Propane Odor

[Lando]

Hello everyone,
I am new to this forum and this is my first post.
We acquired a 1995 25ft Classic Excella in January.
When we picked the coach up, the gentleman we
purchased it from had the furnace on for perhaps
an hour. But sometime prior to it running properly the gas had
somehow leaked into the trailer. So the propane
odor permeated the trailer and is still noticeable.
We would appreciate any help with ideas to remedy
this propane odor, outside of cleaning all the curtains
and carpet? Thanks for any ideas!

[Ganglin]

I believe the first thing I'd do is go over all the connections from the tanks back and check for leaks.

[azflycaster]

Also, check the oven. Mine has an off position and another for pilot off.

[moosetags]

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

You need to check every gas supply hose and fitting, including the hoses from the tank the the regulator. As these age, they can develop small leaks. We just had to replace two hoses on our 2005 AS. I have had good results checking for leak with children's bubble blowing liquid.

If all of these hoses and connections are good, you could have some kind of leak in the furnace itself. This is a more complicated matter. Also check for gas leaks at the stove and water heater.

I would think that getting the gas smell out of the trailer could be done with a really good airing out with exhaust fans.

Brian

[Ahzmyrah]

If the trailer has been aired out and you still smell gas you have a gas leak. It could be something as simple as the pilot not being lit and the stove is in the "pilot on" position. Safest thing is to turn the gas off at the tanks. Turn eveything off in the trailer. Air the trailer, then turn on the gas and check for gas smell and check all fittings for leaks with soapy water (a few drops of dish detergent and water in a spray bottle). You can even isolate the various gas appliances by turning off the individual valves located in the gas lines under the trailer. Another similar "off "smell that is not gas is a plugged refridgerator vent that allowing combustion gases, if the reefer is running on gas, to accumulate in the trailer. That smell is not a garlic peppery smell like gas but more musty.

[Astrodokk]

My Airstream had that propane smell as well, for the longest time. I had turned the oven "off", but you have to turn the "pilot" off too. That fixed my problem.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, before you do what was already posted, you should check your propane detector; That thing should have blasted your ear drums off. Now, check for propane leaks and the operation of appliances.