Time to work on the propane lines, etc.

[cropper2]

I have not yet even tried connecting propane tanks to my Shasta, as I knew that I wouldn't need the stove for summer camping. But now that I'm gearing up for some fall camping, I'd like to have that working. So where to start? I have a 15 pound tank full of gas. I see the connection at the tongue of the trailer and I have the cooper line and regulator that came from the PO. However, this regulator looks pretty old (Marshall Brass Co. Model 210), so I went to my local real hardware store to get a new one and a flexible connector (rather than the copper) and he said that he needed to know if it is high or low pressure. I have no idea and I have been unsuccessful looking it up on Google.

1st - Am I even approaching this correctly? Is there a smart way to test these lines for the first time?

2nd - If I should proceed down this path, how do I know if I need a low or a high pressure regulator?

3rd - What else should I know so as not to blow myself (and my dear neighbors) sky high?!

Thanks!

[vikx]

The old regulator may be just fine. It is 11 inches water column, low pressure. The old copper lines are very tough but if you'd like to change it out, not a problem.

Buy an RV type rubber gas hose instead of the flexible hose gas connectors. They are illegal on the road. (can't take vibration) I use 3/8 flare to 3/8 flare but you can get one that will screw directly into the regulator. I'm guessing your regulator has the 3/8 flare fitting on it.

Attach the regulator to the tank and hose to the trailer gas system. Slowly turn the tank on. (newer OPD tanks will shut down if there's a large leak or turned on too quickly) If you smell gas, STOP. Use gas detector solution at all fittings to check for leaks. That should be: at the tank, at the trailer connection, stove top, furnace, etc. Once you are satisfied there are no leaks, you can light the stove top burners. It takes a while if the lines have been empty.

Any RV shop can test your system for you if the above makes you uncomfortable. It's really not too difficult; just common sense.

[cropper2]

Thanks!

Throughout this project, I've found innumerable tasks that I would have undertaken VERY differently, had I ever done anything like this before. All that I can do is shrug and say to myself, "next time I'll know better". But I certainly don't want to do that with propane!!

I appreciate your responding so quickly.

[61 Shasta]

Cropper, as Vikx says, these are low pressure systems. I would go to an RV supply and purchase a new regulator and flexible hose along with whatever type of connection you need to adapt to your system. ALSO, and I capitalize these words, inspect your old copper lines carefully, particularly any low spots. If any moisture got into the lines for whatever reason, they will split. I found this situation with mine and was really surprised. I ended up changing out most of the lines for this reason. Also, once you get the lines installed and are ready to check them out, your local Propane dealer (not a service station) would probably loan you a "sniffer" to check for leaks. Good luck.
Chuck