Troubleshooting a Propane Automatic Changeover that Isnt Changing Over

Updated 06/26/2020 | Published 10/03/2017

Question:

I have two seven gallon propane tanks, one on each side of my 5th wheel RV. The drivers side tank has an in line regulator. The passenger side tank feeds directly into the automatic change over valve. When the drivers side tank wouldnt feed I installed a new in line regulator. That didnt solve the problem so I installed a new Camco automatic change over valve which solved the problem. However, now, 4 months later once again the drivers side tank wont feed the system. Could I have received a bad change over valve? Is there an easy way to check it? Thanks for any information you can supply.

asked by: Bob W

Expert Reply:

It is possible that the regulator has gone bad in 4 months, but it is highly unlikely. As you have such small tanks, the issue may be that the outlet pressure isn't strong enough to recognize. The Camco Automatic Changeover 2-Stage Propane Regulator for Dual Propane Tanks # CAM59005 is designed for an outlet pressure of 11 inch WC. It may be that the regulator is still sensing the propane in the tank and yet isn't allowing it through because of the pressure lacking yet won't change over because there is still enough pressure to register.

expert reply by: Jason S

Susan

6/19/2020

Both my tanks are full, and when I try to use my appliances it sounds like a flame out or after burner going off. Stove ignites for a split second and goes out. My refrigerator tries to continually switch to LP but nothing. Suspicion is, my regulator is bad and releasing too much pressure to my appliances. Anyone else concurs?

Chris R.

6/23/2020

That definitely sounds like it could be a bad regulator. I would start there to see if replacing it resolves the issue. The Camco # CAM59005 mentioned above should work well.

Susan

6/23/2020

@ChrisR Regulator replaced. Picked one up at Ace Hardware. Installed it in about 45 minutes. Thank you.

Chris R.

6/26/2020

@Susan Awesome!