Lp (Liquid Petroleum) Gas - Airstream 2001 Bamby Owner's Manual

AIRSTREAM SAFARI –BAMBI TRAILER OWNERS MANUAL 2001
PLUMBING SYSTEM
LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)
FILL VALVE
Your trailer is equipped with LP tank fill valves called "RV Type I Acme" connection. The large, green, nylon
swivel nut is a right hand thread and is designed for hand operation only.
The valve features an internal spring-loaded module that will not allow gas to flow from the cylinder until a positive
seal has been made at the connection. The valve outlet has 1-5/16" Acme threads on the outlet exterior and female
POL, left-handed threads on its interior. This feature allows for connection of the new wrenchless, right-handed,
Acme RV connection and still accommodates the standard left-handed POL fittings used for filling propane
cylinders.
The mating, green swivel nut and brass nipple also incorporates new features: the green nylon nut swivels on a black
bushing that is heat sensitive. Between 240 degrees F and 300 degrees F the bushing will yield (melt) allowing the
spring-loaded module in the valve to push the brass nipple back (approximately 1/4") closing the module and
stopping the flow of gas from the cylinder. Inside the brass nipple is a flow-limiting device designed to sense
excessive gas flow. If an excessive flow is sensed, the flow-limiting device shuts the flow down to a maximum of 10
SCFH (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour) or less. This is also referred to as the by-pass flow.
By-pass flow is extremely important in the proper operation of this connection. The flow-limiting device may
activate if the cylinder valve is opened quickly. When all appliances are off, the by-pass flow allows the pressure
downstream from the flow-limiting device to equalize. When pressure is equalized, the flow-limiting device will
supply normal flow to the system. Equalization occurs in approximately 5 seconds and in most cases goes
completely unnoticed. If, however, an appliance is left on or there is a leak or open flow in the system, the by-pass
pressure will not be able to equalize and allow the flow-limiting device to re-open. Symptoms of this condition
would be appliances that light but have lower than normal flame or starve out from lack of gas, a substantial
reduction in the flame when another appliance is operating, or pilots that are difficult to light. If this should happen,
the following steps should eliminate the condition:
1. Close LP cylinder valve.
2. Extinguish all flames and smoking materials
3. Be sure all gas appliances, including their pilot lights, are off.
4. Open LP cylinder valve slowly. DO NOT SNAP OPEN.
5. Wait at least 15 seconds before lighting appliances.
6. If operational difficulties continue, there may be a leak in the system. Immediately close the LP cylinder valve
and have the system inspected by a qualified RV service technician.
Again, make sure all appliances are off before opening propane cylinder valves.
Exception: when reconnecting a full cylinder to an auto changeover regulator it is not necessary to shut off
the appliances or close the valve of the cylinder already in service.
WARNING: LEAKING LP GAS MAY IGNITE CAUSING A FIRE OR EXPLOSION WHICH COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR DEATH.
How long a full tank of gas will last is dependent on usage. In cold weather, when you are using the furnace, large
amounts of hot water, and are doing extensive cooking, you will naturally use more than you will in warm weather
when you may do limited cooking. On the average, with normal cooking and other appliance use you can probably
count on two to three weeks of service from each tank.
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