Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Propane Line Replacement (rubber, metal or something else)
| Propane Line Replacement [message #223636] |
Thu, 26 September 2013 17:39  |
mickey szilagyi
Messages: 273
Registered: January 2013
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We are told we have a small propane leak in our propane supply lines. It is not inside the coach as far as we can tell. It's not in the propane tank area. We think it's below the coach in the line that goes from under the tank area to where the line goes up into the coach under the sink area. We have a 1977 Kingsley with just the range/oven and furnace using propane. We will soon be testing the line under the coach but in our initial inspection noticed that there are a number of connectors, short runs of metal and rubber hoses. We're not sure if all that is original or replacement parts and pieces.
The big question is - can we replace that entire run from under the tank to where the line goes up into the coach with just one continuous flexible hose to avoid all the connections and couplers/fittings? And if so is there a certain type of line we need to use. Can we assume if we go to an RV parts store they will have the correct hose and is there one that's better than all the rest?
As always your help is greatly appreciated.
Mickey
1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223654 is a reply to message #223636] |
Thu, 26 September 2013 19:34  |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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I would go to a dealer with a certified gas person. Not an area to take chances. I had some line made up for my 1968 SOB truck mounted camper. Was not that expensive and was dine right.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223659 is a reply to message #223654] |
Thu, 26 September 2013 19:55 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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what I learned adding propane fridge
all internal lines are required to be copper tubing.
there is a flexable line that is metal which is meant to do final tie in. rubber lines are meant to be external.
I went to a place that sells propane grills and gas loggs. connectors can get expensive, but the lines them self are not that bad. If you know what size you need they can make them very easily. I leared this after running rubber line from lowes hardware thru bath compartment to fridge. I plan on leaving this way for up coming weekend festival, but before next trip rubber line will be replaced with proper stuff.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223672 is a reply to message #223636] |
Thu, 26 September 2013 21:18 |
BRDRVR
Messages: 184
Registered: July 2013
Location: Clearwater, FL-Gerlach,NV
Karma: 8
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Why are all the interior lines required to be copper? as i type this im thinking due to potential fire in coach burning thru rubber line and adding fuel to a bad situation probably? we build mobile kitchens and miami/dade code states no concealed gas fittings but has never mentioned steel/copper vs rubber. just curious as i am debating now whether to replace all the lines in our rental coaches as we are replacing all of the reefers with new lp units before next year and need to run supply lines in some of the girls.
David Gourdine
http//www.blackrockdesertrvrental.com
booking@blackrockdesertrvrental.com
727-657-1955
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223691 is a reply to message #223636] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 04:35 |
John Hunt
Messages: 70
Registered: January 2011
Location: Orange County, CA
Karma: 0
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I am watching this thread, hoping to hear some viewpoints on replacing propane lines throughout, as I've been looking at the existing 37 year old propane lines thinking I oughta just replace all when I have the tank checked and install the new propane line for the upcoming 3-way fridge and instant water heater. I was thinking to just have flexible lines made up to replace existing and do new hard lines inside, but wonder if there's a preferred flavor of hard line and fittings, or different and better solutions now, etc.
John
'76 Eleganza II
1976 Eleganza II,
1969 Lotus Elan Plus 2,
1978 Merlyn Formula Ford,
1981 Lola Sports 2000
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223712 is a reply to message #223636] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 10:20 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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I hate plumbing.... probably the same trying to plumb propane too. I see lots of trips to the propane store, or hardware store in the future, buying lots of wrong fittings, ect.
I noticed my palm beach is almost all copper, with the exception of a rubber line that connects the regulator to a fitting that switches to copper on the bottom of the propane compartment.
I too plan on installing a propane fridge, and water heater in the spring. so if anybody has insight as to what to use. Usually working with copper, I would think of sweating fittings, or such, but probably need to take some extra caution on existing propane lines, so will be wanting to see what the process is, as well as routes to run those lines.
running inside, you have more chance of having gas leak inside coach, however running outside i would think more chance of damage.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223724 is a reply to message #223712] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 11:01 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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my ex Royale was re-plumbed by retarded monkeys.
It had multiple hidden connections inside the coach, everyone of which leaked. One leak was under the rear bed, into the storage area underneath. So if I didn't fix it would have filled with propane and made a really nice pipe bomb.
They used compression fittings, good, but put teflon tape on the threads so they never sealed.
And did I mention they were hidden? AND inside the coach?
I ran copper under the coach as protected as possible. There are connections inside the coach, there has to be. Connections at the stove, the furnace and the water heater and one Tee fitting but there is a opening in the floor for the gas to drain.
