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13.
Be sure the tank is securely mounted before
each trip.
14.
If you do not have the special tools and train-
ing necessary, do not attempt to repair LP gas
system components.
15.
Always think safety.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Hoses and Fittings
The hoses used in your LPG system are UL or CGA
listed, and are rated to withstand many times the
pressures encountered in the system. Although they
are designed for efficient and troublefree use, they
can deteriorate from the effects of the sun and im-
purities in the air. The average life of LP hoses is two
to three years. Consequently, check the hoses for
weather checking or other signs of deterioration every
time you have the gas tank filled or serviced. Protect
the hoses and other parts of the system from sunlight
whenever possible. When you replace hoses, be sure
that replacements are properly rated and approved
for RV use.
LP Gas Regulator
The regulator is the heart of the LP gas system.
It works continuously and requires more care and at-
tention than any other part of the system.
Its main job is to reduce the high and varying
pressure of the gas from the tank to a low, consis-
tent pressure to serve the appliances in the motor
home. Normal tank pressure can range from 250 psi
to 7 psi depending on the outside temperature. The
regulator smooths out these wide variations and sup-
plies your gas appliances with a steady 6.35 ounces,
or 11 inches water column pressure.
It does this smoothing in two stages. The first stage
reduces the high pressure to about 10-13 psi. This
allows the second stage to be much more efficient
and accurate in controlling the pressure to the ap·
pliances. This two-stage reduction also helps reduce
the likelihood of freeze-up or pilot outage.
Because the regulator is constantly "breathing" it
is equipped with a vent. When the diaphragm inside
the regulator moves up and down, air is drawn into
or expelled from the chamber through this vent. If
excess pressure builds up in the regulator, a relief
mechanism allows it to escape through the vent. It
is therefore very important that the vent is clean and
free of obstruction. Clogging from corrosion, dirt, in-
sect nests, or other debris is the most common cause
of regulator malfunction. Even a small piece of
material that finds its way into the inlet can result
in improper pressures in the system and possible
damage to or failure of components. The regulator
is mounted so that the vent is facing downward and
is protected from freezing road spray and other foreign
matter by
a
water-resistant cover. Be sure the cover
is on at all times. If the vent does become clogged,
it can be cleaned with a toothbrush.
33
LP Gas Tank
WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE
REGULATOR. IT HAS BEEN PRESET BY THE
REGULATOR MANUFACTURER. IF ANY AD-
JUSTMENT IS REQUIRED, IT MUST BE MADE
BY A QUALIFIED LPG SERVICE TECHNICIAN
USING SPECIAL EQUIPMENT.
USING LP GAS SYSTEM AT
LOW TEMPERATURES
Your gas system will function at low temperatures,
provided the system components are kept at a
temperature above the vapor point of the LP gas.
NOTE: Butane vaporizes at about 32°F and propane
vaporizes at about -40°F. Choose a type of LP gas
which has a boiling point approximately 40°F lower
than any temperature you expect to encounter. Ask
your LP gas supplier or your motor home dealer for
information on product blends available in your area.
LP gas systems can and do freeze up in very cold
weather. It is a common misconception that the
regulator or the gas itself freezes. Actually, it is the
moisture or water vapor that gets trapped in the
system or absorbed by the gas that freezes and
causes the problem. This ice can build up and par-
tially or totally block the gas supply.
Where does the water come from? From a variety
of sources: The gas can be saturated with water when
it comes out of the gas plant or refinery unless care
is taken to see that it is thoroughly dehydrated; the
gas can absorb water while it is transported if the
tank cars contain water; the gas storage tanks may
have water in them because moist air has been trap-
ped in the tank because a valve was left open.
There are a number of things you can do to pre-
vent freeze up:
1.
Be sure the gas tank is totally moisture-free
before it is filled.
2.
Be sure the tank is not overfilled. This is also
a safety consideration.
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Troubleshooting
