Update on caravan gas regulators.

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:07

ThreadID: 39230 Views:9601 Replies:6 FollowUps:8

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kimprado

Hi guys,

I own a Jayco Penguin Outback camper van which is one year old. Within the first month I started to have problems with the regulator and am now on my third.

The current regulator has a copper pig tail fitted, rather than the flexible hose. No problems thus far. Jayco is also going back to pig tails until the problem is identified.

I've spoken to a lot of manufacturers and services agents about this and it appears there are differing opinions within the industry:

1. The regulator
2. Flexible hose
3. Quality of gas

Whilst there is nothing I can do about the regulator, I've attached the pig tail (as mentioned above), purged the tank and will fit the regulator above the gas cylinder next weekend.

If this doesn't work I'll inform you, then commit suicide (providing the pubs are open)

Regards

Kim

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Reply By: Member - BBB - Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:22

Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:22

Kim

I am on my sixth reg but reinstaled it as the QLD gas examaner explaned the current reg has been on there for 9 weeks and 6 of those weeks where spent on the road with day to day use.

Go to my members rig and picks and there is a Photo of the sujested way to install the regs it seems to work so far.

Touch Wood

Hope This Can Help

BBB

AnswerID: 203592

Follow Up By: Member - BBB - Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:28

Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:28

You may want to have a read of post 34679

FollowupID: 463188

Follow Up By: kimprado - Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:37

Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:37

Thanks BBB,

Very similar to what I have in mind.

Many thanks

Kim

FollowupID: 463192

Follow Up By: Member - Brian (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 22:30

Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 22:30

Does that apply to vans, campers with only a single bottle

FollowupID: 463219

Follow Up By: Member - BBB - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 06:19

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 06:19

Yes my imfo is that it does not mater how many botles you have.

Anougther point is, When I now shut down the gas I do it in three steps.

Step 1 Light stove

Step 2 Go and turn Gas off at the botles

Step 3 When stove runs out of gas turn stove off

This emptys the lines and reg of any gas I have only done this on the last reg and maybe it is helping as well

When you start the gas up again you need to relight the stove first or it will take you a long time to light your Fridge and HWS as you are only lighting poilit lights.

Hope This Helps

BBB

FollowupID: 463242

Reply By: RustyHelen - Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:35

Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:35

G'day Kim
You write "will fit the regulator above the gas cylinder next weekend". Isn't it now?
My understanding was that this is a critical issue and the maker of our camper changed the position of the regulator as a result. We are now 18 months of use, third bottle of gas and (touch wood) no issues.
I am no gas expert, just what I had heard.
Rusty

AnswerID: 203594

Follow Up By: kimprado - Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:42

Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 20:42

Thanks Rustry,

No, its well below the top of the cylinder (attached to the spare water carrier)

Regards

Kim.

FollowupID: 463193

Reply By: derraux - Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 22:21

Tuesday, Nov 07, 2006 at 22:21

Kim
You do not say what sort of problems you are having, this would help so i could offer some suggestions.
Derek

AnswerID: 203618

Follow Up By: kimprado - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 19:50

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 19:50

Hi Derek,

I don't think anyone knows why these two stage regulators are failing. Some people appear to have no problems while other do.

I'm going through a process of elimination based on what I've learnt on this site and advice from the Industry.

In answer to your question, the regulator fails and no gas is available to the stove or fridge.

Now that its getting close to Xmas, it would be prudent for all van owners to check their gas supply prior to heading off on their holidays.

Regards

Kim

FollowupID: 463424

Follow Up By: derraux - Thursday, Nov 09, 2006 at 00:54

Thursday, Nov 09, 2006 at 00:54

Thank's for the follow up ill keep an eye on the ones i come in contact with it sounds like one of the diafram's is collapsing for one reason or the other thank's again.

Not sure if anyone has told you but regulator's dont like moister it is a common cause for failure in bbq ones when they are left out in the weather they rust internally so if it is not cover from rain it needs to be but do not seal it up as it need to breath.
Good luck with your new one it sounds like an expensive hobby replacing them regularly.
Derek

FollowupID: 463499

Reply By: Penguin (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 16:25

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 16:25

Hi Kim

I also have a Penguin Outback which is three years old. I've modified it to take two gas bottles and I am using braided stainless hoses to the changeover tap which screws into the top of the two stage regulator. The regulator is the original and, like yours, is mounted on the jerry can holder.

Never had a problem.

There's a picture in my profile.

Mike

AnswerID: 203726

Reply By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 16:59

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 16:59

This has been discussed previously with issues arising from two stage regulators failing. Check out this Safety Alert issue by the Petroleum and Gas Inspectorate in Qld ==> http://www.nrme.qld.gov.au/mines/petroleum/pdf/safety_alert023.pdf

Recommendations include:

1. Mount regulators above the level of the cylinder valve.
2. Fit an elbow to the inlet to keep pigtails below the regulator as far as possible.
3. Use Teflon© tape rather than thread sealant on high-pressure joints.

Andrew

AnswerID: 203738

Follow Up By: Member - andrew G (VIC) - Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 20:13

Wednesday, Nov 08, 2006 at 20:13

What a coincidence just returned from a trip to swan hill with our lovely new regent offroad van . and no dam gas all weekend not bad for $38000 and 2 months old i thoght i had a problem but obviossly common fault ... also had no water, tank stuffed and water pump stuffed pumps water all over the floor...not a good start .looks like a will have to take heaps of spare parts for van as well as 4B

FollowupID: 463426