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Topic: Conversion to external propane source (Read 35 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #25 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144279
"No, I do not have a shut off valve in between. Although I never had a  problem I do agree that that a shut off valve is good safety feature. I  just may add one."

Aad

Quick disconnects seal both when connected or disconnected. The sealing is accomplished with two or three rubber o-rings, which can be damaged and leak. Without a shut-off valve, a leaking disconnect would require turning the propane off until repairs can be made. Lots of fun in the winter.
 I'm surprised that a valve is not included in RV Solar Electric's hookup kit.
 Propane/natural gas rated shut-off valves are available at any well stocked hardware store.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #26 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144281
The shut-off valve in the propane line for my 'moveable', i.e., not permanently mounted, Wave 3 is kept in the 'OFF' position when the heater is not actually running. In my TK, the propane line for the Wave 3 runs along the edge of the carpeted section of under-sink cabinet; since the 'OFF' valve extends into the cabinet area that I use for storage, I keep the valve 'padded' with terry cloth shop towel to prevent something falling on or against the valve and accidentally turning it on.  The chances of this happening are probably fairly remote, but I treat propane with a lot of respect. The inline shut-off valve offers additional safety features that I would not be without; I suggest that anyone 'plumbing in' a Wave, portable or fixed, install the appropriate shut-off valve. (Thanks, Larry!)

As ever, YMMV.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #27 –
Yahoo Message Number: 144330
Ilse, we have a Wave 6 in our '02 30' and it works well. We have used it during the night a couple of times, making sure to have proper ventilation. We don't make that a habit. Many folks don't want cat heaters on when they are sleeping; so be it. I test my during the season for leaks. No reason for you to be afraid of "blowing yourself up" as long as you follow heater instructions and use common sense. If you would like to discuss operating procedures for your Wave 6, please email me and I'd be glad to help.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #28 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149046
I was thinking about adding an Extend-A-Stay valve to our '93 22' MP. I  first searched the archives, and wasn't surprised to see this topic has  already been pretty thoroughly discussed. So, rather than start a new  thread, I figured is would be best to simply bump this one for my  particular question.
 OK, after taking a look at our set-up, it's  obvious that an Extend-A-Stay is not going to fit without some  (serious?) modification:
 https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--KR9GBN1Gbo/VEGO-XPmrAI/AAAAAAAAA_M/bsJC-mvahrI/s1024/20141017_144417.jpg

We  presently don't do any boondocking, nor are we planning to in the  future; our style is strictly drive and go. So why the interest in an  external propane hook-up? Well, in a bug out situation, I figure it  would be easier to locate & swap pre-filled 20lb propane bottles,  rather than find a propane station that could fill-up our on-board tank.
 Since  this is a pretty low probability event, I'm not really interested in  spending much time/money on this minor issue. But, if there was a simple  solution aka kludge that could work in a pinch, then that might be the  ticket.
I like Bud's approach where the inlet valve has an external tank adapter, and was wondering if anyone knows if this is a standard part?

Here's pic of our existing inlet valve:
 https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VargPEP2Kv8/VEGPD69xoqI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Wos8OVGxyc4/s1024/20141017_144428.jpg

Worst  case scenario is that I could simply unhook the line from the on-board  pressure regulator leading to the coach and connect it directly to our  20lb BBQ tank that has an in-line pressure regulator on the hose. We  actually have a couple of tanks for our 3 burner patio Camp Chef, and  the screw on connection to the grill is the same size/thread as the  copper line leading to the coach.

Of  course, the simplest, cleanest option would be Bud's, so I'm hoping  someone knows the part or knows whether it's something standard enough  that our plumber could handle the task.

TIA
Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #29 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149047
When I was camp hosting in AZ I had a local propane dealer make up an adapter hose for me. It worked great for the three months I was there. Not sure if your reference to 'Buds solution' was when I posted a while back on this subject.
 http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k55/budster59/PropaneTank2.jpg http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k55/budster59/PropaneTank.jpg

the large tank in the picture has the same outlet size as the small propane tanks.

Jerry in Mira Loma
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646
Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #30 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149055
Hi Jerry, that's the exact post to which I was referencing. Sorry to call you Bud.
 Do you know what part they installed? Did you have to remove it to restore the tank to a normal re - fill mode? Do you have an invoice - maybe the specific fitting is listed.

TIA for any help.
Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #31 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149057
"Do you know what part they installed? Did you have to remove it to restore the tank to a normal re - fill mode? Do you have an invoice - maybe the specific fitting is listed."

