Propane leak?

[MountainHome]

Another newbie question -
I was trying out the different gas appliances in the trailer and thinking I had to turn both propane tanks at once I could smell the gas. I shut both off and just used one tank and no smell. Is this normal?

[DanPatWork]

Another newbie question -
I was trying out the different gas appliances in the trailer and thinking I had to turn both propane tanks at once I could smell the gas. I shut both off and just used one tank and no smell. Is this normal?

Was the smell inside the camper or outside? It sounds to me like you might have a leaky shutoff valve on one of your tanks if it was just outside.

[MountainHome]

Was the smell inside the camper or outside? It sounds to me like you might have a leaky shutoff valve on one of your tanks if it was just outside.

I could smell the gas when I openned the valve on both tanks on the outside of the trailer. I shut them both off and then just openned the valve on one of them and there was no smell. The tanks are connected by tubing to (I think) a regulator attached to the front of the trailer.

[DanPatWork]

I could smell the gas when I openned the valve on both tanks on the outside of the trailer. I shut them both off and then just openned the valve on one of them and there was no smell. The tanks are connected by tubing to (I think) a regulator attached to the front of the trailer.

Hopefully someone else on the board knows more about propane and propane accessories than I do. Where's Hank Hill when you need him ?

I almost wonder if the regulator might be leaking when it gets pressure from the 2 tanks, but not from just one. I would probably test this (outside) by opening both tanks, and leak checking all fittings, and the entire regulator. A light mixture of Dawn dish soap and water on all joints and the regulator should show bubbles, or allow you to hear a gurgling sound from a large leak.

[Joe MacDonald]

sounds like a bad connection or a bad hose going to the regulator. how about a picture?

[MountainHome]

Thank you Dan and Joe for your info - will try the soap and see what happens. The whole system looks as old as the trailer (92) I wonder how long the regulators and hoses last on these things. If it is a leak I dont think its something I will be able to fix (I couldn't find an exploding Emoticon). If I have to get new hoses and a new regulator does this mean the line that is under the trailer to the appliances needs replacing too - arrrggg I just want to go camping! - Is it better to go to an RV place or take it to a gas fitter/plumbing shop?

[Chester Taje]

Thank you Dan and Joe for your info - will try the soap and see what happens. The whole system looks as old as the trailer (92) I wonder how long the regulators and hoses last on these things. If it is a leak I dont think its something I will be able to fix (I couldn't find an exploding Emoticon). If I have to get new hoses and a new regulator does this mean the line that is under the trailer to the appliances needs replacing too - arrrggg I just want to go camping! - Is it better to go to an RV place or take it to a gas fitter/plumbing shop?

Any good RV shop should have a Qualified RV Tech----If so he or she can do a test on all your propane lines and find and repair any bad spots. I had mine done on a previous older unit, and did find a leak.