Gas regulators & loss of supply of gas Forums

Don Madge

This was posted on the Motorhome List by Stephen Buckley MD of Dick Lane Motorhomes, Bradford

"During this Summer there has been various posts from members who have had gas problems (don't we all?) that appear to have centred
around the new type of regulator. We have just received a 'Dealer Bulletin' from Truma which may be of interest to list members. It
runs to two pages so it is far too long to reproduce here but the essence of it is that Truma have been replacing these regulators
under warranty but will decline to do so as from 1st December. The reason, put simply, is that the regulators have been found not
to be defective but have been malfunctioning due to "oily residues" and "plasticizers containing certain phthalates ..... not found
in the materials used in the construction of the regulators, its diaphragm or the Truma high pressure hose" being found in the
regulators. They go on to say "Unfortunately the quality of the Truma regulator may be trapping some of these phthalates where other
(manufacturer's) products may let them through into the gas system". Paradoxically Truma then go on to say that "the same problem
has occurred in Australia where no Truma regulators have been sold, therefore the only common factors could be the gas supplier or
other equipment in the gas installation".

The bulletin mentions that Calor "suggest the regulator be mounted above the inlet of the gas bottle and the hose should not be
'curled' or 'looped' (which may have the effect of) allowing collection of these plasticizers. Also that an elbow be installed to
further ensure that plasticizers do not collect in the regulator".

They conclude by saying that "Perhaps these recommendations by Calor suggest that the phthalates can then not be trapped in the
regulators or hose assembly and can in fact travel BACK (their capitals) into the gas bottle" and "that from 1st December 2006 Truma
will no longer accept any warranty costs for these contaminated regulators" as they "believe this is not a Truma problem" even
though up to now they have "continued to cover the escalating costs of this (under terms of) warranty" when "no other industry
supplier has been willing to help the customer financially".

So there you have it - plainly Truma see it as a Calor problem and not a Truma problem."

Stephen is mailing me a full transcript, if anybody would like a copy let me know.

Regards

Don.

zaskar

homenaway

Hi Don,
That's informative and Truma have no doubt carried a considerable on-cost from all the regulators exchanged so far Sad

A few things occur to me:

1 Have people who have had regulators exchanged FOC under warranty had repeat failures?

2 Why haven't these chemicals caused problems in our older systems where the regulators were connected to the gas bottles? I've had and been aware of regulators both butane and propane that have lasted for years so I would think that the flexible hoses could be suspect - are these all made from the same materials and by a single manufacturer? I doubt it!

3 Have people with refillable systems not using Calor gases had problems?

also
"Unfortunately the quality of the Truma regulator may be trapping some of these phthalates where other (manufacturer's) products may let them through into the gas system "

seems strange wording - what superior or different "Quality" have Truma got that others don't have? it can only be in the materials of construction.

Having worked (a few years ago) in pressure regulator and filtration design I am aware of all sorts of material compatibility problems that arose

I'm sure this saga will continue for ages yet Smile

regards
Steve

Don Madge

Steve,

Q2. In 30 years of using calor gas I've never had a regulator fail.

Q3. Over three years use of a refillable bottle and never had a problem. My regulator is attached to the bottle.

I always carry a spare regulator and the only time it's been needed was to help another motorhomer out.

Regards

Don

sallytrafic · Campsite DB Admin

artona · Moderator

Hi

we had a problem with our refillable cylinder whilst at Zaspers weekend. It seemed to have frozen up whilst the propane tank was ok. I will have to check where the regulator sits on the refillable bottle

stew

Don Madge

This is the latest in the "Truma Trauma" on Failed Regulators

To: All NCC Member Touring Caravan & Motorhome Manufacturers
All Touring Caravan and Motorhome Dealers using Truma Regulators

FAO: The Principal

Truma Gas Regulator, contamination

Following the National Caravan Council's notification of 15'h November, relating to the
occasional contamination of the gas system in Caravans and Motorhomes, the National
Caravan Council, under the stewardship of the recently appointed Deputy Director General,
John Lally, organized a joint meeting on 28th November of the NCC Touring Caravan
Manufacturers' and Motorhome Manufacturers' Sections. This collaborative effort brought
together the key companies involved in the trade supply chain.

As a result of this meeting, the NCI is delighted to announce that new arrangements have been
put in place to cover the cost of providing and installing replacement regulators should
contamination occur, Warranty arrangements will be administered through the normal
Caravan/Motorhome Manufacturer's warranty scheme. A standard warranty form has been
drafted and this will be made available to all manufacturers and dealers for immediate use.

The new arrangements will ensure that, as far as the Caravan or Motorhome user is concerned,
there will be a seamless change which will not in any way raise cause for concern should a
regulator contamination problem be encountered. The meeting also agreed a procedure
whereby vehicles in use abroad could be rectified with the minimum of inconvenience to the
user.

Credit must be given to Truma and the Caravan/Motorhome manufacturers for the action they
have taken to ensure that the user suffers as little inconvenience as possible. The Caravan Club
and The Camping and Caravanning Club should also be applauded for their support and
assistance in this matter.

This clearly illustrates the benefit of the industry working together in a unified direction for the
benefit of the customer."

So that seems good news for anyone owning a motorhome or caravan that comes
under the umbrella of the NCC.

To check the membership of the NCC see

sallytrafic · Campsite DB Admin

I purchased a camping gaz regulator and low pressure hose as well an adaptor from CAK to go from the solid 8mm pipe to the 8mm hose and have removed my failed Truma regulator until they are proved to be reliable.

If it is established that the sole reason for failure is the position of the regulator I have two plans which completely change the layout of my gas system but as both are dockyard jobs I think I'll wait a while.

Regards Frank