Rubber has a life expectancy, Copper tubing I think will last my lifetime.
however you do it do it right.
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223726 is a reply to message #223712] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 11:04 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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| lqqkatjon wrote on Fri, 27 September 2013 10:20 |
I hate plumbing.... probably the same trying to plumb propane too. I see lots of trips to the propane store, or hardware store in the future, buying lots of wrong fittings, ect.
I noticed my palm beach is almost all copper, with the exception of a rubber line that connects the regulator to a fitting that switches to copper on the bottom of the propane compartment.
I too plan on installing a propane fridge, and water heater in the spring. so if anybody has insight as to what to use. Usually working with copper, I would think of sweating fittings, or such, but probably need to take some extra caution on existing propane lines, so will be wanting to see what the process is, as well as routes to run those lines.
running inside, you have more chance of having gas leak inside coach, however running outside i would think more chance of damage.
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Jon,
Use flare fittings with forged nuts and good flexible copper.
run it outside, if there is a leak you don't want it inside.
oh in my previous message I think I said compression fittings, I meant flare fittings
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane Line Replacement [message #223731 is a reply to message #223712] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 11:24 |
RicksGMC
Messages: 145
Registered: May 2012
Karma: 0
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Hi Jon,
I tackled that same project, dreaded the thought of it but afterwards it was really not that bad.
Here are some photos of how I did mine.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6456-adding-propane-line-for-new-fridge.html
Rick
Rick&Tammy Drummond
Prior Lake MN
'74 (re)Painted Desert
On Sep 27, 2013, at 10:20 AM, Jon Roche <lqqkatjon@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I hate plumbing.... probably the same trying to plumb propane too. I see lots of trips to the propane store, or hardware store in the future, buying lots of wrong fittings, ect.
>
> I noticed my palm beach is almost all copper, with the exception of a rubber line that connects the regulator to a fitting that switches to copper on the bottom of the propane compartment.
>
> I too plan on installing a propane fridge, and water heater in the spring. so if anybody has insight as to what to use. Usually working with copper, I would think of sweating fittings, or such, but probably need to take some extra caution on existing propane lines, so will be wanting to see what the process is, as well as routes to run those lines.
>
> running inside, you have more chance of having gas leak inside coach, however running outside i would think more chance of damage.
>
>
> --
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> _______________________________________________
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Rick
Rick&Tammy Drummond
Prior Lake MN
'74 (re)Painted Desert
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223732 is a reply to message #223726] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 11:36 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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| Keith V wrote on Fri, 27 September 2013 09:04 |
| lqqkatjon wrote on Fri, 27 September 2013 10:20 |
I hate plumbing.... probably the same trying to plumb propane too. I see lots of trips to the propane store, or hardware store in the future, buying lots of wrong fittings, ect.
I noticed my palm beach is almost all copper, with the exception of a rubber line that connects the regulator to a fitting that switches to copper on the bottom of the propane compartment.
I too plan on installing a propane fridge, and water heater in the spring. so if anybody has insight as to what to use. Usually working with copper, I would think of sweating fittings, or such, but probably need to take some extra caution on existing propane lines, so will be wanting to see what the process is, as well as routes to run those lines.
running inside, you have more chance of having gas leak inside coach, however running outside i would think more chance of damage.
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Jon,
Use flare fittings with forged nuts and good flexible copper.
run it outside, if there is a leak you don't want it inside.
oh in my previous message I think I said compression fittings, I meant flare fittings
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. I would agree with Keith flair fittings are less likely to leak.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane Line Replacement [message #223737 is a reply to message #223712] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 12:08 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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The RV industry uses for propane piping, black iron pipe, copper and a little rubber lines. Most all of the large class A motorhomes us a black iron pipe LP header under the floor of the coach and then branch out with copper to the appliances that use LP gas. Smaller Class A, B, C and trailers almost always use copper in the entire LP system, it's a cost issue. The only place that you will see a rubber hose is between the LP Tank and the LP header piping. Rubber is not used in interior spaces as it deteriorates with age. I use a rubber LP line between the exterior tank and my LP header that I use when parked at the RV resort we stay at in Tucson for several months. It has gotten very stiff and hard (no laughing) in the three years that we have used it. Total time used is about 6 months service. A lot of the newer large coach today are all electric and they have the size to carry the necessary generator, inverters and batteries to make it work well. If you treat it w
ith respect, propane can be your friend.
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Sep 27, 2013, at 11:20 AM, Jon Roche <lqqkatjon@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I hate plumbing.... Probably the same trying to plumb propane too. I see lots of trips to the propane store, or hardware store in the future, buying lots of wrong fittings, ect.
