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03-09-2021, 12:01 PM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
Monterey
, California
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 19
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Water Drip On Propane Lines
Water Drip On Propane Lines
Any explanations? I appreciate your insights.
Trailer: 2020 Globetrotter 27FB Twin
What: A small drip is coming from down two propane lines. The propane lines are those that split off from the main line under the belly and penetrate the belly and run to the fridge and one to the furnace.
Where: Near the black and grey dump valve handles.
Since When: Noticed 24 hours ago. Prior to that, has not occurred. Gray tank is dumped daily and no instance prior to yesterday has been found.
My thoughts:
1. It’s near the shower, perhaps a leak somewhere under the shower pan.
2. It’s near the black and gray tanks, perhaps a leak from one of them.
3. It’s condensation finally finding the path to the lowest point.
Attempts to verify above:
1. Inspected under the shower, all is dry. Both propane lines come above the floor and all both dry.
2. Absorbed the water with a white paper towel, there is no discoloration.
3. Exterior humidity measured at the trailer via outdoor sensor ranges between 60% to 80% when not raining. Recent move from desert climate to coastal California climate 6 weeks ago.
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03-09-2021, 12:16 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2020 23' Flying Cloud
2019 22' Sport
Sebastian
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,234
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Is it worse when you use the furnace and the fridge? That would be more consistent with condensation. (The more cold propane moving through the line, the more heat can be absorbed to condense the water vapor. The smaller diameter of those lines also increases the heat transfer.)
__________________
-Don
(That man in that tiny can)
(Same man, Bigger can)
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03-09-2021, 12:27 PM
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#3
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1 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
Monterey
, California
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GetawA-S
Is it worse when you use the furnace and the fridge? That would be more consistent with condensation. (The more cold propane moving through the line, the more heat can be absorbed to condense the water vapor. The smaller diameter of those lines also increases the heat transfer.)
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Don,
Thanks for those good points. Furnace is run at night due to temps being in the high 30's, low 40's. Fridge is on 120V always.
As of now (11:30am) I've dried the lines and am awaiting reoccurrence of the drip. Furnace is off.
- Timothy
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03-09-2021, 12:50 PM
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#5
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1 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
Monterey
, California
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NO NOIZE
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Thank you for that. My forum-searching skills were not good enough to find that thread. I appreciate you posting it.
Thoughts from reading it: My water pressure has been regulated since day one using the trailer, set to 55 psi before it get to the city water connection. The use of the black tank flush, about once per week has not resulted in any noticed drip such as this. Considering I like to stay there and stare at the clear elbow as the tanks empty, I'm sure I would have noticed the drip had it been occurring earlier than noticed yesterday.
Thank you!
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03-09-2021, 03:03 PM
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#6
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4 Rivet Member
2014 27' FB International
Lewisville
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 264
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Water Pressure In A Closed System
The issue I had with the OEM water pressure regulator is that it would drip inside the wall of the trailer when the water pressure raised to over 65 psi., that is why I removed it completely. Several other posters said they experienced leak's with the OEM Chinese made regulator as well.
I have an oil filled pressure gauge on my Watts regulator that I attach to the city water supply (hose bib), I attach the water hose to it, and then to the Airstream. The regulator is set to 55 psi.
One day while walking around the trailer I noticed the gauge read 85psi, with a little research I figured out that when all the circumstances are just right, the pressure can raise as the water heater heats up.
If you first hook up at a campground, pressurize the trailer water system and light the water heater, you basically have a sealed system and the expansion has no place to go.
Of course most of the time someone would open a faucet or flush the toilet and the pressure would be relieved before anyone would notice. I know the air pocket in the top of the water heater is supposed to take up some of the expansion but the pressure still rises during the water heater warm up cycle if no one releases it somewhere.
As I say, all the circumstances have to be just right for this to happen but it can. Best of luck tracking down your leak, there were lots of other good suggestions on the other thread.
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03-10-2021, 02:40 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
2022 Atlas
Homosassa
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 729
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It seems like it could be the cold propane condensing in the warmer environment especially where the tanks are being heated by the furnace. Just a guess on my part but I doubt it is an interior leak.
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03-10-2021, 03:24 PM
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#8
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LEV ZEPPELIN
2004 19' International CCD
Chicago
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,048
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That gasket/washer thing around the line looks like it is messed up. Was this how it was from factory???
Nit that this has anything to do with your current issue.
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03-12-2021, 12:32 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2021 25' Flying Cloud
Fredericktown
, Ohio
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 353
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Water Drip on Propane Line
Quote:
Originally Posted by Palik
Water Drip On Propane Lines
Any explanations? I appreciate your insights.
