Propane not functioning

[Ev in Oregon]

(I'm hoping this isn't a duplicate thread -- I hit something I shouldn't have & my other thread went poof!)

I am suddenly without propane. And, no, it's not because the 2 tanks are empty

I have checked every connector attached to the regulator (the soapy water trick). I also checked the ones underneath the trailer leading to the stove, fridge, & water heater. I also checked the routing line itself for cracks, holes, etc.

Everything looks fine, which makes me wonder if it's the regulator. I've checked online for a replacement, but apparently the Model 260 is no longer available. I recall reading (on this forum?) some time back that any 2-stage regulator would work. Has anyone tried that? More importantly, am I on the right track, even slightly?

Thanks for any feedback you wanna' send my way. I always get top-notch advice from you folks.

P.S. Did I mention my fridge just bit the dust, too?!

[John in Michigan]

If the regulator, the hose from the tanks to the regulator, and/or the hose from the regulator to the camper are old, its a good idea to replace them. A 2 stage regulator should be used. These components accumulate gummy deposits over time.

Things to check:

- Make sure all appliance valves are closed before opening the propane tank valves, otherwise propane tank valve may cut off flow
- Try lighting the stove first
- May take a while to clear air out of the line before lighting

[Ev in Oregon]

Thank you, John, for the good advice. I should've mentioned that I live full-time in my Bigfoot, so the propane appliances are used on a daily basis. Quick as there's daylight & I can get to my helpful RV store, I'll get those lines replaced. Whether they're the culprits or not, sounds like good insurance.

[Steve L.]

May I know why you're sure you have propane in the tanks?

[gordon2]

Unless you have the proper knowledge and tools, including a manometer, than you really need to have your propane system tested by professionals.
See The RV Doctor: What the Pro's Do - Propane System and unless you can do the same as described in that article, get some professional assistance.
It is especially important to do this annually if you are full timing, to keep things operating properly and safely. (Note that I DIY almost everything, except this).

If there is a leak, your soapy water test might find it. Or it might not. A pressure drop test is also needed to test for leaks and that the system can hold pressure.

And of course you should have a propane detector alarm, which I think you do.

Yes the regulator might be bad, you might have a blockage (corrosion from moisture, etc). And if your fridge stopped working on propane then the cause might be the same. Low pressure in the propane system can cause a propane fridge to stop working.

[MAP 56]

Some times if you turn the valve to fast the regulator can read this as a broken line and shut down .seen this befor .try turning them on slow .just an idea. and after that wate 3 to 4 minutes befor lighting. my big foot is like thatand my truck camper .all have new regulators.Happy Trails

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by Ev in Oregon

(I'm hoping this isn't a duplicate thread -- I hit something I shouldn't have & my other thread went poof!)

I am suddenly without propane. And, no, it's not because the 2 tanks are empty

I have checked every connector attached to the regulator (the soapy water trick). I also checked the ones underneath the trailer leading to the stove, fridge, & water heater. I also checked the routing line itself for cracks, holes, etc.

Everything looks fine, which makes me wonder if it's the regulator. I've checked online for a replacement, but apparently the Model 260 is no longer available. I recall reading (on this forum?) some time back that any 2-stage regulator would work. Has anyone tried that? More importantly, am I on the right track, even slightly?

Thanks for any feedback you wanna' send my way. I always get top-notch advice from you folks.

P.S. Did I mention my fridge just bit the dust, too?!

Try what we did when our propane wasn't working right. Turn on just one tank off and on a few times kind of slowly. Sometimes they get an air lock. Your fridge may not be dead. Have you tried it on electric? If you are not getting propane then the fridge won't work either. This was our experience that just happened in our motorhome in June. We talked to a repairman and he said that was the problem. If turning on and off the tank a few times doesn't work then it may be the regulator. I'd take it to someone at a propane place and let them check it.

[Ev in Oregon]

Thanks so much, everyone! I just knew you folks would come through.

Sometimes women get taken to the cleaners when it comes to getting things repaired, & I try to learn as much as I can about what makes my sweet Bigfoot tick. That way I'm not going into a situation blind. I'm planning on having the system checked by a pro, for sure.

BTW, my fridge died 2 weeks ago, before this propane issue. I discovered a pinhole in one of the coils in the cooling unit, leaking copious amounts of ammonia. I'm borrowing a small dorm-like fridge, which is working out pretty good. I've decided to deal with just one major issue at a time for now, so you may be hearing from me down the road.

Thanks again; Happy Trails, everyone!

[Borrego Dave]

Bummer Ev, I remember firing my refer up and 10 minutes later going in to that overpowering smell.....and see $1200 leaving my wallet. But that was 15 years ago and I can laugh about it now .

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Ev in Oregon

T...

Sometimes women get taken to the cleaners when it comes to getting things repaired, & I try to learn as much as I can about what makes my sweet Bigfoot tick. That way I'm not going into a situation blind. I'm planning on having the system checked by a pro, for sure...