>
> I noticed my palm beach is almost all copper, with the exception of a rubber line that connects the regulator to a fitting that switches to copper on the bottom of the propane compartment.
>
> I too plan on installing a propane fridge, and water heater in the spring. so if anybody has insight as to what to use. Usually working with copper, I would think of sweating fittings, or such, but probably need to take some extra caution on existing propane lines, so will be wanting to see what the process is, as well as routes to run those lines.
>
> running inside, you have more chance of having gas leak inside coach, however running outside i would think more chance of damage.
>
>
> --
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223750 is a reply to message #223636] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 14:01 |
BRDRVR
Messages: 184
Registered: July 2013
Location: Clearwater, FL-Gerlach,NV
Karma: 8
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Senior Member |
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i am leaning towards black pipe now with flexible steel to the appliances. i looked in to copper and the price is crazy high. if i were just doing 1 unit id probably bite the bullet but with 10+ coaches to do it is way too cost prohibitive.
David Gourdine
http//www.blackrockdesertrvrental.com
booking@blackrockdesertrvrental.com
727-657-1955
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223754 is a reply to message #223672] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 14:31 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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I was told all internal lines copper versus rubber because rubber can rub and wear thru and leak, or rodent can eat thru.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane Line Replacement [message #223769 is a reply to message #223750] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 15:39 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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David,
You're going to find that the copper based job is going to be somewhat less expensive than the black iron pipe based job in both time and materials. When you go and check the pricing on the section of black pipe and fittings and you may need to cut and thread some of the connections copper make more sense. A 50 Ft roll of 1/2 copper is only $61.24 and take 10% off if you're a vet. I do both and have the tools to do copper and cut and thread black pipe. Black pipe take so much more work. The choice is yours, you can do what you want, but black pipe does not fit the coach very easily when you have to run around and thru the frame.
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Sep 27, 2013, at 3:01 PM, David Gourdine <booking@blackrockdesertrvrental.com> wrote:
>
>
> i am leaning towards black pipe now with flexible steel to the appliances. i looked in to copper and the price is crazy high. if i were just doing 1 unit id probably bite the bullet but with 10+ coaches to do it is way too cost prohibitive.
> --
> David Gourdine
> www.blackrockdesertrvrental.com
> booking@blackrockdesertrvrental.com
> 727-657-1955
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane Line Replacement [message #223776 is a reply to message #223756] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 16:06 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Jr
PM would not go thru,
my email is
chasingsummer at triad dot rr dot com
I do hope your travels from the right coast to the left one have been emjoyable and only as eventful as you wished to make them.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane Line Replacement [message #223778 is a reply to message #223769] |
Fri, 27 September 2013 16:11 |
chasingsummer
Messages: 434
Registered: May 2011
Location: asheboro, nc
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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David,
I understand that doing 10 of anything the cost adds up.
The rubber hose I bought at lowes home imp which I will replace with copper was 10 foot. So for me, I will get place I got my fittings from to make me a hose that long.If your layout is same as mine, then the 50 foot tubing should be enought to do 5 of your units. 10 feet will fit from fridge to tank with plenty of slack. Mainly straight run from tank to fridge.
brian
asheboro, nc
75 eleganza, 74 build
119k miles and counting,
DOG HOUSE
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| Re: Propane Line Replacement [message #223827 is a reply to message #223636] |
Sat, 28 September 2013 06:58 |
mickey szilagyi
Messages: 273
Registered: January 2013
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Thanks Matt,
We'll tackle the propane issue when we get the coach in the barn and up on blocks. From all the information we're reading, if we replace any of the lines, we'll try to use copper. I've done a lot of water plumbing with copper but nothing for propane. Once we find the leak we'll know better what needs to be done.
Thanks for all your help with the gasoline fuel system. We think we found the leak - the 1/4 hose feed to the generator was badly cracked the first 2 feet coming out of the main tank. And that probably explains why the generator wasn't getting fuel as the fuel pump was probably sucking air through the cracked hose. Since we had the main tank down we checked the sending unit and all the fuel lines. And since we did that we also took down the auxiliary tank and checked everything there too. The sending units and the socks are fine. We thought about changing the socks but they are not removeable. We replaced a number of the fuel lines so we now know they should be good for quite some time. We also are having the tanks refurbished at Tank Renu. It's not cheap but they should be good for quite some time as well with coated interiors and exteriors.
Thanks again for the offer for use of a flaring block. Is that the same equipment used to do brake lines? If so I have a local friend who may have it also. We'll see what we need once we get into the propane lines.
Mickey
1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI
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