Burning plastic smell beneath bathroom when using propane stove top

[Jcbteague]

Good morning RVers,

There's a strange burning smell from the bathroom when using the propane stove top in a 2018 GD Imagine 3170BH. We've been using the stove top to cook our meals but stopped out of an abundance of caution. The last two times we used the stove top there was a strong burning plastic smell that got worse and filled the bathroom from the passthrough hole beneath the bathroom sink. Our propane tanks were about half full when we first noticed it and we're pretty sure it wasn't the rotten egg or sulfur smell of propane, but a burning smell that got stronger over time. If I had to guess I'd say some wiring is overheating that has something to do with how the propane is regulated into the system.

We've looked everywhere to gain access to where the smell is coming from to no avail. The under-storage doesn't provide access to that area, there's no floor board that can be removed to look, and an endoscope wasn't helpful either. We're reluctant to unscrew the underside cover as I've read it can be very difficult to put back and may not be meant to be removed. My next thought is removing the tin metal side skirting that covers that area so I can get eyes on the issue.

Any insight would super appreciated!

Thank you!

-Jacob

 

[dryfly]

I'm sure someone will jump in here with some specific info on what your problem may be, but just a little info. There is no wiring that is associated with the delivery or regulation of propane to the stovetop. You have a regulator at the bottle that drops the pressure and valves at you stovetop that regulate the burners.

Assuming it is a wire over heating, is it possible that you have some other appliance (like a vent hood) or light fixture coincidentally running at the same time you are using the stovetop?

As far as gaining access to the underside of the trailer, the underbelly or coroplast can certainly be removed. A search of this forum will give you ideas to make it easier. I would sure avoid removing any metal siding, and it's unlikely doing that is even going to give you a visual of the area you need to be inspecting.

 

[Jim and Meresa]

It's probably a overheating wire issue like dryfly said, but while less likely, a malfunctioning propane component could be causing the issue. This could include a leaking regulator or hose, or a problem with the stove itself.

 

[Bungy]

As stated there are no electrical components or wiring associated with the propane system in your rv, your problem has nothing to do with using your cooktop.

 

[BoredWeasel]

could it be something as simple as the range exhaust is being sucked back into the coach through the bathroom vent?

Maybe next time you use it close the bathroom vent and leave the door to the trailer open.

Don't know, I am in the camp of what you describe is unlikely

 

[Keebler]

I am of the same mind set as dryfly; think about if there is anything else that is being powered up at the same time. The smells of propane gas and burning rubber are both very distinct and very different.

All that said; i think you are doing the right thing not using the cooktop until you get that figured out.

 

[orbsah]

Although nothing to do with the propane system, just the other day we got a bad burning smell from the basement (under the bathroom). Making a long story short, I discovered a fried terminal inside the automatic transfer switch. I’m very glad we were there to catch it before something worse happened.

Bottom line: check all of your electrical connections

 

[el Rojo]

Although nothing to do with the propane system, just the other day we got a bad burning smell from the basement (under the bathroom). Making a long story short, I discovered a fried terminal inside the automatic transfer switch. I’m very glad we were there to catch it before something worse happened.

Bottom line: check all of your electrical connections

View attachment 51733

Was the burnt wire loose?

 

[orbsah]

Was the burnt wire loose?

Hard to tell. There was a lot of corrosion so I don’t know. I hope it was a loose connection because otherwise I don’t know the cause. Thing is, I checked all connections about 6 months ago- maybe I missed that one?

 

[Jcbteague]

Thank you kindly for all of your insights, huge help! We do run the cook top vent whenever using the stove, and understanding that the propane system uses limited to no electronics, that's the likely issue. A faulty transfer switch has also come up in our online searches so I'm contacting GD about where it is unless anyone knows on the 2018 GD Imagine 3170BH.

Thanks again and happy trails!

 

[huntr70]

Thank you kindly for all of your insights, huge help! We do run the cook top vent whenever using the stove, and understanding that the propane system uses limited to no electronics, that's the likely issue. A faulty transfer switch has also come up in our online searches so I'm contacting GD about where it is unless anyone knows on the 2018 GD Imagine 3170BH.

Thanks again and happy trails!

There is no transfer switch in an Imagine.

They would be on Momentum toyhaulers with generators.

 

[Jcbteague]

Update:

Propane is working great so we're fairly certain it's the stove top vent fan .

Thank you again for all of your insights! This was a big stressor for us.

Kind regards
-Jacob