forest river Coachmen Clipper Owner's Manual page 29

Living Quarters
4. Loosen the clamp ring bolt and remove the con-
tainer from the camper. Always transport the pro-
pane bottle in the upright position. Never transport,
install, or use a vertical tank in a horizontal or
upside down position.
5. Take the container to a qualified propane supplier.
6. Have supplier connect the fill nozzle to your tank fill
connection.
7. Even though the tank is equipped with an automatic
80% shut-off, which prevents over-filling beyond
80% tank capacity, have the supplier monitor the
20% liquid level gauge and stop the filling process
if liquid does appear.
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Be sure the tank is not filled beyond the 80% liquid
level. If the tank has been over-filled, make sure
the propane supplier bleeds out the excess. Over-
filling the propane container does not allow for the
necessary 20% vapor expansion space. The
absence of this space can result in uncontrolled
propane flow which can cause fire or explosion.
Two-Stage Propane Regulator
The regulator reduces the pressure of the propane vapor
from the pressure in the tank to the pressure required for
use at the appliances. The regulator seldom requires ser-
vice. Always protect it from the elements and extreme
temperatures.
The regulator has been preset by the manufacturer and
adjustment should not be necessary. However, if adjust-
ment is required, do not attempt to adjust it yourself.
Adjustment must be made with special equipment and by
a qualified propane service technician. Have the regula-
tor checked annually or sooner if you suspect a problem.
The correct line pressure should be 6 to 8 oz., or 10 to
14 inches of water column.
A two-stage regulator performs the pressure reducing
function as previously described. This is accomplished in
two stages. Two regulators are used in the same body to
reduce the pressure of the propane in the tanks for use
by the appliances in the camper.
The high pressure regulator (first stage) is used to
reduce the pressure to approximately 10 to 13 PSI
(ounces per square inch) before sending it along to the
low pressure regulator (second stage). The second stage
regulator reduces the pressure further to 11 inches water
column, or 6.35 PSI.
The two-stage regulator does not have to work as hard
since the second stage receives consistent pressure
rather than inlet pressure, which varies. The result is a
safer and more efficient system and helps to eliminate
problems such as freeze-up and pilot outages.
Never alter the position of the regulator. Propane
regulators must always be installed with the dia-
phragm vent facing downward. Keep the regulator
cover in place to minimize vent blockage, which
could result in excessive propane pressure, caus-
ing a fire or explosion.
Because air is required for proper operation of the regu-
lator, it is very important that the regulator vent be kept
free of dirt and debris. For this reason, it is necessary to
keep the vent facing downward and the regulator cov-
ered to protect it from contamination. A toothbrush can
be used to clean the vent if it becomes clogged by for-
eign matter.
During cold weather, it's important to keep ice from form-
ing in the regulator. Ice can prevent the flow of propane
to your appliances. Have your propane supplier add
anhydrous methanol when filling your tank for use during
cold weather. Regulator freeze-up can occur in any
weather if there is moisture in the tank or if the tank has
been over-filled. Always use moisture-free propane. If
moisture has entered the tank, have the tank purged, or
have anhydrous methanol added by an authorized pro-
pane supplier.
Regulator Freeze-Up
The term 'regulator freeze-up' is a misleading one. Regu-
lators and propane do not freeze. However, the moisture
that can be contained in the propane can freeze as the
propane expands and cools and it passes through the
regulator.
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