone else had this issue, but as soon as we got below 4000 feet the furnace worked perfectly

Just something to keep in mind if you're going up in elevation, and you're furnace is acting funny.

Tally-Ho, Good luck

[marycontrary]

That’s a very interesting point about the elevation. I’m at almost 5000’ ft, so could definitely be the issue. May have to get another electric heater, it’s getting below freezing at night, don’t want to wake up to cold and frozen water lines!