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Joe_Way's avatar
Joe_Way
Explorer
Sep 09, 2018

Preferred Propane Regulator

The Camco regulator I installed about 4 years ago is putting out low pressure, so I'm in the market for a new one. Time was that the Cavagna regulator was considered to be the best available, but recent Amazon reviews seem to indicate that's no longer the case--lots of failures within two years or so.

What regulator are the knowledgeable techs recommending these days?
  • With an 83 gallon motor fuel tank I elected to plumb a POL to 1/4" stainless steel braid motor fuel grade hose (using a service loop) to a red ten pound regulator with tap (Barbecue Tiki torches, etc.) then a full size million BTU gray reg. Both are mounted on the chassis.

    Since all the parts were free, I then used schedule 80 black iron pipe port and starboard chassis frame rails. Up through the 11 gauge steel floor, to low pressure steel braid hose, then an LPG **** valve that is accessible.

    Why did I do this? A few 100+ mile trips to the butane plant down here made a believer out of me. I have schedule 80 plastic pipe buried next to the bus that feeds stove, a pizza size oven and a Bosch demand hot water heater for shower and dish washing.

    The LPG system was installed by a friend (we traded work). The work was done I believe in 1988 on the bus. I have had zero problems in 30 years and the secondary reg still maintains 11.0 inches of water column on a manometer.

    New LPG project
    Find a 2 foot square piece of 3/8" aluminum for use with two small burners as a hotcake griddle. With frying pans or cheap griddles when batter is poured onto the griddle the temperature sags and that royally screws up the hotcake. My propane guy taught me this. If you use IHOP flour, you will end up with perfect IHOP golden hotcakes. It is the secret to making perfect hotcakes.

    Anyway my "luck" with different brand small regulators is sad to behold. I got tired of screwing around.

    ****
    ROOSTER
  • Chris Bryant wrote:
    Marshall Excelsior is now making them. I've actually always had great service from these, with the exception of the short run with a slide changeover.


    X2...they've had them for a few years...I've replaced the factory installed with a Marshall Excelsior high flow on the current and prior two trailers within weeks of the purchase. On our current Rockwood the OEM installed Cavagna would not provide enough volume to get max from my 3 burner Camp Chef stove, and the plastic knob fell apart the first time it was turned.
  • I have and recommend Cavagna. Indicator is easier to read and works perfect.
    I prefer the Cavagna pigtails too as the crimps are superior.
  • Marshall Excelsior is now making them. I've actually always had great service from these, with the exception of the short run with a slide changeover.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I kind of favor Marshall Brass. but the reason is not open for discussion (Really has to do more with WHERE than WHAT). but I do not know if they still make 'em.

    Any decent regulator should do. Visit a PROPANE specialist. (Wholesale place).

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