mystery propane leak

[alanaks]

My propane is loaded on the tongue of my trailer. I don't use it all that often, so I close the valve when I'm not immediately using it. One day I opened the valve to use it for the first time in months and a very strong smell escaped the tank. I would perhaps put up with just a tiny bit of propane on the nostril in the past, but you would have to be right next to it. On this occasion, the leak filled the immediate vicinity relatively quickly. I went to investigate but saw nothing out of ordinary! All the connections seem tight, and if it were a nick in the hose (which I can't see/feel) the leak would be constant rather than only when I open the valve for use. Has anyone had a similar issue?

[alanaks]

Thanks for all the advice, guys. I'm continuously amazed at how much there is to learn about trailer-life! It can be overwhelming at times, but not if I take it piece by piece as the learning opportunities present themselves. I'm not at home at the moment, but I will test out the theory that there is not leak when the valve is fully opened when I get return. Either way, I'm buying some of that yellow gasket tape!

Chris Bryant wrote:
It looks like you have teflon tape on the POL fitting- not a good thing- the original would be brass to brass, on the one you have, there is a rubber o-ring type seal.
The regulator is the wrong type, as well. It should be a 2 stage, with the vent vertical, not horizontal.
Lastly, white teflon should not be used on LP fittings- full density yellow is used, or better, pipe dope approved for LP use.

[alanaks]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

DutchmenSport wrote:
I looked at your profile after seeing your photos. I was wondering about the very narrow A-frame tongue in your photos. Wow! I was really surprised when I saw your camper in your profile! I had to do a Google search to see more images of your camper. I was 12 years old in 1967 (6th grade). My parents travel trailer was from that same era (1963) (see my profile).

And you live in your camper full time? Wow! Welcome to the forums, and by all means ... please continue to share your RV experiences.

(sorry, no help with your propane leak. I think the above comments pretty much covers it) Google Search ... really a throwback in time! Thanks!

[Wild_Card]

Dish soap and water in a spray bottle for leak detection...heavy on the soap.

[Old-Biscuit]

Biggest source of leak is most likely the 'packing gland' on the OPD Service Valve on that Blue Rhino Cylinder

Fully closed no leak
Fully opened no leak
Leaks when in mid travel between closed position and open position
Closed/Opened positions---valve disc is against seat and seals
When opening/closing packing around valve stem is suppose to seal....worn packing leaks

Use up that Blue Rhino and exchange it OR better yet BUY your OWN cylinder.
Blue Rhinos like anything rented/exchanged etc gets beat up/abused PLUS you get LESS propane

And YES/../......your set up is not right as mentioned above (Chris Bryant)
Wrong tape, wrong use of tape, wrong regulator------PLUS lack of pigtail hose with ACME Green Nut (and the safety features it provides)

[DutchmenSport]

I looked at your profile after seeing your photos. I was wondering about the very narrow A-frame tongue in your photos. Wow! I was really surprised when I saw your camper in your profile! I had to do a Google search to see more images of your camper. I was 12 years old in 1967 (6th grade). My parents travel trailer was from that same era (1963) (see my profile).

And you live in your camper full time? Wow! Welcome to the forums, and by all means ... please continue to share your RV experiences.

(sorry, no help with your propane leak. I think the above comments pretty much covers it) Google Search ... really a throwback in time! Thanks!

[Chris_Bryant]

It looks like you have teflon tape on the POL fitting- not a good thing- the original would be brass to brass, on the one you have, there is a rubber o-ring type seal.
The regulator is the wrong type, as well. It should be a 2 stage, with the vent vertical, not horizontal.
Lastly, white teflon should not be used on LP fittings- full density yellow is used, or better, pipe dope approved for LP use.

[handye9]

You have a leak.

Get some leak detection fluid. Available at many hardware stores, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. Looks like this. Rinse with clean water.

Turn on the propane, spray the fluid on the connections and hose (if you suspect it leaking), and it will bubble where it detects a leak.

You could do the same with soapy water in a spray bottle, but, soap is corrosive on the metal fittings. Make sure you rinse it "very" well.

PS

In your pictures, I see white Teflon tape was used on the connections. The white tape is made for water lines, not gas. Your connections should be done with yellow (gas line) tape, or joint compound. I would suspect a leak at one or more of the connections.