Smell propane in bottle compartment.

[X-Treme]

In my 2011 Alpine 3500RE, whenever I open the propane bottle compartment, I can smell propane. When the door is closed, I don't smell it at all. It has done this since brand new, so I'm assuming it was checked when it was PDI'd. Is this normal?

[RdRmr]

I had the same problem on my High Country, the flex hose from the tank on the door side of the unit had a small leak right where it connected to the auto change over regulator. The hose connects into a small check valve which then connects to the reg. Hose was bent too tight putting a strain on the crimped fitting, installed one a few inches longer. No smell now, was done under warrenty. Be careful not to eliminate the check valve.

[Bob Landry]

It's possible to have a regulator leak, I did. If you have an auto-changeover regulator with the red/green indicator Open the valve of the tank that's being use to insure you get a green flag. Then close off the valves to bothbottles and let it sit a day or so. Go back and check it and if you have the red flag, that indicated there is a leak somewhere.
To isolate mine, I disconnected the propane hose from the regulator where it connects to the black pipe manifold and capped it with a pipe plug. When I still got the red flag, I knew the leak was somewhere before that point so I worked backwards. I sprayed all of the fittings and hoses with soap bubble solution and did not find the leak.I ended up putting my spare regulator on and the leak went away and Marshall replaced the regulator.

[TAS]

It's possible to have a regulator leak, I did. If you have an auto-changeover regulator with the red/green indicator Open the valve of the tank that's being use to insure you get a green flag. Then close off the valves to bothbottles and let it sit a day or so. Go back and check it and if you have the red flag, that indicated there is a leak somewhere.
To isolate mine, I disconnected the propane hose from the regulator where it connects to the black pipe manifold and capped it with a pipe plug. When I still got the red flag, I knew the leak was somewhere before that point so I worked backwards. I sprayed all of the fittings and hoses with soap bubble solution and did not find the leak.I ended up putting my spare regulator on and the leak went away and Marshall replaced the regulator.

Hmmmm, I went to turn my bottles on one time and noticed the red flag was in view. I've never smelled gas but I'm gonna check mine out to see if I also have a slight leak. Thanks for the troubleshooting tips.

[geo]

X-Treme -

I had the same problem. A little water with a shot of dish washing soap and a little paint brush quickly showed that the crimp connection to the bottle screw connector had a leak. I shut that bottle down and next weekend, headed to CW for a new connecting pigtail. This one had an inch crimp connection rather than half inch. When I headed out to the Alpine and opened the propane storage door, smelled the propane additive scent again! Yup, other half inch crimp was leaking! Back out to CW. So, this spring, not only did I replace both pigtail connectors, I also mounted the two stage regulator on a short board and attached it to the inner wall. No more propane leaks, and no more wrestling the two stage off the tiedown screw to remove a bottle!

I can post pictures if you would like to see them.

Ron

[Me.Bikes.Dogs]

The only time you should ever smell propane at your bottles is when you attach or detach your bottles from the regulator. Any other time is a definite leak and needs to be repaired asap!

[X-Treme]

So, I was out last weekend, and before we left our site, I completely shut off the propane (both bottles shut off). Today when I went to wash the rig, I opened the propane compartment, and I can STILL smell propane. All this after 200 miles of driving, and a week of sitting. Could my bottles themselves be leaking? Or perhaps the bottle valves?

[geo]

X-Treme -

OK, here's a long shot. Propane doesn't exactly have a noticable scent. The "smell" is added to it. You may have a condensation "slug" of the additive which has leaked onto the bottle, hoses, etc. Since you are home, remove the bottles, cap the fittings, and wash with soap and/or tomato juice. (Yup, chemically related to skunk scent). Leave the bottles out for a day, and then sniff the empty compartment. If you still smell the odor, probably should wash the hoses, regulator, and compartment for peace of mind. Or, buy a handheld propane detector from CW and check when finished with connections. I did the latter, I swear I can smell propane walking past the new bottles at CW. Think that goes with being in the oil field for several decades.

Ron

[Me.Bikes.Dogs]

There are multiple places on a propane cylinder where they can leak. You can find leaks by pouring soapy water over all threaded areas on your valves. Also propane cylinders are designed to vent propane at designed pressures. If you have your tanks filled and then the temperature rises dramatically or the tanks are in direct sunlight you might get a small amount of venting but this is rare.

[anthonbloom]

I had a leak in my regulator / selector switch. Propane was leaking out through the plastic window in the red/green pressure indicator.

[hankaye]

X-tream, Howdy;

There is the small screw (1/4" straight slot), on the Left side of the tank valve as you look at it that the fill person cracks open when filling your tanks. You might check to be sure they snugged it up when they were finished.
Also, altitude can have an effect on the internal pressures.

hankaye

[X-Treme]

I had a leak in my regulator / selector switch. Propane was leaking out through the plastic window in the red/green pressure indicator.

It shouldn't be that, cause I smell it even with the bottles off for 2 weeks.

[hankaye]

X-Treme, Howdy;

Please let us know what it is when you figure it out.

Thanks,

hankaye