It's a common setup that you see in colder climates.  You can buy all the parts online. The hard one to find is the ACME fill fitting on the LD's propane tank. Found a place that carries the ACME fill fittings.
http://www.propanewarehouse.com/acmefittings.asp

On your  LD, if the tank's outlet valve was rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise, you could possibly squeeze a new, two-tank regulator in. It would be an interesting plumbing puzzle to solve.
http://www.adventurerv.net/254-automatic-changeover-propane-regulator-p-8431.html?gclid=CNS4zcWmt8ECFYRcMgodU2MA6Q&utm_campaign=partsfeed_ppc&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=Froogle

Mount the new regulator vertically.

Be careful and leak test everything.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #32 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149058
Since my LD came with extend-a-stay valve already installed (but no hose) I have been using that setup with external 5 gal. propane tank. I need to have a shut off valve installed for when not using extend-a-stay. Right now I just cap off the external hose but that's a pain. Good thing is with the on board 10 gal. and the external tank I can run the furnace, water, or catalytic heater all I want with no fear of running out between trips to town.

If anyone is interested I have a brand new unused extend a stay valve sans hose available. E-mail me at bobmoore14@... if interested.

Bob 01 23.5 TK with toys
Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #33 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149060
Nothing on the LD tank was changed as the propane dealer made the adapter hose using the same end and is used to 'fill' the LD tank, and the other end fits the portable propane tanks.

Sorry but the only receipt I got listed no parts just 'extension hose. It was not expensive (I don't remember how much).

Jerry
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646
Conversion to external propane source
Reply #34 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149147
Jerry, here's a quick follow-up & recap to provide some add'l information for those who have a similar problem with regard to not being able to fit an Extend-A-Stay without major modification and choose to simply connect to the on-board fill valve. First, the fill valve used for the on-board LD propane tank is a Rego 7647SC:Rego Propane Tank Filler Valve Rego 7647Sc                             Rego Propane Tank Filler Valve Rego 7647Sc   Rego Propane Tank Filler Valve Rego 7647Sc: Forklifts: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific              View on www.amazon.com          Preview by Yahoo              You may notice that while it has the familiar ACME external threads, it does NOT have the internal POL threads found on the inside of this valve which is used for #20lb, #100lb, etc propane bottles:LASCO 17-5381 Male QCC-1 by 1/4-Inch Male Pipe Thread Brass Adapter                             LASCO 17-5381 Male QCC-1 by 1/4-Inch Male Pipe Thre...   LASCO 17-5381 Male QCC-1 by 1/4-Inch Male Pipe Thread Brass Adapter - Pipe Fittings - Amazon.com              View on www.amazon.com          Preview by Yahoo              On your connection, the propane company used this valve to screw into the inside of the bottle side to avoid the possibility of having the external ACME disconnected, either by error or mischief:Mr. Heater F276139 1/4" Male Pipe Thread x P.O.L. Fitting                             Mr. Heater F276139 1/4" Male Pipe Thread x P.O.L. F...   Amazon.com - Mr. Heater F276139 1/4" Male Pipe Thread x P.O.L. Fitting - Propane Fittings And Hoses              View on www.amazon.com          Preview by Yahoo              OK, so the rubber hose has two female connections, one to the bottle, one to the on-board tank. This is completely standard, no different than a back-yard BBQ set up. The only hiccup is the brass external connection to the on-board tank. I couldn't find it listed anywhere, so I don't know if it's a standard part. I contacted a major propane dealer up in the central valley who said they could do it, but implied they wouldn't just send me the part. Plus, even though I had mentioned I understood the on-board tank had to be empty in this kind of set-up, he re-emphasized that point as well in his reply. So I gather they wouldn't want to make the connection unless they came out and confirmed the rig was stationary + did the on-board tank evacuation themselves. So, that's where I stand. I understand your set-up, and know what parts are required. If I could just find the external fitting to the Rego valve, I'd be all set to go.
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Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #35 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149148
beachfamilynagel, when I got this connection setup I was told by the propane dealer that he could not sell me the parts as there is the danger that a person without the proper tools and knowledge to use them could make a faulty hose that could leak.

Jerry
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646
 
Re: Conversion to external propane source
Reply #36 –
Yahoo Message Number: 149151
"So I gather they wouldn't want to make the connection unless they came out and confirmed the rig was stationary + did the on-board tank evacuation themselves.
So, that's where I stand. I understand your set-up, and know what parts are required. If I could just find the external fitting to the Rego valve, I'd be all set to go"
 When I used to maintain a LPG propane fueling facility at LAX, we had to buy the hoses and fittings from a specialty vendor. They required a copy of the use permit before selling certain fittings.
There may be Federal and State safety laws pertaining to this. I know the State and Feds do not want untrained personnel refilling propane tanks.
Think this is a hassle, try running cryogenic natural gas (LNG) fueling facility.

Good find on the Rego valve. I need to change the one on our LD. When using propane appliances the valve ''sings", making a variable pitch noise that changes as the flow rate changes.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze