LP Gas SwitchOver Valve Thingy

[_1nobby]

Can an RV LP gas switchover valve go bad?

OK, ok...I guess anything can go bad.

But how common is it?

I have (had) 2 full 20lb tanks with only one turned on.

I pulled off my plastic tank cover to get at the batteries mounted behind....and when I did...big stink of gas and a nearly empty tank.

I put leak detect on everything with no leaks found....the only unknown is that switchover regulator thingy.

[gmw_photos]

Not only can they "go" bad, some start out bad. There was a recall last year on some of them:

https://www.ncconsumer.org/news-articles/mb-sturgis-issues-recall-for-auto-regulator-due-to-fire-ris...

Some of the new model Airstream trailers had these.

[allen8106]

I thought my regulator was bad too. Found out the pig tail hose connectors were bad. Those things have a high flow valve in them that automatically shuts off the flow of propane in a high flow situation to prevent high volumes of gas from leaking out. Once I changed out the pig tails all was well. I know you are dealing with a slightly different issue but it could be a problem with the pig tails and if you are smelling lots of gas under the hood it could very well be leaking past the valve out the vent.

[_1nobby]

Replaced the regulator and pig tails.

Leak is gone.

And then I had to REFILL a brand new tank. 🙂

[_1nobby]

Thank you everyone.

[Old-Biscuit]

YES.....the auto change over 2 stage regulator can and do leak.
Can leak from 'pin hole' vent on 1st stage
Can leak from 'screened' vent on 2nd stage
Can leak from crimped body

Pigtail hoses can leak at crimped fitting on hoses

[Slate_CM]

One of the hoses on mine leaked. TT was only 2 years old at the time. I was at my sister's house for a wedding. Good thing I discovered it before someone went out to have a smoke.

[2oldman]

Just replaced mine after 12 years.

[time2roll]

Good chance the valve is leaking. Soapy water or a sniffer should confirm.

If you have a choice I recommend Cavagna brand regulator and new pigtails (amazon).

[_1nobby]

Jetstreamer wrote:
I just replaced my 10 year old regulator. Always had a propane smell when I opened up the compartment.... No more smell.. Was told that the diaphragm can develop leaks after they get old.

I have the smell and an almost drained 1 month old tank....that was only used for appliance testing, so far.


Something is leaking!

[Jetstreamer]

I just replaced my 10 year old regulator. Always had a propane smell when I opened up the compartment.... No more smell.. Was told that the diaphragm can develop leaks after they get old.

[_1nobby]

In for a penny....in for a pound.

I ordered a new regulator and pig tails.

Local RV store.....$78.00 for the regulator.

Amazon....$56.00.

We'll see in 3-5 days. 🙂

[_1nobby]

Hornnumb2 wrote:
I thought mine was leaking at one time and replaced it only to found it seeping through the rubber hose coming off the regulator.

Another good point.

My regulator hoses are 8 years old but APPEAR to be good.

Maybe I should just keep spending $$ and buy a new set up and be done with it.

[Hornnumb2]

I thought mine was leaking at one time and replaced it only to found it seeping through the rubber hose coming off the regulator.

[_1nobby]

MudChucker wrote:
leak doesnt have to be at the bottles, it can be anywhere in the system...

You are certainly correct.

But the SMELL is coming from that location.

I'm asking if anyone has had a bad switchover regulator.