Smell propane? Check pressure regulator...

[nremtp143]

While preparing for a weekend camping trip last Friday, I was hooking up the rig as normal. I had already turned on the propane tanks and had heard the fridge turn on, when I walked near the right front of the camper and could smell lots of propane. My Sandpiper has two tanks(as most of yours do) with one on each side of the camper(left side has auto change-over, right side has another regulator). When I opened the door to the compartment, I could hear the regulator spewing out propane. We had just came in from Myrtle Beach 9 days earlier and didn't have a problem( I don't think). I checked the tank, it still appeared pretty heavy so I don't think it was leaking on the way home from our vacation trip. Problem came in trying to find one to replace it. I called 4 RV dealers in my are and all had a 10 psi regulator, but only one had a couple of 30 psi regulators that my rig had on it. Of course, it was the dealer the greatest distance away:). I bought two of the regulators(one as a spare) and installed one of them in about 10 minutes after returning home. Not too big of a deal although the entire trip was almost scrapped due to not being able to find a 30 psi regulator. For $17 a piece, I now carry a spare. All the dealers say they usually see people having to replace them between 2-4 years. I had no idea they had this kind of average life span. Just wanted to share that this may be a spare piece of equipment that you may want to carry with you, else you may have a hard time finding one. Happy camping!

[houstown]

I am on my 4th 30 psi regulator for the street side of my 2010 fifth wheel. The other 3 said "made in India" The fourth one says "made in Mexico. I think I'm on a roll this time.

[mpierce]

Stuff that was built 30-40 years ago lasted for decades. Now, seems like in a few years it all fails. EVERYTHING falls under this. We only want to buy cheap, cheap cheap. Then, complain when it either does not work right, or fails way too early. We are getting the quality we are willing to pay for!

[nremtp143]

The one that went bad was a cast metal case(grey) with a plastic insert(red). Three of the dealers I talked to said that this is the type that is coming on most units now. The ones I bought to replace it are all cast metal(I know I use that term loosely), no visible plastic. I now wish I had taken a pic of it before I had them dispose of it but this is the new one
It is quite a bit larger and heavier than the original one. It just really makes me wonder how long it had leaked prior to this!?

[lpxguy]

my old TT needed one less than a yr old

[wildtoad]

Had similar experience in my Class A. Smelled what I thought was sewer. I park my MH near our septic tank. Started looking around and heard gas escaping. Turned out to be the regulator.

[greende]

Mine went within a year of getting the 5er. CW changed it out under warranty & all is good now.

[wborst]

I also had to replace my 30# regulator after 3 years. I also had a hard time finding one.

[BB_TX]

Had to replace mine after about 4 yrs due to a leak from it.

[larry_barnhart]

The best fix is to get a tech with propane certification and your problem will be solved. knowledge from him means safety for you and better sleeping for your wife.

chevman

[past-MIdirector]

In 35 years I've had two regulators go bad and both were over 10 years old. The rubber diaphragms can dry out and leak. It's always something to check before we fill the tank. I have a little $28 pocket tester.

[Buckeye_Chuck]

I never heard of the regulator breaking in just a couple of years. My last camper was 9 years old and still on the original regulators when I traded it in. No problems ever with them. Maybe I should have noted the brand of regulators I had,

-BC-

[3_dog_nights]

39 years of rv'ing I've had one with a problem. Also one with a leak in the gas line thanks to squirels. (alway's had a mental picture of the little guy biting into the line and his cheeks blowing up)