Propane fill adaptor Roadtrek 170 1997 (Dodge)

[RT1997]

The propane tank in this RT model located the way that makes it diffucult to refill propane without special adaptor.
I got the RV in 2014 and back then I was using UHaul and ExpoPropane places that either had the right tools or the right specialists , so I did not have any proplems.
I moved out of that area and realized that a lot of places did not have the right adaptors and refused to fill propane in my Roadrek 170. I found one place at Shell gas station (Ferrell gas ) that had the adaptor and later on I got that adaptor from them when they removed the station from Shell.
And since then most places I went to refill propane had no problem using my adaptor ( see pic.).
But recently at the same place I got propane just 20 days ago ( used that place for 2+ years) someting unusual and disturbing happened .
The operator was unable to detach their connection to my adaptor and the fumes were going out non stop in big volume.They even suggested that the valve in my new propane tank failed and I would have to drive with their attachment untill the tank is empty and then they would try to remove it.
Anyway, after losing 1/4 of propane they were able to remove what they called security attachment.No popane coming out.No leaks ( they checked).
They even suggested that the newly installed tank sank about 1/2 of an inch.
(I did ask what changed since they never had a problem before ).
I called the Canadian RT specialist (Mobilife RV) and was told by the professional with 35 years in servicing Roadtreks that broken valve and sinking tank is not possible.
I asked if I can purchase the adaptor from them but they all sold out and not available anymore. I got the drawings of the adaptor.
Not sure where to find the specialist to make it.It is a rubber hose with metal connectors.Posting the pdf file .
Hoping to hear from fellow RT 170 1997 owners what adaptor they use and where to get it.
Thank you in advance.

P.S. After that refill (4 days later) all the appliances are working as usual.No propane leaks.

 

[RT-NY]

For what it's worth, I really think that you need to consider getting some other kind of adapter or finding a better solution to the inaccessibility of your tank. If I recall correctly from your previous posts, you have also had problems in the past with "fumes going out non stop in big volume."

I really think that is not supposed to happen ever! It never happens with my tank, which has a permanently installed rubber hose to a remote fill port to solve the problem of acessibility. But it has a check valve on it so propane can only flow in, not out! It sounds to me like somehow your adapter has no check valve and lets propane come out unchecked, which sounds to me very dangerous.

 

[rlum-JAY]

The propane tank in this RT model located the way that makes it diffucult to refill propane without special adaptor.
I got the RV in 2014 and back then I was using UHaul and ExpoPropane places that either had the right tools or the right specialists , so I did not have any proplems.
I moved out of that area and realized that a lot of places did not have the right adaptors and refused to fill propane in my Roadrek 170. I found one place at Shell gas station (Ferrell gas ) that had the adaptor and later on I got that adaptor from them when they removed the station from Shell.
And since then most places I went to refill propane had no problem using my adaptor ( see pic.).
But recently at the same place I got propane just 20 days ago ( used that place for 2+ years) someting unusual and disturbing happened .
The operator was unable to detach their connection to my adaptor and the fumes were going out non stop in big volume.They even suggested that the valve in my new propane tank failed and I would have to drive with their attachment untill the tank is empty and then they would try to remove it.
Anyway, after losing 1/4 of propane they were able to remove what they called security attachment.No popane coming out.No leaks ( they checked).
They even suggested that the newly installed tank sank about 1/2 of an inch.
(I did ask what changed since they never had a problem before ).
I called the Canadian RT specialist (Mobilife RV) and was told by the professional with 35 years in servicing Roadtreks that broken valve and sinking tank is not possible.
I asked if I can purchase the adaptor from them but they all sold out and not available anymore. I got the drawings of the adaptor.
Not sure where to find the specialist to make it.It is a rubber hose with metal connectors.Posting the pdf file .
Hoping to hear from fellow RT 170 1997 owners what adaptor they use and where to get it.
Thank you in advance.

P.S. After that refill (4 days later) all the appliances are working as usual.No propane leaks.

Hi: I see you are in California? I live in Southern California. Have used Mutual Propane to make custom propane hoses for me. I would just take the a picture of the hose or take it into their shop. They can probably replicate or make a new hose/better hose for you. It seems, you could reroute the fill line to a better location and this hose? Make it easier to get your propane filled?

