How many gas valves ?

[alumascoupe]

Hi all, my overlander had only 1 gas shut-off valve located inside the trailer just before the furnace. I see other posts mention shut offs under the trailer, and additional shutoffs at other appliances such as the water heater. My question is, how many valves should I have, and where ?

[TG Twinkie]

My '74 Argosy has shut off valves for all appliances. The furnace; the cook stove; and water heater are all outside under the coach. The refer shut off is operated from inside, but the valve is outside. It is located behind the access hatch.

[alumascoupe]

Probably by the 70's safety was a bigger thing ? Any 60s owners still have original gas plumbing ? I think its odd the only valve on my AS is located inside ! I get why valves outside are probably safer, but what is the reason behind so many valves? Is it so if one appliance develops a leak you can shut it down and finish the trip with the others operational ?

[Rhino33]

On our 1980 International, we have one for the furnace, one for the water heater, one for the range, one for the fridge and one additional mystery one. Not sure if there are separate ones for the oven and the stove top, but hoping to figure it out this weekend!

[perryg114]

I don't see why you need any valves. Best to turn off the propane and vent the system prior to removing anything. Unless you have a need to remove one appliance and still run the others. I see no reason for it from a safety standpoint.

Perry

[Jammer]

My 2010 doesn't have any gas valves, other than the ones built into appliances and the ones at the tanks.

The only real advantage of valves for each appliance is that it would allow you to operate all the working appliances if one developed a leak while traveling. That's pretty rare, though, and you can accomplish the same thing by carrying a flare cap of the proper size.

[Thalweg]

My '62, with mostly original gas lines, has a valve for every appliance. Stove, water heater, and fridge are at the appliance. The furnace valve is under the trailer because there is no easy access to the gas connection on the furnace itself.

[alumascoupe]

Well, looks like maybe AS is a bit eclectic in their gas valve placement and usage. I think for now I'll just stick to the original design and have the one valve inside just before the furnace, it never blew up in the first 48 years so whats the worst that can happen ? Jammer, I like your cap idea, my travel tool box will contain one of each size when the Overlander lives up to its name again ( They come apart so quickly, but when it come to assembly...)