possible propane leak? - Montana Owners Club

scott802 · 03-18-2019, 06:43 AM

Hi all,
Thanks for helping out a newbie this forum has been really incredible.

2019 3121RL and been out camping a few times. This last weekend suddenly noticed a VERY strong rotten egg odor coming from around the front of the coach. This odor has never been there before. At first I thought it was a sewer gas odor but I seemed to pinpoint the area around the front of the coach.

So at that point I thought it was the distinct rotten egg smell of leaking propane. I had changed out the second tank last time I was out so I double checked all the connections. All were tight but the odor was super strong.

Next step was I shut off the second tank that I had changed and switched over to the #1 tank. Now the odor was strong around that tank but generally all around the front. This smell had not been there the last few times I was out camping AT ALL.

In the meantime, the furnace, stove, etc were working fine inside all weekend.

So, needless to say I'm a little worried about what it might be since the smell (to me) was that very distinct propane smell versus a sewer gas.

Any help would be totally appreciated. How to check for propane leak? Or just return this to the dealer?

Roadtravelers · 03-18-2019, 07:15 AM

I have been told the the rotten egg smell is when the tanks are empty

scott802 · 03-18-2019, 07:26 AM

Propane tanks?
If so, the #2 tank was just filled on my last trip and hardly used so that doesn't seem likely?
Last trip I ran totally out of propane and no smell was noted. I'm definitely wondering plus of course there's the whole safety issue.

1retired06 · 03-18-2019, 07:31 AM

If it is propane, You might check for leaks at the regulator and all tank connections. You indicated all were tight, but check for leaks with soapy water.

McIver · 03-18-2019, 08:05 AM

Had the same problem (but not as severe). Turns out that the regulator was not installed properly. Once replaced, not a big fix, all is good.

BuilderBob · 03-18-2019, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott802

Hi all,
Thanks for helping out a newbie this forum has been really incredible.

2019 3121RL and been out camping a few times. This last weekend suddenly noticed a VERY strong rotten egg odor coming from around the front of the coach. This odor has never been there before. At first I thought it was a sewer gas odor but I seemed to pinpoint the area around the front of the coach.

So at that point I thought it was the distinct rotten egg smell of leaking propane. I had changed out the second tank last time I was out so I double checked all the connections. All were tight but the odor was super strong.

Next step was I shut off the second tank that I had changed and switched over to the #1 tank. Now the odor was strong around that tank but generally all around the front. This smell had not been there the last few times I was out camping AT ALL.

In the meantime, the furnace, stove, etc were working fine inside all weekend.

So, needless to say I'm a little worried about what it might be since the smell (to me) was that very distinct propane smell versus a sewer gas.

Any help would be totally appreciated. How to check for propane leak? Or just return this to the dealer?

Does the smell go away if you turn off the propane tanks? If yes then you need to check all connections with soapy water to find the leak! If the smell is still there with the tanks off than take a look at your battery's you maybe have a over charge problem.

Mudchief · 03-18-2019, 09:19 AM

I have had this happen when I filled the tank. Then as the weather warms up the pop off valve starts to bleed off the pressure. Turning the valve off will not stop it. That could be your problem.

scott802 · 03-18-2019, 09:49 AM

You all are great I'm so appreciative. My girlfriend was really worried about the possibility of a dangerous explosion while we were camping of course.

The very first thing I did once I realized the general area of the odor being at the front of the trailer around the propane tank(s)(at first I thought it was sewer gas) was to shut off the valve on the secondary tank completely and switch back to the #1 tank.

My thought process there was, since I had recently filled the #2 tank something must have happened subsequent to that. Despite the fact that I camped for an entire weekend after that and noticed NO smell.

After I swapped tanks, the smell got slightly less but it was definitely still there around both tanks. I kept thinking 'I've shut the gas off why am I still smelling propane'???

So yes I am definitely at a loss here.

Thanks again a ton everyone.

Woodworker · 03-18-2019, 10:01 AM

Had similar smell in the past. 1st, this happens in my home when the 1000 gal propane tank is low or empty. Also happened my RV for the same reasons. Last time I filled the tanks, the vendor spilled (sprayed) a bunch of the propane on the outside of the tanks when disconnecting and it smelled for several days afterwards.

