Slight smell where the LP Gas cylinders are located normal?

[sgolembiewski09]

My fifth wheel is parked right now. When I close the tank valves there is no smell, but when I open them there is a slight propane smell. It is present all the time and not overwhelming. I read about pressure relief valves... any thoughts on the topic? Do most people with 5th wheels experience a constant "slight-smell"?

[djousma]

Not normal, however Propane gas is heavier than air, and is why, I assume that the "floor" of my LP tank compartments are open mesh to let any excess gas escape. I dont know if all enclosed LP compartments are made that way, but I'd almost guess its a requirement for this very reason.

[DutchmenSport]

I had a similar problem with my new Montana High Country 5er. There was a slight smell, seemed like, all the time. I used so much Dawn and soaped up those 30 pound tanks and hoses and connections looking for leaks, they should stay clean for years now!

I always use one tank at a time, and the other is turned off completely. When one goes empty, I flip over to the other one, and turn the first one completely off. It made no difference which one was on and the other off.

Well,.... after many many fill-ups (because we used the trailer over last winter), I realized one day I didn't smell "it" any more. I did not do anything different, except give everything a super-duper bath. And to this day, there is still no more propane smell. I don't know what happened different. But I'm glad the smell is gone.

[pcm1959]

No, not normal. I had to replace both hoses on my brand new fiver. The manufacturer installed hoses that were really too short.
As others have mentioned, check to find the exact source of the leak. If indeed it is the hoses, replaces with longer quality hoses.

[JRscooby]

RoyB wrote:
This was one of my draw backs for fifth wheel trailers... My two propane tanks are directly under my front bed overhang haha...


I have the same problem on my POPUP layout... I have two big tanks under the front tent bed setup...

But with a POPUP the tent will not seal you or gas in.

[RoyB]

This was one of my draw backs for fifth wheel trailers... My two propane tanks are directly under my front bed overhang haha...

I would most definitely inspect for where the leak smell is coming from... Doesn't sound normal to me...

The little things sneak up on you in the middle of the night haha... Then they are not little anymore...

I have the same problem on my POPUP layout... I have two big tanks under the front tent bed setup...

Roy Ken

[Scooter_Alfa]

No you have a problem.

[Lynnmor]

Be sure to turn the tank valves completely open till they are tight to prevent leaking around the valve shaft.

[opnspaces]

Make sure you get some soapy water on the breather port at the bottom of the regulator. I'll bet the diaphragm is failing. No it is not normal, you should never smell Propane unless you disconnect a line..

[Old-Biscuit]

You should spray all connections/fittings with soapy solution and look for signs of leaking (bubbles) WITH the cylinder valves OPEN

Spray the valve
Spray the Large Green ACME Nut
Spray the area behind the Nut where hose connects
Spray the LP regulator....crimped body, hose fittings, vent holes (small pin hole pin 1st stage and 1/2" screened vent on 2nd stage)


We would get a slight whiff after having cylinders filled....propane residue from bleeder valve.
Otherwise......NO