Not just women. It is always best to be an educated consumer. Not only can you handle many things yourself then, you also know when to call for help and what to expect when you do.

That's why I like the link i provided. It tells you what to expect when you get your propane system serviced, and how to tell if they are not doing a good enough job.

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by Jann Todd

Try what we did when our propane wasn't working right. Turn on just one tank off and on a few times kind of slowly. Sometimes they get an air lock.

Not sure if air lock is the right term.
For the life of me, I can't remember what it's called at the moment. Possibly safety valve, check valve?

When the valve is opened too quickly and there is no back pressure in the line the tank or regulator shuts off the gas flow. It has happened to me on the BBQ @ home.

I found a thread elsewhere that gives simple instructions on how to reset the valve.
Reset safety shuttoff, Propane tank, full won't flow

[Ev in Oregon]

Originally Posted by Borrego Dave

Bummer Ev, I remember firing my refer up and 10 minutes later going in to that overpowering smell.....and see $1200 leaving my wallet. But that was 15 years ago and I can laugh about it now .

Thanks for the humor, Dave, I need it right about now! With an older travel trailer, you expect spendy repairs at some point, esp. if you live in it full-time. I just didn't think they'd come all at once (Murphy's Law?). The bright side is that now I'll have all new stuff.

[Ev in Oregon]

Originally Posted by gordon2

Not just women. It is always best to be an educated consumer. Not only can you handle many things yourself then, you also know when to call for help and what to expect when you do.

That's why I like the link i provided. It tells you what to expect when you get your propane system serviced, and how to tell if they are not doing a good enough job.

Awesome link, Gordon2, thank you!

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by Ev in Oregon

Thanks so much, everyone! I just knew you folks would come through.

Sometimes women get taken to the cleaners when it comes to getting things repaired, & I try to learn as much as I can about what makes my sweet Bigfoot tick. That way I'm not going into a situation blind. I'm planning on having the system checked by a pro, for sure.

BTW, my fridge died 2 weeks ago, before this propane issue. I discovered a pinhole in one of the coils in the cooling unit, leaking copious amounts of ammonia. I'm borrowing a small dorm-like fridge, which is working out pretty good. I've decided to deal with just one major issue at a time for now, so you may be hearing from me down the road.

Thanks again; Happy Trails, everyone!

Check out a few things on the fridge. If it is not real old it may be under a recall. Many fridges have had recalls and they may replace it for free. Some were for what you mentioned and do not need to be under warranty and may be several years old. Check online on the brand of fridge under recalls on it. You will need the serial number and model number which should be on the back of the fridge or inside the door someplace. You are using a dorm-like fridge but that means you must be plugged into shore power or running a generator at all times to keep it cold. That makes travel difficult. Good luck.

[Joe MacDonald]

most fridges can be re-cored as well, a fraction of the price, if the body is in good shape
Joe

[Ev in Oregon]

Propane issue resolved! It was the regulator. Odd as this may sound, I believe there's always a positive side to bad stuff. In this case, I now have a regulator with a switch-over valve (maybe they weren't standard equipment in 1988?).

I also replaced the 2 hoses that connect from the regulator to the propane bottles. Seemed like good insurance, & they were relatively inexpensive. (Seems like an oxymoron to say "relatively inexpensive" and "RV" in the same sentence!)

Thank you again, everyone. It's nice to have friends in high places.

[Raz]

Thanks for taking the time to tell the solution to your problem. Alot of folks don't bother. Imagine you're someone with a similar problem. Knowing what your issue was may help them.

[Ev in Oregon]

Originally Posted by Raz

Thanks for taking the time to tell the solution to your problem. Alot of folks don't bother. Imagine you're someone with a similar problem. Knowing what your issue was may help them.

Absolutely! That's how I've learned a whole lot on this forum. (BTW, love your sock monkey, Raz. BFF!)

[Jann Todd]

[QUOTE=Ev in Oregon;655260]Propane issue resolved! It was the regulator. Odd as this may sound, I believe there's always a positive side to bad stuff. In this case, I now have a regulator with a switch-over valve (maybe they weren't standard equipment in 1988?).

I also replaced the 2 hoses that connect from the regulator to the propane bottles. Seemed like good insurance, & they were relatively inexpensive. (Seems like an oxymoron to say "relatively inexpensive" and "RV" in the same sentence!)

Thank you again, everyone. It's nice to have friends in high places.
So happy your problem is fixed and you are safe now. If you turn on both tanks and the switch over happens you will not know and you can run out of propane. We prevent this by leaving one tank closed until it runs out then turn on the full tank. There's nothing worse than running your furnace on a cold morning and finding both tanks empty, your fridge getting warm or running out while cooking a meal. When one tank is empty you can have it filled and be confident of never running out of propane especially when boondocking.

[Glenn Baglo]

I turn on both tanks so that I don't wake up in the middle of the night because the furnace has quit and the fridge isn't running. That's the whole point of auto switch-over. All you have to do is look at the gauge on the switch-over to see when a tank has run empty.