**DQDick** · 03-18-2019, 10:04 AM

When our old rig was new we had the same problem. The factory had over threaded the black pipe going across the front so that the connections on one end wouldn't seal.

CRUZIN 2 · 03-18-2019, 12:57 PM

Does the smell go away if you turn off the propane tanks? If yes then you need to check all connections with soapy water to find the leak! If the smell is still there with the tanks off than take a look at your battery's you maybe have a over charge problem.
__________________
Bob & Carol Washington St
2017 HC HM352RL 2018 Dodge 3500 laramie CC LB 4x4
Curt Q25 with puck system, Factory air bags

We had the same problem with that smell, and it was our battery's over charging.
Just what we had.

scott802 · 03-18-2019, 01:47 PM

hi,
the smell did not go away even with both propane tanks turned off. Maybe a little less but I can open the front compartment and still smell it.
Oddly enough, been having tons of problems with the battery voltages. I drove away from the park had no problems raising the jacks and by the time 4 hours later I tried to unhook and drop the jacks I had ZERO battery power not even enough to put the jacks down. I thought it was unrelated. 'low voltage' warnings on the Lippert.
I kept thinking I messed up the position of the 'battery disconnect' key (should stay in ON position) versus anything to do with my supposed propane leak.

appreciate you all.

**Carl n Susan** · 03-18-2019, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott802

hi,
<snip>
.....I kept thinking I messed up the position of the 'battery disconnect' key (should stay in ON position) versus anything to do with my supposed propane leak....
</snip>

The ON and OFF positions of the key are very confusing. What you want is the position where you CAN'T remove the key!

JABURKHOLDER · 03-18-2019, 03:51 PM

Personal opinion, your batteries may be overcharging and are out gassing. Have your batteries tested.

scott802 · 03-19-2019, 06:01 AM

Thanks so much. I never even thought it could be a battery issue that might cause that smell. As far as the disconnect key, it's in the 'On' position now which means the batteries are 'on' and the key cannot be removed. Yes, the labeling is definitely counter-intuitive and I know I had been messing with that key when it seemed like my batteries were always losing charge. At least I assume that since every time I try and lower my jacks I get the 'low voltage' error message followed by the jack motors buzzing like they don't have enough power to move.

I'm definitely hopeful this is a battery issue versus propane so it looks like I will have to tow back to the dealer for service is pretty much what I'm gathering at this point.

Thanks everyone,

Slow Hand · 03-19-2019, 07:12 AM

Batteries smell like rotten eggs. Propane doesn't smell like that. One of your batteries has a dead short. I would replace it as soon as you can. They will get hot and can explode so be careful if battery is hot. Disconnect the GROUND wire first. Always

scott802 · 03-19-2019, 08:18 AM

That's why I'm on this site, I learn so much. I feel dumb but I had no idea batteries smelled like rotten eggs at all. But that's exactly the very strong odor I'm getting. Rotten eggs. And it sure might explain why I keep showing 'low voltage' every time I'm trying to simply raise and lower the jacks.

Thank you everyone so much! Will keep you all posted what I find out.

jeffba · 03-19-2019, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott802

That's why I'm on this site, I learn so much. I feel dumb but I had no idea batteries smelled like rotten eggs at all. But that's exactly the very strong odor I'm getting. Rotten eggs. And it sure might explain why I keep showing 'low voltage' every time I'm trying to simply raise and lower the jacks.

Thank you everyone so much! Will keep you all posted what I find out.

Electrolite in batteries is Sulferic acid. HydrogenSulfide gas form the batteries smells like rotten eggs..

scott802 · 03-19-2019, 10:10 AM

Yep. Just talked to the dealer. Apparently it's a 'known issue' with these bad coach batteries. So they will evidently be replaced under warranty.

scott802 · 03-22-2019, 08:37 AM

Follow up - in speaking to my dealer they are trying to blame my truck for overcharging the batteries. I just had a new heavy duty alternator put in a few months ago, and granted the output is higher number of amps than stock, but I did that on purpose as the alternators on these older Ford 6.0's are known to fail.
I really don't see how a new high output alternator would cause the batteries in my Montana to fail, nonetheless the dealer is insisting when I bring the coach back for service (should be under warranty if batteries are bad) that I bring paperwork indicating the charging system on the truck has been tested and verified.

Has anyone ever encountered this type of issue?

Thanks again

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