 

[RT-NY]

Hi: I see you are in California? I live in Southern California. Have used Mutual Propane to make custom propane hoses for me. I would just take the a picture of the hose or take it into their shop. They can probably replicate or make a new hose/better hose for you. It seems, you could reroute the fill line to a better location and this hose? Make it easier to get your propane filled?

It seems to me that there is no "fill line" in the OP's van. There is just the fill port on the propane tank, but the tank is positioned under the van in such a way that it is difficult to access. In my 1999 RT 170, there is a hose to a remote fill port that makes it much easier.

But again, I repeat my concern that if the OP's adapter hose is made in such a way that, if you screw it into the propane tank it causes propane to flow out unchecked, then it is unsafe and some other solution would be better.

 

[RT1997]

Thank you RT-NY and Plum.Yes,the edge of the tray under the tank is kind of in a way of adaptor I have.But some fumes coming AFTER the propane flow stopped was not happening all the time and did not take long to stop the fumes. I read on this forum that other people experienced the same and did not express much concern.
I do agree that it shold not be happening.
Just called Mutual Propane and sent them the pdf file with the picture of the factory original adaptor.They asked what length of the hose I need.I am not sure what is the best length. What do you think?
Anyway, will be waiting for the quote.
Thank you,Plum! Now I have some hope.

 

[RT-NY]

...some fumes coming AFTER the propane flow stopped was not happening all the time and did not take long to stop the fumes. I read on this forum that other people experienced the same and did not express much concern.

A small amount of propane will come out when the hose is disconnected but that is just the propane that is in the hose. That is what others on this forum mentioned in your previous posts, and that is normal and not a cause for concern at all.

But if your adapter. when attached to the tank, causes propane to come directly out of the propane tank itself, then that is a big cause of concern. If your screw your adapter to the tank does it cause propane to come out of the tank??

 

[RT1997]

The fumes were comjng only after shut off when they were attempting to disconnect.
Ordering tomorrow ($ 134).What length is the best?

 

[RT-NY]

I won't post any more on this, but you said that 1/4 of the propane in the tank came out!! Propane is not supposed to come out of the tank ever for any reason. That is a disaster waiting to happen! You need to find out what went wrong not just order a part.

 

[RT1997]

About 1/4 I might be wrong.It was 3/4 after all done.They put 4 gallons and I had 1/4 when I came.
To find out what went wrong you need all patries to be 100% honest and impartial.The place where I filled the tank is not specialized one and this is their side business.The person who filled is not real professional.What they claim that the tank possibly sanked 1/2 of inch according to RT specialist with 35 years if experience not possible as well as tank valve damage.
If the propane place did the damage they are not going to admit that.I can not going through another tank installation,and not only for $$$.I will try the new adaptor.Not only because it suits me but I trust RT specialist from Canada.
You are right about safety but there is no way of investigating what happened since the propane place is not even admitting of possibility of their fault.
Anyway,thank you for your concern.I will research the subject.
.

 

[Mike Bee-ClassB]

Surprised to hear that an adaptor is required to fill propane tank on 97 RT 170.
This is what we have and haven’t had to use an adaptor to have tank filled.
Have used mostly out of town providers while on trips as only 1 place in our city to fill and they mostly do bbq tanks .

Mike Bee

 

[RT1997]

I was able to get a replica of the factory made adaptor for RT 170 at Mutual Propane ( many thanks to forum member Rlum ! ) and it worked perfectly.I used another place to fill the tank.It was 5.4 gallons and the tank still had may be 1/8 of a gallon.I was afraid that it was an overfill ( the guy did not open the bleed valve - last time he claimed that their super new machine stops when necessary).But no fumes was coming from the tank.Only a poweful short stream from the back of their machine).

About that horrible accident (see the beginning of this thread) I had a talk with Mutual Propane manager.He said that was a common issue.And though they deal with household tanks the system is similar and involve some spring.

I might never know what actually happened.But the talk about brand new tank failed or sank 0.5 inches after installation seemed like total BS.
It is very possible that since the tray was kind of in the way of mine adaptor, that time the guy did not do it right and the connection was not 100% straight.

Anyway,it was a happy end.

Thanks everyone for responding.