AIRSTREAM LAND YACHT GAS
PLUMBING
LPG SYSTEM
Your motorhome is equipped with a permanently mounted tank for LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas). LPG
burns with a clean blue flame. There are two basic types of LPG in common usage: Butane and Propane.
Butane is widely used where temperatures are normally above freezing the year round, and Propane is used
where subfreezing temperatures are common, since Butane freezes at 32°F as compared to -40°F for
Propane. ALL OF THE ORIFICES IN THE LPG APPLIANCES ARE OF THE UNIVERSAL TYPE
THAT WILL BURN EITHER FUEL. How long a full tank of gas will last is dependent on usage. In cold
weather, when you are using the furnace, large amounts of hot water, and cooking extensively, you will
naturally use more than you will in warm weather, when you may do limited cooking. On the average, with
normal cooking and other appliance use, you can probably count on one month of usage from the tank.
If you have allowed the tank to run out, air may have gotten into the lines. In this event the air must be
forced out through the lines by gas pressure before you can light the pilots. Hold a match to the pilot of the
appliance closest to the tanks until it lights and stays lit. Then move to the next closest, etc.
Warning: All pilot lights and appliances must be turned off during refueling of
motorhome fuel tank and permanently mounted LPG tank. Gas lines should be checked periodically
for leaks with ammonia free soapy water. Do not use open flame.
Warning: If gas can be smelled, appliance pilots fail to stay on, or any other abnormal
situation occurs, shut off tank valve immediately and call on a qualified LPG service center or
Airstream Service Center.
CAUTION: Moisture in the LPG tank will cause a malfunction of the regulator in controlling proper
pressure. This may result in the flame lifting off the burner, or the flame may go out frequently. Many
refueling stations will add approximately ¼ to ½ gallon of alcohol to lower the moisture temperature.
Moisture will then pass through the regulator without the formation of ice crystals.
LPG Regulator
The LPG regulators used on Airstream motorhomes are designed for low-pressure service, with a normal
outlet pressure setting of 11.5 inches water column. Only personnel trained in the proper procedures, codes,
standards, etc., should service regulators.
Have the regulator inspected each time the tank is refilled. Make sure the regulator vent opening on both
first and second stage regulators does not become plugged by mud, insects, snow, ice, paint, etc. Vents
must remain open.
Replace any regulator that has had water in the spring case, or shows evidence of external corrosion, or
corrosion inside the spring case. Closely examine regulators directly connected to the container valve by
means of a solid POL adapter (horizontal mounting) for signs of corrosion. (An Airstream Service Center is
recommended for this service.)