Propane not working.

[iamunique127]

I went to the trailer this morning and tried to start the fridge in preparation for an upcoming camping trip.

Both propane bottles are full but the propane will not flow. They have been turned off since our last trip earlier this year and everything worked fine then.

I turned on each bottle slowly and turned the bottle selector knob to each side but nothing works. The bottle selector doesn't turn green as it usually does.

I tried lighting the stove but there is no propane.

I have pulled the bottles and will try each of them on my home BBQ.

The bottle selector crapped-out on me last year so this is a new one. I suppose it may have gone bad again, but so soon? Also they are new hoses last year.



Any suggestions?

[iamunique127]

Both bottles work fine on the home bbq.

When the tank selector failed last year, it would only work on one side ie one bottle. It has worked since but I guess it could be shot again.

[SRS]

Originally Posted by iamunique127

Both bottles work fine on the home bbq.

When the tank selector failed last year, it would only work on one side ie one bottle. It has worked since but I guess it could be shot again.

It seems likely your regulator isn't functioning properly. It's possible the pigtailes and their excess flow prevention mechanism has gotten stuck or gone bad. If you have a spare pigtail, try replacing one of them. if that doesn't solve the problem, get a new regulator. Should last longer than a year but I'm not familiar with that brand.

If you need a new regulator get one of these I've found them to be very reliable and used them on several trailers.
https://www.amazon.com/Marshall-Exce...s%2C153&sr=8-1

[Donna D.]

I went through three regulators in the first two years. One was an expensive Marshall. Sometimes you just get crappy ones....

[Jim Bennett]

I agree that it pretty much has to be something with your regulator. There is nothing else that would stop the gas flow to the various appliances.

I assume you tried the furnace and stove, correct?

I replaced the regulator on my 50TA a couple years ago as it just would not feed from the one side. It did work on the other side and I had to swap bottles when one ran out. All is good now.

[MVA]

Did you (or did you have someone else) adjust the regulator pressure? The "stock" regulators ship from Marshall at 13" w.c., per their technical service. If the propane pressure was too high, at higher altitude, the fuel:air ratio would be too rich; personal experience. Before replacing the regulator, I would check the pressure, assuming you have experience with propane systems.

YMMV

[iamunique127]

I figured it must be the regulator so I removed it and took it to the local RV dealer. They tested it and neither side worked. Then they retested it and one side worked. On the third test both sides worked. They didn’t know why.

I brought it home and it worked with both my bottles so I re-installed it and all is well: stove and fridge work. Weird.

I’ll keep an eye on it and pick up a replacement on our travels if necessary.

I don’t have experience working with propane
so am unfamiliar with setting the pressure but will look into that if I continue to have trouble.

Thank you for all the quick replies.

[MVA]

OK - per that test, it appears to be the regulator. FWIW, the "two stage regulator" has a pin-hole orifice as the first stage, and then a spring actuated pin valve for the second stage (that is the one that is adjustable). Since the gas flow as erratic, it appears that the second stage valve is not operating correctly. You may be fortunate that with use, the pin valve seat cleans up with use.

Since you have a RV dealer you have confidence it, if you purchase a new regulator, I would have them set it to 11" w.c. to ensure it works well on all appliances.

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

I went through three regulators in the first two years. One was an expensive Marshall. Sometimes you just get crappy ones....

I guess I have been lucky. Even though I purchased a replacement regulator in the event mine failed when on a trip, the original regulator installed by ETI during the trailer’s build still works perfectly.

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by MVA

OK - per that test, it appears to be the regulator. FWIW, the "two stage regulator" has a pin-hole orifice as the first stage, and then a spring actuated pin valve for the second stage (that is the one that is adjustable). Since the gas flow as erratic, it appears that the second stage valve is not operating correctly. You may be fortunate that with use, the pin valve seat cleans up with use.

Since you have a RV dealer you have confidence it, if you purchase a new regulator, I would have them set it to 11" w.c. to ensure it works well on all appliances.

Thank you for the info, MVA. I'm not sure I have a lot of confidence in the RV dealer but they were able to help this time. They do stock a lot of common parts, too.

There is a local propane shop that is able to do the adjustments you describe. I'll look into that if I continue to have problems.

The Fairview brand of regulator I have seems to be common here. I bought this one at the propane shop and the same one is carried at the RV dealer.

If I need to pick one up while on the road I see there are Camco regulators available at some of the big box stores on our route .