Bill In SC
Easley, SC
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Joined: 07/23/2006
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First, as a long time lurker, I want to thank everyone on the forum for all the knowledge I have gleaned from the various forums here on RV.Net.
We have a RockWood 2007, model 2607 and have had it for two years. We have been really pleased with it and have had a lot of fun.
This evening I walked by the camper and discovered a real strong smell of propane. Removing the cover, it was even stronger.
Both tanks are full, and both were in the on position. This unit has a auto switching regulator. I closed both tanks and the smell seemed to dissipate. After about 15 minutes, I stuck the old sniffer around the tank valves, and still could smell a trace. I leave the unit plugged into 30 amp shore power and keep the fridge running. (good storage for favorite beverage  ) I leave the tanks on, as I unplug it once a week or so for lawn maintenance.
The weather has been sunny and hot with highs in the mid 90's the last 3 days, and what I'm wondering if the tanks are venting a bit.
I plan on using the soapy water solution around all the fitting tomorrow, and see if I possibly have a leak around a fitting.
Has anyone else noticed this in hot weather. Anyone have any other suggestions?
I'm wondering how the regulator can be tested.
Thanks, and happy camping!
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Dandy
NorthEast
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I would check like you mentioned with the soap solution for a leak. Check all the fittings.
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Shellback62
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
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The tanks may be venting especially if they were over filled. The odorant added to propane doses have a fairly long residual. Are the valves on the tanks the new style the should prevent over filling?
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winkyb
Florida
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Make sure nothing is on and turn off the gas valve on the tank it is turned to and see if it leaks down and switch's over.That is a check I do before every trip.Then do the leak testing if it does.
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scbwr
Wilson NY
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I tend to think the tanks are venting, but I'd check for leaks. Better safe than sorry. Seems to me that if all your appliances are working ok, than your regulator is ok.......but I'm not a propane technician!
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RVnRobin
Pacific Northwest
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I would think that over filling is a remote possibility and not the most likely culprit to the odors you are detecting. Your propane tanks on your two year old trailer are fitted with OPD valves unless someone switched them out on you. OPD valves restrict filling to no more than 75-80% and in temps of 90 degrees the covered tanks should not come close to venting. The likelyhood of a mechanical failure with the tank is remote. Any properly certified propane tech will tell you this. By the way, I am certified in four states.
The most common problems I have seen in 40 years of RVing, is falures of the pigtail hose, or breakage of the fiber spacer washers in the big nut you tighten by hand, or degredation of the O ring in the tank fitting. I have seen hoses split, delaminate, or swell. Yes, even on pigtails less than two years old.
Replacement of the pigtail is not difficult if you are a do-it-yourselfer. Make sure the pipe dope you use is for propane fittings. The O ring in the tank valve is a little tricky but doable. Make sure the new one is the correct size. NEVER use discount store pigtails. (i.e. WalMart) They are inferior quality. I always buy pigtails from the propane distribution center. The staff can compare ratings and describe to you the differences in hose quality. (There was a discussion in another thread about hose quality you might find helpful.)
Remember safety IS FIRST! Good luck.
RVnRobin, DW, and the cat.
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LAdams
Northern Illinois
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Right - go buy a bottle of kids Bubbles and a cheap kids paint brush and swab your fittings for leaks... Might be tanks venting or leakage occuring with expansion/contraction of metals... You want to be very careful with potential propane leaks... Generally it is a very safe fuel but it can be volitle if you let it build up...
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Bill In SC
Easley, SC
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Found the problem! As WINKYB suggested, the leak down test did not pass. The indicator was pointing to the left tank, and showed green when I shut off the gas supply. I suspected it was in the left tank area as the smell was the strongest in that area.
Checking it this evening, it showed Red. Turning the bottle back on, the indicator changed back to green.
Using a soapy water solution, I discovered a leak in the small connector hose that runs from the bottle to the regulator. The leak was at the swagged fitting that connects to the brass fittings that connect to the regulator. Wiggling the hose produced lots of bubbles, and I could hear the leak.
Quick call to the dealer confirmed that they have them in stock. So... Off to the dealer in the morning.
Thanks everyone for all the tips!
~ Bill ~
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stevecan
Florida
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I hope they have good quality pigtails. I just bought 2 to replace a leaking hose and the design was horrible. It didn't even have an o-ring or anything on the OPD fitting to hose. Any time I wiggled the hose it woud leak. I can't remember the brand, but both NEW hoses did it. Then I took the old hose and tightened it down just right and it didn't leak . . . so back to Dusty's Camper World went the bad pigtails.....
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