I get an occasional propane smell from my 16-year-old Marshall two-tank, two-stage auto-changeover regulator, so I think it's llived its best years. It seems that all the regulators available as direct replacement have about a 20% chance of failure, either right out of the box or in the first year, based on Amazon and other vendor reviews. This is not encouraging when the tanks are a thin wall away from my head when I'm sleeping.I never use the auto-changeover feature anyway as I don't trust both tanks being left open at once, and running the risk that I run completely out of propane without realizing the regulator has switched over. Does anyone make a good, reliable RV regulator that can be switched over manually but lacks the auto feature? Alternately, can someone point me to an auto regulator that is at least, say, 95% reliable?

How about something like this. Looks like it's a single regulator with a T-valve and hoses going to each tank. This is something you could do yourself, and have 100% control over which tank is on. And its definitely not "automatic switchover"Web site where this came from: Click here.

Have had two different brands over the years and both worked just fine. If you don't leave both tanks open, you can get the first one to run out at 3am and freeze to death from no furnace. Of course it will be raining that night and you have to go out in your PJs to switch over.You can't run out from the second tank if you do your regular "rounds" of your rig in the morning to see if the regulator has turned red yet. Of course you do not turn the switch over to the second tank and make it go green until you remove the first tank to go get it refilled.Not a problem!

DutchmenSport, that's interesting, thank you! I'll read up on it.BFL13, you made no answer to my question, just suggested I change the way I do things. I've been doing it my way for well over 30 years now and never run into those situations you describe, "Not a problem!" for me either. It's obvious we both have different approaches, but what we do obviously works for us. Thank you for your advice, just the same, I do see merit in your comments.The question remains - can anyone point me to a highly reliable two-tank valve of either type, in addition to the assembly DutchmenSport suggests? Someone here once recommended the Rego line as dependable American-made regulators, but the local Rego dealer tells me that Rego told him (upon trying to track down my part number) that they no longer make a regulator suitable for RV use. So the search continues...Thanks, folks!

16 years from the Marshall seems like it served you well. They are still highly rated. Cavagna is top rated as well. Doesn't seem to be a true manual one that I can find. I had this Rego bookmarked so I'm not sure if it is still available but it says for stationary or portable.rego

Bob213, you are right, the current one has served me well. But it seems any of them, including Cavagna, Fairview, Marshall, and especially Camco, have their share of failures. Perhaps it is not as bad as it seems, since people are more likely to complain about a bad experience than they are to share a positive experience in the reviews.

Anyone Make a 2-Tank Regulator that is Not Auto-Changeover?

wopachop
Explorer
Aug 10, 2019
I have a buddy who is very mechanically inclined and has owned trailers for at least 20 years. He noticed a slight propane smell from my trailer and told me the auto regulators are known to leak unless you keep both tank valves open.

We didnt discuss different brands. Was just a quick tip he told me.

Actually as im thinking back now i can remember if he said both HOSES need to be attached.....or if both tank valves need to be open.
JRscooby
Explorer II
Aug 10, 2019
I would thing any good regulator with a tee on the input side would do what you want. Just close the valve on the MT tank before open the full.
My Dad liked the auto change, but had a issue with his old camper. When the valve switched, the fridge would go out sometimes. He decided that while the tank was off being filled air would get in the line. When air bubble got to fridge, food warms. He put a tee in just ahead of regulator and a small valve to outside. Hook up fresh filled tank, close valve on other, open the new, then the little valve for just a second or 2. Open valve on the other tank, make sure drawing from the right one...
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 10, 2019
Any automatic regulator will run fine with either cylinder turned off. No need for something special.
I recommend Cavagna brand regulator and pigtails if spending money.
Woodtroll
Explorer
Aug 09, 2019
BFL13 wrote:

Except for bears and cougars :) Send your dog out first!

https://www.goldstreamgazette.com/news/bear-bites-dog-owner-punches-bear-in-a-northern-b-c-encounter/

Haha! Yes indeed, some places are riskier than others. We do have an increasing population of black bears that cause nuisance problems in many of the places we stay, but the most persistent animal problem we usually face is entitled raccoons that believe they should have access to our locked wooden food box! They get kind of grouchy when they can't get in, amd sometimes tear up things in apparent spite. :B

There are rumors of mountain lions here in the Eastern Appalachians, but no proven populations.

Safe camping, sir, and thanks again!
BFL13
Explorer II
Aug 09, 2019
Woodtroll wrote:
SoundGuy wrote:
And so what if it did ever happen, it's not like death is on your doorstep if you do go outside! :S

Exactly; I’ll take that risk! :)

Thanks again, everyone.

Except for bears and cougars :) Send your dog out first!

https://www.goldstreamgazette.com/news/bear-bites-dog-owner-punches-bear-in-a-northern-b-c-encounter/
Woodtroll
Explorer
Aug 09, 2019
SoundGuy wrote:
And so what if it did ever happen, it's not like death is on your doorstep if you do go outside! :S

Exactly; I’ll take that risk! :)

Thanks again, everyone.
D_E_Bishop
Explorer
Aug 09, 2019
Check here and then order from your local dealer.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Aug 09, 2019
troubledwaters wrote:
Just buy a direct replacement auto change over regulator and use it like you have been.

X2!! No need to make this any more complicated - K.I.S.S. and simply replace the aged auto changeover regulator with another and be done with it. The OP isn't alone, many of us choose to run our regulator manually, running just one tank at a time 'til it empties then manually switching to the second tank. Not once have I ever had to get up in the middle of a cold, rainy night to switch the regulator over to the second tank. And so what if it did ever happen, it's not like death is on your doorstep if you do go outside! :S
troubledwaters
Explorer III
Aug 09, 2019
Buying a regulator and tee valve will cost just as much or more then the auto changeover regulator. Just buy a direct replacement auto change over regulator and use it like you have been.
Chris_Bryant
Explorer II
Aug 09, 2019
As has been pointed out, a two stage regulator with a check valve equipped T is what you want.

Forum Discussion

Anyone Make a 2-Tank Regulator that is Not Auto-Changeover?

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Water pressure regulator...

propane regulator

Voltage Regulator

Whole house pressure regulator

30 amp voltage regulators