Trailer: 2020 Globetrotter 27FB Twin
What: A small drip is coming from down two propane lines. The propane lines are those that split off from the main line under the belly and penetrate the belly and run to the fridge and one to the furnace.
Where: Near the black and grey dump valve handles.
Since When: Noticed 24 hours ago. Prior to that, has not occurred. Gray tank is dumped daily and no instance prior to yesterday has been found.
My thoughts:
1. It’s near the shower, perhaps a leak somewhere under the shower pan.
2. It’s near the black and gray tanks, perhaps a leak from one of them.
3. It’s condensation finally finding the path to the lowest point.
Attempts to verify above:
1. Inspected under the shower, all is dry. Both propane lines come above the floor and all both dry.
2. Absorbed the water with a white paper towel, there is no discoloration.
3. Exterior humidity measured at the trailer via outdoor sensor ranges between 60% to 80% when not raining. Recent move from desert climate to coastal California climate 6 weeks ago.
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Not sure if this is your issue, but this happened to us.
Back when we had our 2017 FC 27'RB we would often find some water under the trailer after flushing the black tank with the exterior flush connection . Very small amounts. This went on for about a year until one day there was a continuous stream while we were flushing the black tank. Since our trailer was still under warranty we took it to JC. They verified that the actual connection to the black tank (where the hose from the exterior connection attache to the tube that is in the tank) was not securely attached. Hence the leak. JC service tech had to cut a hole in the bottom of the black tank cover, reach up, and tighten it.
Take a look the next time your are flushing the black tank to see if the drop appears then.
My advice only. Good Luck.
__________________
Todd Mizer
2021 25' FBT Flying Cloud
Ford F-250 6.7L
WBCCI #6826
We have Year-Round Courtesy Parking.
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03-17-2021, 08:58 AM
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#10
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1 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
Monterey
, California
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NO NOIZE
The issue I had with the OEM water pressure regulator is that it would drip inside the wall of the trailer when the water pressure raised to over 65 psi., that is why I removed it completely. Several other posters said they experienced leak's with the OEM Chinese made regulator as well.
I have an oil filled pressure gauge on my Watts regulator that I attach to the city water supply (hose bib), I attach the water hose to it, and then to the Airstream. The regulator is set to 55 psi.
One day while walking around the trailer I noticed the gauge read 85psi, with a little research I figured out that when all the circumstances are just right, the pressure can raise as the water heater heats up.
If you first hook up at a campground, pressurize the trailer water system and light the water heater, you basically have a sealed system and the expansion has no place to go.
Of course most of the time someone would open a faucet or flush the toilet and the pressure would be relieved before anyone would notice. I know the air pocket in the top of the water heater is supposed to take up some of the expansion but the pressure still rises during the water heater warm up cycle if no one releases it somewhere.
As I say, all the circumstances have to be just right for this to happen but it can. Best of luck tracking down your leak, there were lots of other good suggestions on the other thread.
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Thanks for that! Some time ago I noticed that my water pressure would increase if the heater was on for a while. So much so that depressing the toilet flush and opening that valve would create a terrible noise in the water heater. This combined with the constant dripping of the relief valve led me to believe that the relief valve was faulty. I removed and inspected, reset the air gap, and nothing improved. I replaced the relief valve to notice a slight improvement. The best improvement came with not leaving the water heater on all the time. But still, the issue persists. I would have expected a check valve on the input lines to the water heater, but Airstream could not confirm this and was stumped when I brought the issue to them over the phone.
Thank you!
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03-17-2021, 09:02 AM
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#11
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1 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
Monterey
, California
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMCMRET
Not sure if this is your issue, but this happened to us.
Back when we had our 2017 FC 27'RB we would often find some water under the trailer after flushing the black tank with the exterior flush connection . Very small amounts. This went on for about a year until one day there was a continuous stream while we were flushing the black tank. Since our trailer was still under warranty we took it to JC. They verified that the actual connection to the black tank (where the hose from the exterior connection attache to the tube that is in the tank) was not securely attached. Hence the leak. JC service tech had to cut a hole in the bottom of the black tank cover, reach up, and tighten it.
Take a look the next time your are flushing the black tank to see if the drop appears then.
My advice only. Good Luck.
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Master Chief,
Thanks for your insight. I've been paying more attention to it during the flushes and I haven't noticed anything during or after.
Might I ask how you feel about cutting of the bottom of the cover? My gray tank sensor is faulty and it seems that the only solution is to cut into the bottom - not excited about that.
Thank you!
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03-17-2021, 09:18 AM
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#12
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1 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
Monterey
, California
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tater
It seems like it could be the cold propane condensing in the warmer environment especially where the tanks are being heated by the furnace. Just a guess on my part but I doubt it is an interior leak.
