Vista 29VE - kinked propane hose to water heater

[JLUSoCal]

Took my new to me 29ve out this past week.

Water heater would not heat - called in two local mobile RV repair guys and the last one suggested that I replace the gas valve. The problem appeared as the flame was lighting inside the tube and definitely not enough gas.

Found local part and replaced myself to only have the same problem - not enough gas.

Turned out it was the propane hose that was under the sink - it was kinked from getting caught under the drawer support. Wasted 3/4 of the day and $110 in parts and diagnosis.

Putting this out there in case anyone runs into this problem. I have a zip tie around the collapsed hose hoping it won't kink and pulled it out from under the drawer support. Will keep an eye on it.

Now I know why folks avoid kitchen slides. All the electrical and gas need to extend in and out each time. It appears to have room and clearance but in this case it did not and kinked. There are three total in the area so I'll keep an eye on routing for a bit.

After that only other problem was that the vent on the propane tank itself needed to be tightened as it had a VERY slow leak that I finally tracked down (smelled it on occasion) with some soapy water. Had to torque it down pretty good to get it to stop - it did have tape on it and knew I couldn't pull it without emptying the tank!

[macnut]

Wow, that’s the first time I’ve heard of that happening. Thanks for sharing!

[Morich]

And the RV repair folks did what to decide it was the valve?
WOW!
That is the sort of service which drives me to want to know how things work so I can avoid asking that type of "expert".
Now that you have sorted it out, maybe hire out as an expert!

[JLUSoCal]

Originally Posted by Morich

And the RV repair folks did what to decide it was the valve?
WOW!
That is the sort of service which drives me to want to know how things work so I can avoid asking that type of "expert".
Now that you have sorted it out, maybe hire out as an expert!

The one thing I could not check was the pressure of the gas. I felt confident it was NOT the regulator as I could fire up the heater and could hear the flame. They checked at the stove and it was fine so must be the valve.

Yes, misdiagnosed as I pulled him off another job and we agreed I was capable of replacing the valve. Live and learn but I did feel better when I stumped 2 of them as well!