plumbing heat tape wrapped around the regulator? you'd then need a power source.....

sounds hillbilly but a Mr. Buddy heater ? heat up the bed area assuming you have a topper

No camper top. I plan to try a “hot hand” taped to the regulator.

Is it due to heat loss from pressure drop?

From Google AI:

When a gas experiences a pressure drop, its temperature also drops, with a typical rule of thumb being that for every 15 psi decrease in pressure, the gas temperature drops by roughly 1°F (or 1°C per 1.03 bar).


Given its cold outside now, -16 outside here at the moment, it doesn’t have to drop as much as it would in the summer for any moisture to freeze. Or is it the CO2 freezing? Dry ice is -109F, so it’s probably moisture.

Does this happen when the tank is full or only when it is near empty, when the pressure will drop quickest?

My regulator always froze up too. Finally got sick of it and just took it off. That was 20 years ago. I just crack the valve as slow as it will go, it has worked fine. I only use it for skunks, and in the shed, not in the truck.
With the regulator, the flow rate should be approximately 20% / minute for 5 minutes.

My regulator always froze up too. Finally got sick of it and just took it off. That was 20 years ago. I just crack the valve as slow as it will go, it has worked fine. I only use it for skunks, and in the shed, not in the truck.
With the regulator, the flow rate should be approximately 20% / minute for 5 minutes.

Are you using c02 with out regulator........how is rate of gas controlled.......thanks

AI Overview


To keep moisture out of a CO2 tank, ensure it's stored in a cool, dry environment, use a dedicated CO2 regulator with a desiccant or moisture trap, and position your CO2 line with slight upward slopes to prevent condensation from traveling back into the tank; always check the tank for leaks and maintain proper connections to minimize potential moisture entry points.
Key points to remember:
Storage environment:
Store the CO2 tank in a dry area with minimal temperature fluctuations, ideally away from direct sunlight and sources of moisture.
Regulator with desiccant:
Utilize a CO2 regulator that has a built-in desiccant or moisture trap to absorb any moisture before it reaches the tank.
Line positioning:
When setting up your CO2 line, ensure it slopes slightly upwards to prevent condensation from flowing back towards the tank.
Regular checks:
Periodically check the tank and connections for any leaks, as even small leaks can allow moisture to enter.



It looks like storage in a barn might be much better than the open bed of a truck.

Does she like fizzy drinks? Bring it inside and hook it up to one of those drink machines!

I'm with Brian Mongeau. Why even use a regulator? I don't. Crack the valve so it barely comes out. Use a fiber washer if you are not. Each tank fill comes with a new one from my supplier. Then just gauge how much by time the valve is open. Takes a little experimentation but it is not hard to catch on to.

This happens to me all the time, especially in the summer. I will be trying a hair dryer or shelling out the money to be a heated regulator. It's a pain when you have multiple animals to take care of.

There is a bit if science to determining flow rate. Check this out:

carbon dioxide

Humptulips.....you got me hooked on tank with no gauges...when you posted your pipe skunk trap with tank ........I purchased a 5# tank...and it lasts 5 to 6 catches......trapping with cages in barn....thanks to always posting good...usefull information