Propane Regulator

TAK14Swift · 07-25-2018, 06:29 AM

I am pretty sure I have a bad propane regulator. When the trailer was new, it came with the dual tank type regulator with the selector lever. It was replaced once under warranty and now I suspect its gone again. The tanks have propane but I can't get any propane to any appliances. The green/red indicator shows red on either tank.
I am considering replacing with a simple one tank regulator since I don' t use propane much.

My question is would I replace it with a two stage regulator? The manual states that if this type is used the second stage must be adjusted by a technician with a manometer.
Does anyone have any experience with also.

Also any recommended regulator brands would be appreciated.

Thanks

**norty1** · 07-25-2018, 06:41 AM

You need a 2 stage regulator. I have changed several and they work fine out of the box.

I would just get a replacement change over regulator, they are not much if any difference in price. Mine went bad 3 years ago and it was a easy swap out. I think my new brand was Camco. Marshall was the gold standard and I think someone is making those again.

Make sure to use Yellow teflon tape with propane.

https://www.amazon.com/MARSH-EXCEL-M.../dp/B00KPR9Q30

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Double-.../dp/B0024ECBCA

TAK14Swift · 07-25-2018, 06:56 AM

That's good information! Camco is a brand that seems to be readily available.

Thanks for your reply.

Bassdogs · 07-25-2018, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAK14Swift

That's good information! Camco is a brand that seems to be readily available.

Thanks for your reply.

Readily available for sure but the best? Not so much. Camco products are widely sold at Camping World and other big box stores. They specialize in replacement parts and other camping supplies and are generally pretty good. They are not the best and for roughly the same $$ you can get a regulator made by Marshall. I replaced the one on my Whawk with a Marshall regulator purchased on Amazon. Also installed the same regulator on the propane line feeding my gas range at home. They work great.

GarlicDude · 07-25-2018, 08:30 AM

My Chinese regulator failed on our second trip, could have had it replaced under warranty with another Chinese unit. Bought a couple of Marshalls, installed one and one for the spares box.

John from Central Florida · 07-25-2018, 08:41 AM

X-2 on the Marshalls

33 RLDS · 07-25-2018, 08:49 AM

I just replaced mine. Every time I lifted the access panel to turn them off I would smell propane. Rather than look for a leak I just replaced them with an auto change over unit. No more leaks.

**norty1** · 07-25-2018, 10:04 AM

Spending a few less dollars on a replacement puts us in the same position as the OE manufacturer we criticize for going the cheap route!

The reason I went with the Camco is it was the only one available and I was camping. It has lasted longer than the oe one.

oldmanAZ · 07-25-2018, 10:13 AM

Did you open the valve on the propane tanks slowly?

TAK14Swift · 07-25-2018, 10:19 AM

No I didn't open the valves especially slow. Could that be causing the problem?

oldmanAZ · 07-25-2018, 10:50 AM

It might. It has for others.

There is a safety device that restricts the flow if a propane hose should break.

Try...
Shut off both propane tanks and then turn on a stove burner for a few (30?) seconds and then shut the stove burner off (this is to bleed pressure out of the system).
Then SLOWLY open one of the tank valves.
Try turning on a stove burner now. If it's quiet enough, you should hear a hiss.
There will be air in the lines for a bit, followed by the propane so keep trying to light the burner (one the extended camping 'lighters' works well for this).
Hopefully your stove is now working and the other appliances should, too.

Please let us know.

jloco · 07-25-2018, 10:54 AM

Mine went after a year and I replaced it with one the dealer sent me under warranty. I have since bought a higher quality regulator/pigtails sitting for when I'll need it which I suspect won't be too long.

NYMarty · 07-25-2018, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TAK14Swift

No I didn't open the valves especially slow. Could that be causing the problem?

Yes.
There is a safety feature in the fitting that screws on the propane tanks that will shut off the flow of propane in the event of a 'high flow' situation, such as a broken hose.
If you open the tanks too fast it senses a high flow and will prevent the flow of propane.
Don't ask me how I know

TAK14Swift · 07-25-2018, 11:15 AM

Yeah, that makes sense. I'll give that a try this evening and let you know.

Thanks

TAK14Swift · 07-25-2018, 03:01 PM

I gave that technique a try, and it worked, sort of. By worked, I mean to say that the indicator showed "green". However, I could hear a hissing sound coming from the regulator that I have not noticed. No odor though.

oldmanAZ · 07-25-2018, 03:33 PM

Green is good. Hopefully your regulator is good too.
You will have to allow time for the propane to push the air out of the lines.
Inside the trailer, at the stove, try lighting one of the burners. I use a long camping lighter. It will take a while (I'm guessing 30seconds or so - I've never timed it) for the propane to push the air out and then the burner will light.

After that, the lines should be clear of air and other propane devices should work as usual.

GarlicDude · 07-25-2018, 04:54 PM

I'm going to check my fittings, I think this will stop having to purge the air after a tank change:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E61IK00...v_ov_lig_dp_it

TAK14Swift · 07-26-2018, 07:34 PM

Decided to do a leak check on the regulator today. Saw no leaks but did detect odor so I took the advice on this thread and ordered a Marshall.

Thanks for the help

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