Propane Pigtail

TaftCoach · 11-28-2021, 05:00 PM

I have a no leak that becomes a small leak that becomes a loud, big leak, when I move one of my tanks. A soap test makes me believe it is the pigtail fitting at the regulator. So before I order a random pigtail from Amazon I thought I would ask for a recommendation here.

**JFlightRisk** · 11-28-2021, 05:30 PM

We replaced our ageing pigtails with stainless braided lines from MB Sturgis. I checked the regulator side ends first to identify either inverted flare, or 1/4 pipe thread fittings. Ours were inverted flare.

A side story to this, one of the hoses ended up having two very very tiny hairline cracks on the tank side brass fitting. I called MB Sturgis directly, and without hesitation sent out a new hose, and said to destroy the bad one, which I did. Great customer service on their part. Just my .03 worth.

TaftCoach · 11-28-2021, 06:35 PM

Thank you, it seems like one of those items that spending more makes sense.

**JFlightRisk** · 11-28-2021, 09:02 PM

A good friend replaced one of his hoses with an unknown cheapo brand, and the outside layer split and cracked inside of two years. I pointed it out to him, and replaced it with one of my old ones. (Don't ask me why I carry all these things around with me, even I don't know). I don't know if it made a difference, but the connecting knob to the tank was a much lighter green color than most I've seen. The rubber hose really crumbled on him. and they're under a tank cover like most are.

I switched ours out only as preventative maintenance. i wasn't sure if they had a life span.

**Midnightmoon** · 11-28-2021, 09:18 PM

It's not just you. I carry several spares and I know that I have both NPT and inverted flare.

**JFlightRisk** · 11-28-2021, 09:30 PM

I do feel better about that now. I do believe in being prepared for the unexpected.

**Midnightmoon** · 11-28-2021, 09:33 PM

I even have a flare to NPT adapter I believe in there somewhere.

**JFlightRisk** · 11-28-2021, 09:43 PM

That's a great idea. I need to check the brass in the garage for one to toss in.

travelingjw · 12-09-2021, 07:22 PM

I also replaced mine with stainless steel braid from MB Sturgis because JFlightRisk told me to do so. And I always listen to those of the oh so wise site team. They have been excellent! Those hoses....yea, I guess the site team too!

**JFlightRisk** · 12-09-2021, 07:55 PM

Aww! You're making me blush.

Bayoutalker · 12-18-2021, 04:06 PM

I've replaced mine twice in 4 years. The last time I replaced them with braided stainless ones from Amazon and so far so good. I also bought longer ones. The originals were barely long enough and had a hard bend. The longer ones have enough slack to avoid a bind.

Thomson · 12-18-2021, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

Aww! You're making me blush.

My first TT was a 1988. The first time I replaced the propane pig tails was in 1996. Not because they leaked, they were getting stiff and I thought they might break. The second set went with the TT when it was totaled in a hail storm in 2003. So 8 years and 7. Now I had to replace the pig tails after 2 years because one leaked. In addition to China bomb tires we have literally China bomb pig tails. Starting to believe not to buy rubber products from China.

**norty1** · 12-18-2021, 05:27 PM

Mine came with 12" pigtails and I replaced them with 20". Much easier to adjust the tanks so they don't hit the door jam.

Yooper906 · 12-18-2021, 06:38 PM

[QUOTE=Thomson;1017103 Now I had to replace the pig tails after 2 years because one leaked. In addition to China bomb tires we have literally China bomb pig tails. Starting to believe not to buy rubber products from China.[/QUOTE]

I agree. I look for American made products first. More than one reason I do this.

Mikec557 · 12-18-2021, 07:11 PM

On my Keystone Cougar (Thor owned), there's a recall on the two stage, two tank, auto switch over regulator. Something like 80,000 units. Does the recall effect Jayco?

My regulator failed about a week ago, so I had reason to handle the Pigtails mentioned here. Two years old and they're hard as a rock. I'll soon be looking for the SS hoses mentioned above. Thanks for the info. (but first I have to find a new regulator, which are now scarce as hen's teeth. LOL)

robert5733 · 12-18-2021, 07:21 PM

I bought four pigtails from Marshall Excelsior off Amazon with 5 year warranty because they are made in the USA. Didn’t put them on right away, so I passed my Amazon return window. All four leaked from both ends and gas leak detector even detected propane in the middle of the hose. Called Marshall Excelsior and they told me they wouldn’t honor the warranty if not bought from one of their authorized distributors. Told I have to go through the place of purchase for claim which Amazon says it’s past their return date and I have to go through Marshall Excelsior. I bought Camco hoses and they appear to be fine, only time will tell I guess.

TaftCoach · 12-18-2021, 09:52 PM

Thanks everyone. I think I just took a graduate class in pig tails.

**JFlightRisk** · 12-18-2021, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikec557

On my Keystone Cougar (Thor owned), there's a recall on the two stage, two tank, auto switch over regulator. Something like 80,000 units. Does the recall effect Jayco?

My regulator failed about a week ago, so I had reason to handle the Pigtails mentioned here. Two years old and they're hard as a rock. I'll soon be looking for the SS hoses mentioned above. Thanks for the info. (but first I have to find a new regulator, which are now scarce as hen's teeth. LOL)

The recall affects several RV brands, for multiple years. The last I've read it was for Jayco, KZ, Heartland, Forest River, Keystone, Highland Ridge, StarCraft, and maybe more. I haven't read an actual number of regulators that are affected, but it is a lot, and the other aftermarket brands supply was quickly scooped up. It will take some time for supplies to catch up.

thenne1713 · 12-18-2021, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

A good friend replaced one of his hoses with an unknown cheapo brand, and the outside layer split and cracked inside of two years. I pointed it out to him, and replaced it with one of my old ones. (Don't ask me why I carry all these things around with me, even I don't know). I don't know if it made a difference, but the connecting knob to the tank was a much lighter green color than most I've seen. The rubber hose really crumbled on him. and they're under a tank cover like most are.

I switched ours out only as preventative maintenance. i wasn't sure if they had a life span.

MFR says leak test annually and replace every 2-3 years; propane leak is not only nuisance, but a fire safety risk.

Mikec557 · 12-19-2021, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFlightRisk

The recall affects several RV brands, for multiple years. The last I've read it was for Jayco, KZ, Heartland, Forest River, Keystone, Highland Ridge, StarCraft, and maybe more. I haven't read an actual number of regulators that are affected, but it is a lot, and the other aftermarket brands supply was quickly scooped up. It will take some time for supplies to catch up.

Not that this article is authoritative, but it says Jayco is recalling 87,000. I thought I read elsewhere that Keystone/Thor was recalling that same number. Maybe it's 87,000 total across multiple makers, I don't know.

I would just suggest anyone checking and/or replacing Pigtails take a look at their regulator to see if they're effected.

Also, here's a pdf I found that explains a little more about the regulator problem.

https://www.rvtravel.com/87000-jayco...ane-fire-risk/

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