Warning...

[Preadus]

I had a small propane explosion and fire in my hot water heater on my 351DS.
The fitting where the gas line comes into the unit behind the door somehow came loose. When I turned on the propane and then a few minutes later the water heater, there was a small explosion outside. When I went out to investigate I notes smoke and flames. The cover was too hot to take off. I ran to shut off the propane which cut the flames in just a few seconds. The good news is there was only minor melting and the unit is still functional.
If I hadn't started the water heater early when I did it could have been really bad. To fix the problem I simply added thread dope and tightened the fitting.

[rsdata]

thanks for the information on a hazardous and possibly life threatening problem...

is the trailer NEW? or have you had it operational for a while?

[Preadus]

It is a 2014, As far as I know it wasn't leaking for the first year. I don't understand how it became loose other than we travelled down the I5 to LA and it was shaking is like crazy a few weeks before.

[5picker]

I didn't quite understand where exactly on the fitting you had the leak.
I'll assume you know flared fittings do not require pipe dope.
If it was a threaded pipe fitting, gas rated tape or pipe dope is recommended.

[Preadus]

It was the fitting where the main gas line first connects into the unit. I don't know if it was supposed to have dope or tape, but I put it on to be sure. There was none in it before.

[Preadus]

I think I see what you are saying that the dope would not make a difference here.

[Mr Havercamp]

The other possibilty is the worker who originally installed the line used some dope during his lunch break.

A good idea is to buy or make yourself a manometer and check your system for leaks every spring when you dewinterize. You can also check the setting on the regulator at the same time for proper adjustment. https://youtu.be/QnlfQK-8qy4 https://youtu.be/rRubt1b6-cA https://youtu.be/RyTx8VIE_kQ

[cjd10]

Thanks for the heads up. Glad all is well and little damage was done.
I'll definitely check ours as we just returned from a trip to Texas and traveled some extremely rough roads thru Louisiana. Probably something that should be checked annually anyway as Mr Havercamp said.

[youroo]

Good thing it wasn't the Stove fitting "same Fitting" it is located under the oven on the INSIDE! Youroo!!

[Bayouownbeer]

I know LA roads suck I live here. Thanks for the tip. Glad you caught it in time

[B and B]

A good post and lesson to us all.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by cjd10

Thanks for the heads up. Glad all is well and little damage was done.
I'll definitely check ours as we just returned from a trip to Texas and traveled some extremely rough roads thru Louisiana. Probably something that should be checked annually anyway as Mr Havercamp said.

I find it hard to believe that a flare nut loosens if tightened correctly. Checking all gas connections is prudent. What makes it tough are the ones they bury somewhere that you can not easily get to. Although this is in the MH section one reason I bought our Roo was no under liner.

You can not trust anything when it comes to any type of fastener on RV's, especially now days. If its a bolt its probably loose, a wood screw stripped, and a self drilling tek screw over torqued to the point the head is ready to snap off.