Kink in WH Propane Line.

[firsthere]

While soaping the propane line connections for leaks in our new 21RB I came across this line going to the water heater. It passes under the frame, makes a 180 turn then connects to the main gas line. It appears a tubing bender was not used resulting in the pinched line. We have not used the trailer yet or tried to run the water heater as the TT is still winterized.

The dealer has not responded yet. I'm thinking it would be quicker to cut out the pinched section to the main line. Then install a compression coupling with a rubberized propane hose in place of the 180 bend.

[Dwilcox]

That is a bad kink and should be removed. Should be a warranty deal. If you decide to fix yourself, do not use compression fittings use flare for gas. Best to replace the complete line from main to heater.

[firsthere]

I am hoping to avoid taking it back to the dealer before our first outing in case something else needs attention. Also weighing whether I want someone removing the cabinet and water heater to replace the entire line. Always the possibility of damage to the finish or other hardware.

I agree flaring would be better, though I don't really see a problem with a flexible line in this particular application. A mount to secure the line to the frame could be attached which was not the case from the factory.

[Dwilcox]

Compression joints are more subject to leakage, if you cut it out please, for the safety of your family, use flare. The vibration of traveling down the road WILL loosen the compression joint over time and you will have a gas leak in your trailer. Per codes copper compression gas joints are not allowed. But do what you need to do. As a licensed plumber with 30 years of piping installations I would fix it correctly.

[5picker]

If you've not tried the water heater yet I would.
It 'may' work fine just as it is.

[Dwilcox]

Originally Posted by 5picker

If you've not tried the water heater yet I would.
It 'may' work fine just as it is.

Yep, it will more than likely fire off and heat his water, But the heater will not be operating at its designed volume of gas and there will be a pressure drop due to that kink. So how long will it operate, and how efficient will it operate? Might work till just out of warranty before it packs it in. Or could work fine for years. I would think that it was operated at his PDI so it should heat, Probably has 110V heating too.
If it fires and runs a cycle, it can wait till he brings it in for other items. As we all know, there will be other items.
But keep in mind, I have seen the fold on the outside edge like he has crack from vibration and leak, Bad on water, nightmare with gas so get it dealt with sooner rather than later.
Best of luck and happy camping

Dale

[Wjl7110]

Take it in and have the work done. Your trip will not be interrupted and you will enjoy the camping better.

[firsthere]

Any connection would be outside the trailer. That said I do have a single flair tool but not had a lot of practice with it lately. I don't plan on using propane for the water heater till this is solved. After looking at the pipe routing again, it may be replaceable without pulling the WH. I just hate having other people work on my stuff so hopefully they would send the part.

Our first time out will be with hook ups so 110 for the WH. When we get back and survey the repair list I will decide from what other items we have and how to proceed.

[Danesville]

I am a licenced gas fitter for both propane and natural gas, follow the recommendations set by Dwilcox as he is correct on how to address this situation in a proper and safe manor. Be safe and happy camping

[firsthere]

Well it looks like we'll have the dealer make the repair as the slide out quit working just before our first trip. Thanks for all the great advice!