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Topic: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation (Read 1383 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #25 –
Of all the potentially dangerous things in an RV, propane is the most dangerous.
Propane is explosive at a relatively low level of 2.1% of the local atmosphere.
Gases - Explosion and Flammability Concentration Limits
As Andy pointed out, the propane tank’s pressure is many times more than what the LD’s appliances require. A full propane tank, at 70 degrees Fahrenheit sits at about 145 pounds per square inch, 300 times more than what is used by the appliances.
How much pressure is in a propane tank? | Ferrellgas | Fuel Life Simply

Maintaining the propane system is important with so little propane needed to become explosive. 
The propane regulator will eventually fail with enough time. The fiber diaphragm inside the regulator can develop holes or the valve assembly can jam. allowing the propane’s output pressure to exceed the regulator's setting of 11’-H2O. A failed regulator’s excessive output can turn a stove’s pilot light into a blow torch or a burner into a conflagration.
On the other hand, a regulator can jam and reduce the output pressure, resulting in a poorly performing appliance. Checking the output periodically with a manometer can spot problems before they become big issues.
Propane pressure testing | Flickr
Check the propane system’s plumbing periodically is also a good idea, you may smell it in the daytime but not if you are sleeping. soapy water or a specialized leak detector fluid can be used.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Oatey-8-oz-All-Purpose-Leak-Detector-302092/100151681

Propane regulators come preset and many are factory-sealed and cannot be adjusted, requiring replacement if the setting is out of range. For safety's sake, it’s best to have a professional adjust the regulator.
The reading of 11’-H2O is the desired pressure with two propane-burning appliances running at the same time.

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: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #26 –
Great information... for most of you who do it yourself. 

But for me, who also did this about 13 years ago, it was best (and much easier) to hire it done by someone who knew what they were doing!  I'm glad to have it, and also happy when I don't need it!

Still traveling, and living, in LD comfort!
Kristin
1997 MB
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #27 –
Just received the Wave 3. My first inclination was to purchase the larger Wave 6 or 8, based on the manufacturer’s square footage specs. but folks here on the forum suggested going smaller as the larger units tend to put out too much heat.

Hope to tackle the install after our upcoming Montana De Oro campout this month.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #28 –
Hi Greg;  I could have mentioned this earlier, but maybe this would be useful to others.  My T/K is a much tighter space and smaller volume to heat. With the Lithium conversion there was no reason to even consider a Wave propane heater. A larger propane tank would be more useful, but with the solar assist I can run the provided space heater as long as I want. Noise is minimal. 
   Your MB may benefit more, and you have the space for the additional (backup) heater that I don't.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #29 –

Getting my parts together for the install.  After teeing into the stove supply copper tubing, wondering if using something like this, instead of hard tubing, would be easier?  It would allow two less flares to be made as you could run it directly to a shut-off valve or quick connect fitting, and is more flexible.  Thoughts?

Amazon.com: NQN Upgraded 12Feet High Pressure Braided Propane Hose Extension...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #30 –
"...wondering if using something like this, instead of hard tubing, would be easier?"

Wow, wish I had seen this before I installed my gas BBQ!  :o   I would have used the stainless flex in lieu of what I had.   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #31 –
Bear in mine that this is not a stainless steel gas hose. It's a rubber hose with a braided (and definitely not leak-proof) stainless steel anti-chafe sleeve. If the rubber tubing inside cracks, there's no way to detect that by visual inspection, and the sleeve will do nothing to stop a leak.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #32 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
Bear in mine that this is not a stainless steel gas hose. It's a rubber hose with a braided (and definitely not leak-proof) stainless steel anti-chafe sleeve. If the rubber tubing inside cracks, there's no way to detect that by visual inspection, and the sleeve will do nothing to stop a leak.

