Strong Propane Smell

[N2BchMtnMrsh]

We are on our seventh trip in our 3750FL and noticed a strong propane smell inside. Is there a common connection that comes loose? Or a place where the line gets worn?

[randye]

When one of the bottles empty, we smell propane and know it has switched over to the other bottle. Check to see if one of them is empty. When you take the bottle loose some of the propane is still in the lines and will smell inside. Hope this helps.

[awaywego]

Check all the burner knobs on the range. We kept smelling propane and found one was partially on. Do not know why.

[Drifty1]

Could be oven is set to pilot light without the flame lit..

[bncinwv]

You really need to get a propane detector and quickly find out where the problem is. This is an unsafe situation and has to be fixed asap!!
Bingo

[twindman]

ditto on the propane detector. I got one when the bedroom smelled. Also added a detector on the floor of bedroom. My problem was the small hose that attaches to the crossover pipe. The threads were bad or something like that.

[davidaf]

From the last two posts it sounds like our Montanas don't come equipped with a propane detector? Not sure why but I just assumed there was one in there. All my other rigs had them.

[mhs4771]

Our 2010 Montana had a Propane Detector, as does our SOB.

[Irlpguy]

I suspect that a propane leak detector is more than likely standard on all newer trailers and 5th wheels. Ours have all had them as does our 2012 Montana. They are/should be mounted close to the floor since that is where the fumes will collect.

I would bet all the Montana's have them.

If the smell was only temporary then it may be caused by either the oven pilot, one of the burners, a leak at a fitting or simply changing a bottle. If on the other had it lingers then you need to find out where it is coming from and do not use any open flame in the meantime.

If you ever saw the results of an explosion in an RV due to a propane leak you will want to ensure there are no ongoing leaks anywhere.

[Overlord]

Don't know what model your 5er is, but if you have one that has the kitchen stove in a slide there is something to be aware of.

On mine, the propane hose to the slide got pinched/kinked in between the slide and wall when I brought the slide in one time. I re-adjusted the spring that is supposed to pull the hose out of the way, but I still check it out every time that I bring in the kitchen slide, just to make sure.

Agree on getting a sniffer and find the leak, ASAP.

[K0LCB]

I had to replace a propane hose on my 3750 the first night out. Keystone reimbursed me for the new hose

[DQDick]

Your propane detector should be on a wall or cabinet in your kitchen area. Our propane problem was where the connections attached to the cross over pipe in the front. Keystone had over threaded the black pipe causing the connection to tighten before it sealed.

[kdeiss]

Our 2002 had a propane detector so they have been installing for a long time.would even go off when spraying aerosols

[K0LCB]

Every RV I've owned since a 1996 model came equipped with a LP leak detector. I think they are required

[bncinwv]

The factory supplied propane detector will not help discern the source of the leak. I should have been clearer, a portable detector (sniffer) is usually what is needed to detect the leak location. I still think the leak should be located and remedied as soon as possible, a propane leak is not something to fool around with!
Bingo

[K0LCB]

A propane leak can cause a lot of excitement for a few minutes

[bncinwv]

quote:Originally posted by K0LCB

A propane leak can cause a lot of excitement for a few minutes

Or, worst case, for a couple of seconds!!

Bingo

[DQDick]

One thing to remember about propane. It's heavier than air so it can accumulate in low spots. I've even heard of a bad explosion with a propane grill when someone had a trash bucket sitting under the grill and it filled up before ignition.