propane swap

[RichR]

We were caught in the snow storm in the Texas panhandle last weekend,8 inches of snow.Found a campground in Dumas TX and plugged in power cord to wait out the storm.On the second day first propane bottle ran out on fuel(in the middle of the night of course)and did not swap to the full.Yes I know this has been discussed before.I have a red regulator on the right side of the 3400RL-what can I do to make sure this does not fail again?I am now in Houston Tx so I can get whatever is needed,I do not want to have this happen again.I had to swap tanks to get heat back on,in 7 degree temps and blowing wind.

[1retired06]

Assume you had both propane tanks open?

[jimcol]

Bad deal Rich. Seems things never fail at a good time. Could be a multitude of things causing the problem. Just to couple on with what Mike said you must insure you open each tank very slowly. If the overfill protection device senses the least bit of rush of propane it will close rendering that tank useless. Others on here have talked of defective pig tails causing the problem you encountered. I suggest when you have time shut off the side that didn't have an isuue and try to get a good flow from the side that was giving you the problem. Once convinced it is working bring the other side online. Good luck, Jim

[pchaas]

Rich, I know exactly what you are talking about. It happens to me every time I try to switch tanks. I have to remove the empty tank, switch the full tank to the other side, where I removed the empty tank, then I put a 20# bottle on the other side and wala the gas valve turns green again. This is such a pain. I would like to replace the whole system. Sorry I can't solve your problem, I'm just hoping someone can help us both.

[Sierra 117]

I used to have the same problem, wouldn't switch to the second tank. It always happened in the middle of a cold night. After this happened three times, I started opening the tank valves slowly after connecting. Never had the problem since. The tanks have been switching reliably for the last four years.

[RichR]

UPDATE ON SWAP ISSUE-the regulator and propane hose would not pass gas(ha ha)-replaced the hose and regulator works great now!Thanks for suggestions.

[pineranch]

It was probably not the hose or regulator but the brass reducer on the hose, but you got it when you changed the hose.
Mike