Gas smell in 5'er

[ReadyToRoll]

Probably a dumb question but what is the cause of a strong gas smell in our Cougar 5'th wheel when one or both propane tanks are getting low? This happens every time and after getting the tank(s) refilled there is no smell. Also, the carbon monoxide detector never indicates a problem.

[JRTJH]

The carbon monoxide detector should never "alarm" with propane, but your propane detector should alarm to warn you of the presence of propane "near the floor" if there is a leak. The two detectors are not "related" and should not alarm simultaneously. They "detect" two separate and different gasses.

Now, as for the smell of propane (mercaptan) near the "bottom of the tank"... Mercaptan is the oily substance that produces a "sulfur-like" odor associated with propane. It is "added to propane" during the refining process. Since it's an oily liquid, it may accumulate in the propane tank and not be "vaporized" with the gas. Over time, that oil will slowly "fill the tank" with excessive amounts of mercaptan. If you're getting an "overwhelming smell" of mercaptan without a propane leak and near the bottom of the tank, you probably need to have your tanks "purged" the next time you fill them. Identify the problem to a "knowledgeable" propane distributor and they will take care of purging your tanks. The local "Ace hardware" afterschool part-timer may not be experienced in the "how to" of purging propane tanks, so finding a knowledgeable person to do the purge is essential.

Good Luck.

[sourdough]

I think John is right. You should have some good propane dealers in Grand Junction and that's where you need to take your tanks. They should be able to take care of you.