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DallasSteve's avatar
DallasSteve
Nomad
May 15, 2023

Propane Connection Leaks

I bought a new Jayco travel trailer and it has new propane tanks. It's gotten warmer here so I'm not using propane lately; I cook with an electric stove top and I use electric for my fridge and water heater. The electric is free where I am right now and I like free.

The other day I was checking my propane gauge and it was green, which is good, but I noticed a slight odor of propane in the area. I thought maybe the connections leak a little bit of propane as a normal thing. So I closed the propane tanks at the top just to save any that is leaking. Last night we got some rain so things are a little wet outside. I decided to open one of the tanks because it's getting a little cooler. When I did I saw a little bubble form and pop under the cap that says "Do Not Remove Cap". That sort of confirms what I suspected, that the connections aren't perfect.

Is this any cause for concern or is it in fact normal that the connections will have a little bit of leakage because like me they aren't perfect? I don't smell any propane inside the trailer.

  • opnspaces's avatar
    opnspaces
    Navigator II
    May 15, 2023
    I don't think it's normal. You should not spell any propane out there.

    You should also not see any bubbles in or around the sight glass. I would say your regulator has a leak.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 15, 2023
    Switchover valves tend to get a little sticky or something and leak a little sometimes.
    Even newer (never had a brand new one).
    Switch the propane over a couple times, use a little gas and then see if it’s still leaking with soap water.
  • bgum's avatar
    bgum
    Explorer
    May 15, 2023
    Not normal. You should not have any leaks. It may be your vent releasing some pressure. If you have filled the tanks and not used much and the temperature goes up the valve will vent. Try using some and then check for leaks.
    Also you may have a little trash in the vent valve.
    Don't run out and buy new disconnect from tanks and tap a few times then hook it back up and see if you are good to go.
  • Latner's avatar
    Latner
    Nomad
    May 15, 2023
    Under warranty? Have the dealer give you a new changeover valve.
  • DallasSteve's avatar
    DallasSteve
    Nomad
    May 15, 2023
    bgum wrote:
    Not normal. You should not have any leaks. It may be your vent releasing some pressure. If you have filled the tanks and not used much and the temperature goes up the valve will vent. Try using some and then check for leaks.
    Also you may have a little trash in the vent valve.
    Don't run out and buy new disconnect from tanks and tap a few times then hook it back up and see if you are good to go.

    "vent releasing some pressure"
    Maybe that's what happened, if that is the design. The air temperature has been rising a little the last week and the tanks are almost full. I'll keep an eye on it. I may try the soapy water check on the connections. Can I remove the cap that says "Do Not Remove Cap" just to do a quick test?

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