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SECTION 4
FUEL & PROPANE SYSTEM
Maintenance
Propane gas is normally non-corrosive - you
need not worry about the inside of your
container. However, the outside should be
kept free from rust by a periodic coat of paint in
a light reflective color. Rust, scratches and/or
dents can affect the safety of the cylinder.
Inspect the cylinder at regular intervals. If there
is a problem, have it evaluated by a qualified
technician and discard it. DOT requires that a
visual inspection be made prior to each filling.
Any cylinder that has been exposed to fire,
leaks or seems damaged should not be
refilled. Do not attempt to repair any
containers, container valves, regulator or
appliances by yourself. Use only trained
certified propane gas service technicians to
perform repairs.
Propane cylinder recertification
If you have an older RV you should know that,
according to Federal law, DOT cylinders may
only be used for 12 years after their
manufacture date (The number of years for
certification may vary in your area). After that,
the cylinders must be "recertified" which
provides another five years of use. The
cylinders can be recertified every five years
thereafter. Federal DOT (Department of
Transportation) regulations require periodic
inspections
and
re-qualifications
propane cylinders. DO NOT USE damaged or
rusted containers.
Verify with your local propane dealer that all
required inspections and certifications have
been completed on the propane cylinder within
the correct time period before refilling the
cylinder.
For more information
Refer to the OEM operator's manual.
P
R
ROPANE
EGULATOR
The two-stage regulator has the only moving
components in the propane system. Its sole
function is to reduce the pressure from the
propane containers to a safe and consistent
low operating pressure. The first stage
reduces the container pressure to 10-13 lbs.
34
The second stage reduces the 10-13 lbs. of
pressure further to an operating pressure of
11" W.C. (water column) or 6.35 oz. of outlet
pressure to your appliances. The second
stage is adjustable and will need to be
adjusted by your RV dealer or qualified
propane service technician for optimum
performance (this adjustment should always
be
made
manometer). If the pressure is too high, it
affects performance and safety; if the pressure
is too low, your appliances will not operate
correctly.
Propane
installed with the regulator vent facing
downward. Regulators that are not located
in baggage compartments have been
equipped with a protective cover. Make
sure the regulator vent faces downward
and (if applicable) the cover is in place to
minimize vent blockage that could result in
excessive gas pressure causing fire or
explosion.
Your RV is equipped with an "automatic"
two-stage regulator. With both cylinders full of
propane, turn the lever on the regulator
of
the
towards the cylinder you wish to use first. This
will now be the "supply" cylinder and the other
the "reserve."
valves. The indicator on top of the regulator
will turn bright green. When the cylinder
becomes empty, the indicator will change to
bright orange. Now turn the regulator lever to
the side of the "reserve" cylinder and the green
signal should return. You may now remove the
empty cylinder to have it refilled without
interrupting the flow from the full bottle. After
filling the cylinder, connect the pigtail hose and
slowly open the bottle valve.
Have the LP system checked for leakage each
time a cylinder is refilled or after any part of the
propane system has been disconnected.
with
a
properly
WARNING
regulators
must
always
Slowly open both cylinder
calibrated
be
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