Should Propane Leak From The Hose When I Remove The Tank on Fifth Wheel Trailer

Updated 01/11/2021 | Published 04/18/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Camco Automatic Changeover 2-Stage Propane Regulator for Dual Propane Tanks

(162)

$84.94

MB Sturgis Propane Pigtail w/ Back Check - RV Type 1 x 1/4" Male NPT - 1'

(1651)

$19.79

MB Sturgis Propane Pigtail w/ Back Check - Type 1 x 1/4" Male Inverted Flare - 5'

(1651)

$27.72

Question:

I have a 2007 fifth wheel trailer with two large propane tanks on either side of the trailer. My issue is when one tank goes empty and I remove it, propane comes out of the hose. From the other tank I’m assuming, or is my regulator bad, or are my hoses bad. I don’t think gas should come out when I remove one tank. Thank you for your help.

asked by: Darlene

Helpful Expert Reply:

You are correct, gas should not be able to leak from the hose when you remove the tank. It sounds like you have a stuck or defective check valve in the regulator or the pigtail.

Sometimes corrosion can build up and cause the back check valve to stay open. Some customers have been able to use a small amount of spray lubricant or PB Blaster to loosen up any build up that may have caused the check valve to stay open, but your best option is to replace the regulator and the hose completely, especially if they are original to the trailer.

I recommend to replace the regulator with Camco Automatic Changeover part # CAM59005. The Camco Automatic Changeover switches flow to the other tank automatically without interrupting gas flow and it is designed with an internal check valve to prevent gas back flow.

For the pigtail, I recommend MB Sturgis 12 inch Hose Assembly part # 100473-12. If you need a longer hose I recommend MB Sturgis part # 100575-60-MBS 5 foot hose.

expert reply by: Heather A

Elizabeth M.

1/10/2021

Hello. Hopefully somebody can help. I'm trying to figure out where the fail is in my system. Once I know tank number one is empty and the automatic changeover is utilizing tank two, I know I can move the indicator to tank number two, turn off both tanks, disconnect my empty, and bring a refill back to replace it. however, I'm not sure if this means I can't use my full tank while I am waiting for my other to be exchanged and brought home. The reason I am asking is because when only one tank is hooked up to the dual tank system with the automatic changeover regulator, I hear hissing and smell gas from the pigtail that does not have a tank connected any longer. This means I cannot use my heat or other appliances. Per the manual, of a similar model, I would need to cap that pigtail. (I don't have my original manual.) However, all of the reading and videos that I am seeing are saying the sound and smell while that tank is disconnected and trying to utilize the full tank means there is a faulty regulator or check valve. Which is correct? Is a cap required if I would use one connected tank on a dual system, or is my regulator faulty?

Jon G.

1/11/2021

Yeah you definitely have a bad check valve or regulator. You could try taking some soapy water and spraying it on your connections and the end of the pigtail to see where exactly the gas is coming from. If it happens with either tank then I would guess you have a bad regulator. Attached is our selection of regulators for you to filter through. If you can send me some pictures of your current setup I can help you determine which one would be the best for a replacement.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-propane-sf-regulators.aspx