Forum Discussion

Byrogie's avatar
Byrogie
Explorer
Sep 01, 2021

Gas regulator issue, or Fridge?

2019 Montana High Country 5th wheel
There has been a variable whine sound coming from propane tank area for some time, either side whichever is in service, various tank levels. It is totally random, might not hear it for days, then it's on for a day or so. Last time leaving, the sound was happening, and I switched the battery disconnect and it stopped. I did not mean to as I wanted to leave the fridge on this time. Switched back and the sound renewed.
So now I know it is related to the fridge, of which I have had issues with for 2 years, on 2nd new cooling unit. Was operating reasonably well recently in cooler weather. Dometic RM1350

Thoughts?
  • Byrogie's avatar
    Byrogie
    Explorer
    Sep 08, 2021
    Update from this past weekend:
    Heard a low whine second day in. Shut off fridge, stopped. Lit stove, whine came back. So looks like regulator? That would be 2 bad ones in a row, including original as we bought trailer new.
  • Bird_Freak's avatar
    Bird_Freak
    Explorer II
    Sep 04, 2021
    Mine did the same thing. Replaced propane regulator. problem solved.
  • Vintage465's avatar
    Vintage465
    Nomad
    Sep 03, 2021
    I doubt if it's your fridge. Generally speaking the more use/flow thru a reg. will cause more singing(whine). I would think that your should be able to duplicate the sound using an alternate source of flow as rdhetrick mentioned. Though I've not noticed my reg singing, I do know factually that all natural gas regs sing under use. I may not hear mine 'cause I'm somewhat hearing impair.......well, my wife thinks so anyhow. You can have your pressure checked, or check it yourself for lock-up(no flow) and for flow. Should be real close to 11" water column when flowing. Or you can change it and see/listen if the new one sings to ya.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 02, 2021
    Which compartment?
    Do you have an inverter and is it in same compartment?
  • Byrogie's avatar
    Byrogie
    Explorer
    Sep 02, 2021
    OP here
    Further info: Noise comes from either compartment, whichever is in service.
    Main regulator replaced previously, no change.
    Will turn off fridge and check stove this weekend if it happens, it is random both in frequency and intensity.
    And yes, the sound stopped immediately after fridge was turned off.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Sep 02, 2021
    rdhetrick wrote:
    Turn off the DC, light the stove, does the sound come back?


    May or may NOT. The refer uses very little LP while the Stove uses a lot. Doug
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Sep 02, 2021
    enblethen wrote:
    Propane whine noise would not disappear when DC is disconnected. It would if thew rig is equipped with solenoid to shut flow of propane. Solenoid is located near regulator.
    It would be more noticeable to be fan. Fans start to make noises as they begin to fail. Would have to move around outside the rig to isolate.


    YES IT WOULD. When DC disconnected, the refer shuts OFF and the LP of the refer shuts OFF with no LP being used. Hence the whine stops. Doug
  • Boon_Docker's avatar
    Boon_Docker
    Explorer III
    Sep 02, 2021
    Maybe a couple seconds for the propane to quit flowing through the regulator.

    When the fridge shuts off because of no power, propane flow stops immediately.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Sep 01, 2021
    refer uses so littl epropane it would take a while to relieve pressure sufficient to be noticable.

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