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Seawind36's avatar
Seawind36
Explorer
May 27, 2013

propane regulator blew apart?

WE went camping over the weekend and came home last night. The trailer is sitting in the driveway and my daughter was getting ready to leave. She came back in the house and asked us what was on the front of the trailer. When asked what, she said that white thing - because there was hissing coming from it. I then realized that she was talking about the propane. Went out and took the plastic cover off and the top of the regulator was gone and the spring was on the ground. Anyone ever see this happen? Is it just a matter of age and worn out or could it be the sign of a problem? We would appreciate any input you can give on this. We have never owned a trailer before and so far everything we've learned has been from a dealer. Of course, they want to make money, so I'm learning to double check! LOL

6 Replies

  • Seawind36's avatar
    Seawind36
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    Thanks for the lesson, Old-Biscuit! Always enjoy learning something new.

    As for time to replace - that was glarinly obvious when the whole cap was gone and the propane was leaking out! LOL :-)
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 28, 2013
    Your regulator is a 2 stage design


    Gas from cylinder enters (#5) to 1st stage, which reduces pressure to 10-15# and then enters 2nd stage. When demand for gas occurs the 2nd stage reduces pressure to 11" WC (roughly .4#----four tenths of one psi)

    #3 in diagram is vent for 2nd stage (1st stage has a vent also...very tiny hole)
    Vents allow air to move in/out in spring chamber above diaphragms.
    If plugged diaphragm can be damaged and leak.

    Also diaphragms weaken as they age and become brittle.

    Yours leaked......time to replace.
  • 69_Avion's avatar
    69_Avion
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    Most of the new regulators aren't manufactured to be rebuilt. They are throw away units. I would replace it with a quality unit.
  • brownie_bear's avatar
    brownie_bear
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    Happened to me a few weeks ago. Trailer is a 1994 so I was not too surprised. Looks like the plastic cracked from age. Replaced the regulator and all is good.
  • Seawind36's avatar
    Seawind36
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    I will probably check with both. The dealer would replace the part if I had them do it, but we will probably do it ourselves. Just want to be sure I learn about it before I call them tomorrow.
  • tanman32225's avatar
    tanman32225
    Explorer
    May 28, 2013
    I personally never have seen or heard of it but I would talk directly to a propane filling company and get their input. I think they would be better informed than the dealer who only fills tanks.

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