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I think this is correct. There's a flimsy piece of rubber between the wheel well cover and the belly pan. I removed it and looked in. No moisture coming down the propane lines. It's migrating from somewhere towards the interior direction.
Current working theory:
Conditions: running the furnace at night; warm air is pushed into the belly/tank area; outside humidity during the night is 70% to 90%; outside temps at night range 37 to 45 degrees.
Outside air is getting into the belly via these gaps, and then moisture condenses and migrates down to the lowest point.
Given I can see the marine-grade plywood from that gap, perhaps this issue provides some comfort to those with the new composite floors.
Thank you!
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03-17-2021, 09:20 AM
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#13
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1 Rivet Member
2020 27' Globetrotter
Monterey
, California
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crazylev
That gasket/washer thing around the line looks like it is messed up. Was this how it was from factory???
Nit that this has anything to do with your current issue.
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Howdy, yes, it is from factory as you see it. There is a plastic grommet that seats well to the belly to prevent the aluminum edge from cutting the propane line. Then there's the rubber gasket which does have an adhesive side but is also screwed in with 3 screws. Like a few other screws around the trailer, the individual who installed that gave it a little too much effort.
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03-17-2021, 09:27 AM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2023 27' Globetrotter
Winder
, Georgia
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 517
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Had the same thing on our Int. 25RB. The drip was on the propane lines where they came out of the underbelly which on my trailer was directly under the kitchen sink. Turns out the leak was from the sink drain. A pvc pipe coupling was cracked and water was leaking down the pipe, through the floor and finding an outlet on the propane lines.
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03-17-2021, 10:45 AM
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#15
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Airstream Ambassador
Jackson Center
, Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 742
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Palik
Water Drip On Propane Lines
Any explanations? I appreciate your insights.
Trailer: 2020 Globetrotter 27FB Twin
What: A small drip is coming from down two propane lines. The propane lines are those that split off from the main line under the belly and penetrate the belly and run to the fridge and one to the furnace.
Where: Near the black and grey dump valve handles.
Since When: Noticed 24 hours ago. Prior to that, has not occurred. Gray tank is dumped daily and no instance prior to yesterday has been found.
My thoughts:
1. It’s near the shower, perhaps a leak somewhere under the shower pan.
2. It’s near the black and gray tanks, perhaps a leak from one of them.
3. It’s condensation finally finding the path to the lowest point.
Attempts to verify above:
1. Inspected under the shower, all is dry. Both propane lines come above the floor and all both dry.
2. Absorbed the water with a white paper towel, there is no discoloration.
3. Exterior humidity measured at the trailer via outdoor sensor ranges between 60% to 80% when not raining. Recent move from desert climate to coastal California climate 6 weeks ago.
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Hi Palik,*
We're very sorry to learn about the issue you are having. Please send us a direct message with your contact information, email and the last 6 digits of your VIN so we can share it with our Customer Service and Technical Support team. We look forward to helping you get this resolved.
You can also reach Airstream Customer Service and Technical Support at*customersupport@airstream.com
Thank you.*
__________________
Official account for Airstream, Inc.
Airstream Customer Service and Technical Support can be reached at 1 (877) 596-6111, option 1.
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03-18-2021, 05:12 AM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
2021 25' Flying Cloud
Fredericktown
, Ohio
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 353
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Cutting the Grey Tank Cover
Quote:
Originally Posted by Palik
Master Chief,
Thanks for your insight. I've been paying more attention to it during the flushes and I haven't noticed anything during or after.
Might I ask how you feel about cutting of the bottom of the cover? My gray tank sensor is faulty and it seems that the only solution is to cut into the bottom - not excited about that.
Thank you!
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Cutting the bottom cover is very tricky. You have to be very carful not to get into the tank. There is not a lot of room between the tank and the cover.
I always try easy fixes first, before I do anything drastic. Before you go cutting, maybe try something else. I did the following (with my 2017) once before and it worked for me. I filled the grey tank to 65%, and then added some bleach and soap (Just a little). I hooked up my rig and drove it round the country side for about 45 minutes. The thought being that you might have some dried scum on the side of your tank that is interfering with the sensors. When I got home I filled up the gray tank to 100% then flushed it the next time I went camping. No issues with the sensors after that. Not really sure how it dried out on the inside. Maybe I had a trap that was empty?
If that does not work (since you own a 2020), a trip to the dealer form some warranty work might be in order.
Good Luck.
__________________
Todd Mizer
2021 25' FBT Flying Cloud
Ford F-250 6.7L
WBCCI #6826
We have Year-Round Courtesy Parking.
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