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Old 12-26-2016, 09:40 AM   #1
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HELP!! Propane problem

My heater was working last night. Early this morning it stopped heating. Tank is full. It sounds like the pilot is trying to ignite but won't. Also, no gas to my stove. Outside temperatures were freezing. Any suggestions? Since this was the first day of our two-week trip my wife Is not very happy right now.
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Old 12-26-2016, 09:48 AM   #2
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Maybe be a bad regulator... it's common for them to stop working. An annoying problem, but very easy to replace.
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Old 12-26-2016, 09:57 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vicm View Post
My heater was working last night. Early this morning it stopped heating. Tank is full. It sounds like the pilot is trying to ignite but won't. Also, no gas to my stove. Outside temperatures were freezing. Any suggestions? Since this was the first day of our two-week trip my wife Is not very happy right now.
The newer units have an indicator on the main tank as to whether or not it "sees" the propane with a green dial. (red would indicate it is closed or does not see it). if it is green then you will need to begin to check gas down the line since the other appliances do not work. DDBCK's suggestion is a great one to add to the effort. you will look for a disconnect, a torn line or even a clogged line. each fitting will get you closer to the failure. You probably have an electric & gas water heater so you can still have hot water.

now, unless you have a mechanical aptitude I'm not sure you want to tackle this at the campsite. just safety in mind. if you can find a dollar general, or some type of store, try to purchase a ceramic heater, with a tip-over switch, for the camper. unless you are in a 40'+ camper & in the 20's, it should bring it to at least 68-70 degrees. here in louisiana it does much better than that. This may or may not be of benefit but that is what i would do. tf
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Old 12-26-2016, 10:17 AM   #4
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Moisture in the gas can freeze at the regulator, or the check valve, especially as ambient temps get down near freezing. As the gas expands through the regulator, it gets cold, just like Freon expanding at the expansion valve in your AC unit (where it's supposed to get cold).

I'm kind of surprised no one makes a heater for these things.
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Old 12-26-2016, 10:28 AM   #5
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Forgot to mention. I have a 2016 coachman free lander. Also, the sun has been shining on the side of the RV where the propane tank is located. My heater and stove are working again. I guess that sounds like an icing problem. I will have to figure out a way to keep the regulator warm. Also, being new to RVing I really appreciate everybody's help on the forum. This is an incredible community to be involved with. I hope everybody had a merry Christmas and will have a wonderful new year.
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Old 12-26-2016, 10:31 AM   #6
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I guess you need to keep a hair dryer or a heat gun handy. If a heat gun be very careful.

Odd since I've had 2 different travel trailers I lived in during very cold weather and haven't had this problem.

Bad propane?
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Old 12-26-2016, 10:58 AM   #7
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Forgot to mention. I have a 2016 coachman free lander. Also, the sun has been shining on the side of the RV where the propane tank is located. My heater and stove are working again. I guess that sounds like an icing problem. I will have to figure out a way to keep the regulator warm. Also, being new to RVing I really appreciate everybody's help on the forum. This is an incredible community to be involved with. I hope everybody had a merry Christmas and will have a wonderful new year.
so glad they started to work again.
HOW COLD DID IT GET?
Merry Christmas!
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Old 12-26-2016, 09:29 PM   #8
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It was only 28°. Not extremely cold by a lot of standards. I wrapped The regulator in a blanket for tonight, hopefully that'll take care of it.
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Old 12-26-2016, 09:48 PM   #9
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It was only 28°. Not extremely cold by a lot of standards. I wrapped The regulator in a blanket for tonight, hopefully that'll take care of it.
Unless you have a heat source inside of it, the blanket probably won't make much difference. If you have electric, an extension cord and an incandescent lamp, that would keep it warm.
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Old 12-26-2016, 10:02 PM   #10
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There are literally millions of propane systems working in sub zero temperatures.
Wrapping the regulator will NOT help. It will get colder and stay colder. Now that it is working it will probably stay working as the moisture will work it's way out of the system. If this is your first fill of the tanks they may not have been purged properly. If the system freezes up again seek professional help.
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