Propane Tank Pinging Sound

[PenMan]

I noticed a pinging sound while inside the trailer and traced the sound to the propane tanks. I couldn't find anything wrong. I noticed later that the automatic switchover regulator had switched to the full tank. Is it normal for a propane tank to make a noise when it gets close to empty? Everything that runs off of propane worked perfectly.

[PenMan]

That's weird. I'll have to try the touch test next time I have the TT out. I could tell which tank the sound was coming from but did not touch the tank or pigtail. It quit pinging when the regulator switched over to the full tank.

[Rubber_Ducky1]

Penman, I had the same problem on our new Wildwood Lodge. It was coming from the cylinder on the street side of trailer. I switched the cylinders from one side to the other. I still had the pinging sound. The dealer replaced the regulator which helped for a short time. The pinging returned and it was ALWAYS from the street side tank. One time when it was pinging I happened to grab hold of the pigtail that goes from that tank to the regulator. I could feel a vibration in that pigtail. Dealer replaced that pigtail and no more pinging.

[gazingm42]

I was told the pinging can occur because of the differences in propane it mixed with some limited amount of air. With higher altitudes which we live in can easily occur which you travel from altitude XY to XY+1000.

[path1]

Pinging is a good term. Or a small midget trapped inside the tank, taping the to let him out.

With ours it was only after propane hasn't been used for sometime. Then one day we smelt a little tiny whiff of propane. I was told the regulator has a rubber valve inside and is held in place with a spring that keeps rubber valve seated. I couldn't tell you for sure one way or another.

But I can tell you after changing the regulator we have no more pinging noise or tiny smell every now and then.

[rbpru]

Tanks, cylinders and bottles are all common parlance here.

Never had them make noise. Nice to know however.

[Fisherman]

PenMan wrote:
I noticed a pinging sound while inside the trailer and traced the sound to the propane tanks. I couldn't find anything wrong. I noticed later that the automatic switchover regulator had switched to the full tank. Is it normal for a propane tank to make a noise when it gets close to empty? Everything that runs off of propane worked perfectly.

I wouldn't exactly call it it a "ping" more like a lower tone "pong". don't laugh, I don't know what other noise to make. Mine does that mostly at warmer outside temps say around 80F and more and at a steady pace. All gas appliances work ok.

[Rookiecamper]

I apologize for using the word "TANK" instead of cylinder and obviously confusing everyone on this forum. Since I'm in the market for a new trailer, I've downloaded several window stickers from various manufacturers. Some refer to them as "cylinders", some refer to them as "bottles", and yes, EverGreen Recreational Vehicles lists "Dual 20# LP Tanks w/Cover". I may have "Rookie" in my name, but I've been around a little while.

[Old-Biscuit]

First off they are 'propane cylinders' not TANKS (tanks are permanently mounted like ones on MHs) :B

Pinging noise from a cylinder is typically because of bad mixture of propane/air or other gases. The other gases expand at a different rate than the propane and 'ping'

Humming noises or chatter noises are associated with regulators or the pigtail hoses.

When you have cylinder refilled make sure they open bleeder valve until is spews liquid

[Rookiecamper]

I had a tank in the back of my Expedition one time and I kept hearing a "ting" sound while driving. I stopped and moved things around and heard it when I moved the tank. I believe it was the internal float for the overflow protection that was bouncing off of the side of the tank. It was the one and only tank that ever did this to me. Perhaps the liquid level in your one tank just happens to be at the exact right level that this is happening...just a thought.

[Bigbird65]

I have never heard of that before either. How do you tell when the automatic switchover changes to the full cylinder?

Edit: Never mind I see how it changes over. Ran a test and it worked fine.

[dave17352]

Never heard of that before.