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fallsrider's avatar
fallsrider
Explorer
Jun 25, 2022

Gas regulator

Hi, everyone.

We have a 1995 Sunnybrook 26' TT. Two weeks ago, we were camping in Williamsburg, VA and went to make breakfast. The flame on the cooktop initially burned great for the first second or two, then died down to a barely-usable flame. We were able to get our omelets made at least. I tried changing tanks, but same story.

I installed a new Camco double stage auto changeover regulator back in '14. I just went out and investigated a little. There's gas in both tanks, and the water heater does the same thing. It initially lights, then immediately sputters out. I turned the pressure adjustment up a couple turns and then back down, thinking maybe something got stuck or there was a piece of trash maybe. No dice.

I'm thinking 8 years has been the life of this regulator and I need to get a new one. Does that sound likely? If so, any recommendations as to a better brand that will last longer?

Thanks,

Ken

20 Replies

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  • Skibane's avatar
    Skibane
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2022
    CA Traveler wrote:
    If it's not the regulator then you have a spare. There have been posts about oil in the propane lines which comes into the tank with the liquid propane.


    And a spare regulator is a good thing to have.

    It isn't expensive or difficult to install - and a lot of essential appliances in your RV rely on it.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 25, 2022
    If it's not the regulator then you have a spare. There have been posts about oil in the propane lines which comes into the tank with the liquid propane.
  • klutchdust's avatar
    klutchdust
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2022
    fallsrider wrote:
    I will most likely check everything out again before I order a new regulator. Thankfully, we're not going anywhere with the trailer over the next 3 or 4 weeks.


    Me, I try all options before I change stuff. If it were possible to open the valve up, disassemble or whatever, or blow a bit of air through the regulator ,maybe back flow i would try that. I had a small spider web in my gas line going to my heater. When the heater lit it billowed black smoke up the side of my Class C and I thought it was the end of it all.
    The issue does point to the regulator and after 8 years of service I think that was a good run. Alternatives? they appear to be about the same.
  • fallsrider's avatar
    fallsrider
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2022
    I will most likely check everything out again before I order a new regulator. Thankfully, we're not going anywhere with the trailer over the next 3 or 4 weeks.
  • fallsrider's avatar
    fallsrider
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2022
    klutchdust wrote:
    CA Traveler wrote:
    Tanks shut down with excessive flow, a safety device. Turn off the tank valves and then slowly open, might solve the problem.


    Also disconnect the line going into the tanks. I had the same issue and found the line to be faulty, it was holding pressure.
    I had both tanks (30 lb.) off this morning, so they were disconnected. Same problem when I hooked everything back up.
  • klutchdust's avatar
    klutchdust
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2022
    CA Traveler wrote:
    Tanks shut down with excessive flow, a safety device. Turn off the tank valves and then slowly open, might solve the problem.


    Also disconnect the line going into the tanks. I had the same issue and found the line to be faulty, it was holding pressure.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Jun 25, 2022
    CA Traveler wrote:
    Broken pipe or opening tank valve to fast can cause the valve to shut down, ie safety issue.

    Which likely isnt the OPs case.
    If working fine and then not, barring something weird like a kinked line in a slide out or something, it’s very likely the regulator.
    However, first turning tanks off and on. Disconnecting, or manually switching tank valve back n forth are worth a shot.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 25, 2022
    Broken pipe or opening tank valve to fast can cause the valve to shut down, ie safety issue.
  • fallsrider's avatar
    fallsrider
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2022
    CA Traveler wrote:
    Tanks shut down with excessive flow, a safety device. Turn off the tank valves and then slowly open, might solve the problem.
    I'll give that a try. Thanks. I was only using one burner on the stove, so I doubt there was excessive flow. But I will check that. It did continue to burn at a low flame, it didn't shut off completely. But it was barely enough of a flame to slow cook an omelette.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Jun 25, 2022
    Tanks shut down with excessive flow, a safety device. Turn off the tank valves and then slowly open, might solve the problem.

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