Propane regulator question. Vent? Angle?

[AKSCAMP]

I'm having trouble with my old gravity heater staying lit and I think it may be the regulator, which is brand new.
The heater will start fine, but always start choking for propane at some point in the night and go out. Not cool in Alaska The thermocoupler will then do it's thing and shut everything down, as it does when starting if pilot not held down long enough.
So, when I bought the regulator at an RV place, it says "this side down" and on the opposite side is a black threaded cap. I've been using it with that side down horizontally, but I just saw this vertical mounting on the scamp site-- https://shop.scamptrailers.com/p-360...regulator.aspx

Is that what they mean by "this side down"? must be vertically mounted?
And, what is that black cap for? Do I leave it shut tight or vented or off?

[Spanke]

You didn't say if you have one or two tanks.

If you have one tank and your regulator looks likes this:



The regulator should be mounted horizontal.


If you have one tank and your regulator looks like this:



The regulator should be mounted vertical.


If you have two tanks then your regulator probably looks like this:



This regulator should be mounted vertical. It is a changeover regulator to switch from one tank to the other.

There should also be either cast in lettering on the back stating "in" and "out" or have an arrow cast on the back to show the direction of propane flow.

The black threaded cap is part of the regulator and should remain as is. In other words don't mess with it!

Hope this helps

Spanke

[cpaharley2008]

The reason for this mounting is there is a little vent built into the regulator to release any excess gas and it should not be exposed to the rain. It is located at the end of the protrusion from the black cap.

[AKSCAMP]

Thanks! Yes I have the 2nd style there and now I see the small black grill vent at the end of the protrusion that should be pointed down, which requires a vertical mounting.
Mine has always been horizontal on the frame, so hopefully that solves the issue.
Still wonder why that cap is threaded, but alas, time to go design a mount.

[Donna D.]

IF you ever decide to dump that OLD gravity heater... there's a bunch of folks here that would love to have it

[AKSCAMP]

ha
Got the regulator vertically mounted on the frame rail and did a trial run. The old heater was kicking out the jams for the 1/2 hour I left it on high. No issues. It was a cozy fiberglass sauna when I went to check on it.
Looks like I'll be camping this weekend even though snow at 1000' is predicted.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by AKSCAMP

ha
Got the regulator vertically mounted on the frame rail and did a trial run. The old heater was kicking out the jams for the 1/2 hour I left it on high. No issues.

this group is always happy to hear from another happy customer