LP regulator

[Pez Vela]

When the generator would not fire and then the gas hot water heater stopped working, I stopped at the closest RV service (non Airstream Interstate dealer).

The test gauge would drop to zero when the generator was trying to start. I have never heard of a pressure regulator (think of the thing on your gas BBQ tank) failing but it did.

Chris Beaver from Airstream is sending a new one to the non Interstate service outlet and agreed to save me a very long drive for a Airstream Interstate dealer for replacement.

I will let you know how it works out, but I have had good service from Airstream. Usually we only gripe when there is a problem on this site.

I am just saying.......

[Al and Missy]

The regulator failed on my 2001 Safari, but it was 13 years old.....


Al

[rmkrum]

I suspect, like many other piece parts/components nowadays, the only product 'final' testing on gas regulators is statistical quality control, or just a fit check to see if the final assembly fits into the shipping box...

Bad out of the box, or very early failure seems to be par for the course nowadays. It's not something that Airstream can easily control..they, like others, are at the mercy of the suppliers.

And I'm being real optimistic...

[Alex AVI]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

I suspect, like many other piece parts/components nowadays, the only product 'final' testing on gas regulators is statistical quality control, or just a fit check to see if the final assembly fits into the shipping box...

Bad out of the box, or very early failure seems to be par for the course nowadays. It's not something that Airstream can easily control..they, like others, are at the mercy of the suppliers.

And I'm being real optimistic...

RMKRUM - I agree early failures seem to be par for the course even for so called high end products and manufacturers are at the mercy of their current suppliers. But I disagree that AS can not control the problem. They can drop suppliers that provide inferior or poorly designed products - i.e. power shades, Fusion, usb dual ports, Atkinson controller, kitchen faucet just to name a few. But they have continued to use them through MANY model years. So while they can not control the quality, they do not have to put up with it.

[Tincampers]

On our 2014 FC, we had to replace the regulator after two years. It was leaking.

[Boxster1971]

Airstream replaced my LP regulator after one year due to a recall.

[Tim A.]

Having a regulator fail is nothing new. It happened to us years ago. The replacement with the same brand and model has lasted ever since. I really doubt that the QC on the replacement was better!


Tim

[Pez Vela]

The LP regulator was shipped to a nearby RV service center. It was installed and problem solved. Email invoice for reimbursement to Chris Beaver and return old faulty valve in box with prepaid return label enclosed. Great service.

[wachuko]

Great news. Thank you for closing the loop on this. I want to have a spare one just to avoid the wait... need to look up part number to order one.

[Alex AVI]

Originally Posted by wachuko

Great news. Thank you for closing the loop on this. I want to have a spare one just to avoid the wait... need to look up part number to order one.

WACHUKO - Pretty soon, you will be better stocked than the biggest AS dealer. Could you please post a WOOF (Wachuko Online Order Form) ?

[Pahaska]

I can't believe carrying a spare regulator. In about 25 years of RVing, with 7 Rvs, neither I or anyone I know have had a regulator fail. If one did, it would only be a minor inconvenience and a replacement could be found at just about everywhere RV parts are sold.

Spares should pay their way, especially in a rig nearing max weight.

[wachuko]

Regulator is small and does not weight that much. This is one for just peace of mind while on the road... and having it increases the odds of never having to need it

[wachuko]

Well this is one of those situations that I wished I had followed up on my plan...

As soon as I switch propane on I can hear a nasty leak... I can feel the air/gas in this area... I think that the regulator is there, correct? Behind that foil?

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by Pahaska

I can't believe carrying a spare regulator. In about 25 years of RVing, with 7 Rvs, neither I or anyone I know have had a regulator fail. If one did, it would only be a minor inconvenience and a replacement could be found at just about everywhere RV parts are sold.

Spares should pay their way, especially in a rig nearing max weight.

John, I don't think I've had an RV of ANY kind in the past twenty years that I DIDN'T have to replace the regulator on... and some of them twice. The ones installed in the '70s were good for 25 years. The current crop seem to be good for about five. Most recently, I had to replace the regulator on the '95 Coachmen M19-RD I recently sold. It went bad right before I decided to sell it (although that had nothing to do WITH the decision to sell it.)

There are some REALLY cheap, junk two-stage regulators on the market today and those are what MOST RV dealers carry. They're about $15. I always opt for a better replacement. This is the one I installed on the Coachmen:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0072L3AKC

That said, I don't carry spare "anything"... except a couple of light bulbs.

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by wachuko

Well this is one of those situations that I wished I had followed up on my plan...

As soon as I switch propane on I can hear a nasty leak... I can feel the air/gas in this area... I think that the regulator is there, correct? Behind that foil?

Yes, that's where it ought to be... attached to the shut-off solenoid valve. And likely behind that foil... somewhere. Although the regulator failures I've experienced have only lead to a gas flow restriction and ultimately stoppage, not an external leak.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

Yes, that's where it ought to be... attached to the shut-off solenoid valve. And likely behind that foil... somewhere. Although the regulator failures I've experienced have only lead to a gas flow restriction and ultimately stoppage, not an external leak.

Okay. Just got home and will try to look at it better to determine if it is leaking from the regulator or a hose...

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by wachuko

Okay. Just got home and will try to look at it better to determine if it is leaking from the regulator or a hose...

Mix up a soap/water mixture in a spray bottle, or you can daub it on with a brush and see where the bubbles are.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

Mix up a soap/water mixture in a spray bottle, or you can daub it on with a brush and see where the bubbles are.

Great idea for a slow leak... sucker is blowing hard when I switch open the valve...

Anyway this will have to wait. Started to rain and a thunderstorm is coming... taking the family to the movies...

[85MH325]

Originally Posted by wachuko

Great idea for a slow leak... sucker is blowing hard when I switch open the valve...

Anyway this will have to wait. Started to rain and a thunderstorm is coming... taking the family to the movies...

Wimp. What's a little rain and lightening when you're playing with LP gas? No guts no glory!

I'll be interested to hear what you find when you get to it.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

Wimp. What's a little rain and lightening when you're playing with LP gas? No guts no glory!

I'll be interested to hear what you find when you get to it.

Hahahaaha

I never thought I was going to be able to use this image again! Not everyone apparently knows who this guy is . It is Cool McCool and danger is his business!



Wimp!? WImp!!? I will show you wimp! So armed with a cigar (to burn the awful propane smell)... soapy water sprayer, LED flashlight, and a lightning rod strapped to my leg... I went in to check.

Space is limited and that big metal box covers the side view...



Had to remove the foil tape covering the holes to confirm the regulator was there...





Then yelled at my lovely assistant to turn it on while I watched... even took a video. Here, take a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqniDxqZR1Y

Bad regulator for sure...