SINGLE STAGE LPG (Liquid Propane Gas) regulators are dangerous!

[Greywolf]

Older trailers and such may have them, and the problem is that if the regulators fail they have no backup stage at all. This means that full pressure may come out at a stove or appliance without warning and fill up an RV like a bomb waiting to be lit off by any spark that occurs... *Think "HINDENBURG"... I think the bottom line here is that if the flames from your stove burners can go more than a foot tall - something is for sure wrong... You'd smell it if it was happening though - what is called "Methyl Percaptan" is purposely added to LPG (which is essentially odorless in it's natural form) to make LPG stink like a DUPONT plant or a papermill next door.... ALL modern LPG regulators are dual stage, and older systems can easily be retro-fitted with an up to date one. If you have any doubts - most RV places will look at it and tell you what it is for sure, for nothing. Call, or even snap a picture of it and e-mail it if there is any doubt. You can also check your LPG leak detector with nothing more complicated than a cheap butane lighter. If it works right - directing the flow of a lighter into the air ports on them (DON'T CLICK THE FLINT!) should set them off. This is the truest way to test them. It will have a green light normally, and is located at floor level because LPG is heavier than air. *Open your doors first, so there is a fresh air draft.

[horsepuller]

Excellent safety tip. Thanks Dutch!

[rebocardo]

You know, I remember seeing a few news articles about TTs, motorhomes, and such for blowing up for no reason on the highway and the LPG was always blamed. Probably why LPG carrying vehicles are banned in many tunnels.