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09-03-2023, 07:47 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2021
Location: Burns
Posts: 129
M.O.C. #28210
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Unusual propane plumbing???
We have a 2014 3100RL Montana we bought it used. On the non-door side the propane tanks are connected to the automatic crossover and what I will call a standard way, no problems.
However, on the door side connected to the propane tank is an in-line pressure gauge (no problem) then the flexible propane line is connected to a single pressure regulator (much like this one in the photo below) before connecting to the iron pipe which crosses over to the other side. I do not know why there is a pressure regulator on the door side. Your thoughts are welcome.
A problem that may or may not be related to this configuration. There appears to be a propane leak that we cannot find. When we open the propane valve on the tank on the door side as expected the pressure gauge shows full pressure. Then if we turn off the valve on this tank very slowly the gauge pressure drops to zero. We have use soapy water to check for leaks and cannot find any leaks. I do not smell any propane other than the normal smell that is usually associated around the tank after one fills the tank
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09-03-2023, 08:18 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Olympia
Posts: 1,058
M.O.C. #9441
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I sounds like someone thought the one side did not have a regulator and they installed one. Both sides should be tied together with one regulator/switching valve between both bottles and the main line. If needed check another trailer’s setup. The valve will not hurt anything but has more places to leak.
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2020 Ram 3500, 2022 Luxe 38GFB,2500w Solar with Victron equipment, Gen Y Pinbox
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09-03-2023, 08:26 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,716
M.O.C. #24086
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It is normal for each tank to have its own regulator.
I have read that's RV code somewhere.
In the files section there is a copy of the Auto switching valve operating manual that is located above the left side tank.
Can't help you with the leak.
There was a recall on some fittings that leaked some time ago. I don't recall the details. A copy of that might be in the files section too.
Depending on your model some have experienced issues with the propane flex line going to the slide. I would inspect this hose closely.
As far as keeping track of propane levels, we have Mopeka propane tank sensors. They work perfectly.
I'm going to add them to all the other tanks too.
__________________
Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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09-03-2023, 08:41 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,190
M.O.C. #6433
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I had the same problem with a propane odor I could not isolate with soapy water. Finally pulled that red regulator valve and found it had a small vent hole under the valve with some oily residue around it. Was not getting soapy water to it to bubble. Replaced that valve and no more odor.
Now as to why that regulator valve is there, here is why.
https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ight=regulator
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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09-03-2023, 11:46 AM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Moultrie
Posts: 250
M.O.C. #20747
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My 2014 3402rl had the same issue with the high pressure (red) regulator as you are having. Bought a new one ( relatively cheap ) and replaced the old one; problem solved.
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Frank and Marilyn
2014 3402RL, Sailun S637/Disc Brakes
2015 F350 CC LWB SRW 6.7L PSD FX4
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09-03-2023, 12:08 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Mesa az
Posts: 2,962
M.O.C. #5651
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I had the same problem (and fix) as the two previous posters! Just be sure to use propane pipe thread tape when attaching things, not water tape.
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Tom and Gail
2013 Mountaineer 362
2012 Silverado 2500
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09-03-2023, 12:22 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,400
M.O.C. #4831
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Believe what BB_TX wrote above. Earlier Montanas didn't have the Red Regulator on the opposite side of the Switching Regulator. Just a flex line to an iron pipe. You had to be very slow and careful opening that tank. I believe that changed around 2010 or so.
The Switching Regulator was traditionally located on the door side until somewhere around 2013/2014. Why it was moved to the off-door side is unknown. Having it on the door side made checking it as you left easy. It tends to be forgotten on the off-door side location.
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Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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09-03-2023, 12:41 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,615
M.O.C. #22835
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Um... door side and non-door side does not apply to me! I have doors on both sides of my Montana.
The red regulator is suppose to be there.
__________________
History is not about the past, it's an explanation of the present.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
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09-03-2023, 01:12 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Northeast TX
Posts: 946
M.O.C. #30262
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DutchmenSport
Um... door side and non-door side does not apply to me! I have doors on both sides of my Montana.
The red regulator is suppose to be there.
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Interesting...... enlarged your signature photo and could see the steps on the "street side" shall we say.
__________________
Lee, Edith, Lil' Bit & Cuddles
22 MHC 331RL, Surge Guard 35550, SumoSprings, Kodiak disc brakes, 412Ah Lithium, Gen 3 Goosebox, Sailun 85s
22 Ram 3500 CC DRW 6.7 CTD Herrin Hauler Classic Bed, 45 gal AUX tank
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09-03-2023, 01:25 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Anderson
Posts: 2,615
M.O.C. #22835
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee-CI
Interesting...... enlarged your signature photo and could see the steps on the "street side" shall we say.
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__________________
History is not about the past, it's an explanation of the present.
2019 Montana High Country 375FL
2014 Chevy Silverado Duramax, 6.6L Dually
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09-03-2023, 04:48 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,712
M.O.C. #12947
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The main reason for the red regulator is to make sure that once the propane leaves the tank as a vapor that it stays a vapor. Propane regulators in trailers do not regulate liquid only vapor. If the regulator was not there the pressure in the hose/pipe would be the same as the tank. This could lead to the vapor condensing back into a liquid. With a reduction in the pressure from the regulator to the other side of the coach this will greatly reduce the possibility of the vapor in the crossover hose turning back into a liquid. This is all based on propane’s vapor/pressure saturation points. The lower the pressure the lower the temperature to turn it back into a liquid.
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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