Good point to consider, thanks Andy!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #33 –
Mind you, I say that having recently bought a pair of stainless-braid-covered 12" pigtail hoses for my Airstream's propane locker. A friend pointed out the disadvantages, and now I wish I'd gone for plain rubber instead of being seduced by that shiny silver jacket.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #34 –
We started with a Wave 6 but found out that was way to much heat in our 98~MB and now have a Wave 3.  We move the heater from in the kitchen to the back lounge depending where we are.  We still connect to a 20lb Propane cylinder to run the Wave 3.  We use an Emergency Propane Shut-Off valve on the tank in case something catastrophic happens to the propane line.   We set the 20lb tank in the front driving area and run the hose on the floor to the heater.  If we move the bathroom door to close off the front from the rear lounge the hose runs conveniently under the door.   We like using the 20lb tanks because we can have them filled easily.  We find in the winter time that it is more difficult to have our LD tank filled in many places.  We always have a tank which we carry in our  bathroom shower wedged between the wall and short wall.  When we bring a second tank in the winter, we leave it on the floor in the bathroom while traveling.  We have have been looking for a better solution for places to carry our tanks in our 98~LD.  Has anyone come up with a solution?  I have worked with Gas and Propane a lot over the years in homes, mobile homes and some in RVs.  As mentioned here on LDO Propane can be dangerous especially when it leaks out.  Does anyone else run their Wave heaters from Propane Portable Tanks?  What Safety procedures do you follow?


         Karen~Liam
           98 ~ MB
             NinA


Emergency Propane Shut-Off -
  https://www.lazydazeowners.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=4613




1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #35 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
Bear in mine that this is not a stainless steel gas hose. It's a rubber hose with a braided (and definitely not leak-proof) stainless steel anti-chafe sleeve. If the rubber tubing inside cracks, there's no way to detect that by visual inspection, and the sleeve will do nothing to stop a leak.

Braided stainless steel covered hoses are most appropriate in environments where the hose is subject to rubbing or impacts, often seen on construction tractors. Hot rodders dress up their engine compartments with stainless steel covered hoses because they look good, but not for any practical reason.
If installing the propane connection yourself, buy a length of copper tubing and practice making several flares until you get the hang of it. Your life may depend on it.

Below is the propane disconnect and valve I used for several years when installing propane connections. In MB. I located them at floor level, under the stove.
Amazon.com: Camco Propane Quick Connect Kit - Valve & Full Flow Plug,...

A Wave 8 is too big for your MB, and many MB owners feel a Wave 6 is too big, preferring a Wave 3 connected to a 5 foot hose, allowing moving it around the rig as needed.
The larger Waves require sitting a good distance away from them, catalytic heaters heat the objects in front of them, not the air.

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
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: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #36 –
Karen and Liam,
I also carry a 20-lb propane tank and can hook it to the Wave 3 or BBQ or firepit outside.  I keep it in the trunk of my tow car, along with the firepit and so on.  I never trusted keeping or using one inside a building or the RV (famously not safe in Alaska!).  But with my OLD vintage Airstream in Alaska, I do carry a 20-lb propane tank inside the trailer until I'm camping.
Kristin
1997 MB
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #37 –
I know we have a couple of experienced HVAC folks on the forum so my question is about copper tubing for the segment that will be teed in from the existing stove line to the quick connect fitting that the heater hose plugs into.

I found 10’ of tubing on clearance sale (under $6 so I couldn’t resist) at Lowe’s so I purchased it but am unsure of it’s application for LPG use. The type is UT (utility?) and I’m unable to find any info on it. I did a couple of test flares on it and it seems fine. Has anyone used this type before?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #38 –
The 3/8’ copper tubing shown should be fine for your project. The package indicates it can be used for making flares.

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: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #39 –
Thanks, Larry.  One last question. Can any old quick connect fitting be used for LPG or is a special type required?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #40 –
Greg copper tube comes in wall thickness, something designed for AC&R would be best but what you have is good. Your flares look good just make sure they spin free on the flare nut. Lube the tubing just a bit when you tighten everything up it'll make up better. I'm sure your going to need propane specific quick connects.

Jon
1994 MB
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #41 –
Quote from: JonS  - 
I'm sure you're going to need propane specific quick connects.

The Camco Quick Disconnect kit is made for propane use.

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: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #42 –
Thanks, Larry, I'll get the Camco QD.

Hi Jon, and thanks for your input. What lubricant should be used to make up the joint connection?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
 
Re: Camco Olympian Wave 3 Catalytic Heater Installation
Reply #43 –
Finally completed this project today! Went pretty smoothly except one of my flares had a slight leak. Redid it and all is well. The Wave 3 heater works great!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264