|
07-11-2014, 10:03 PM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Name: Sal
Trailer: Uhaul CT13
California
Posts: 11
|
Propane gas line
Ok so need to replace the 3/8" gas line that runs under my uhaul ct13. I wanted to use galvanized iron pipe for superior corrosion resistance instead of black iron pipe. Problem I'm having is I can't find 3/8" pipe anywhere. Smallest I could find is 1/2". Will it matter if I use 1/2"??
Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
07-11-2014, 10:54 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
|
From a quick Internet search Black iron pipe is used because the LP is corrosive and will flake off the galvanizing in galvanized piping. The flakes will clog the burners of LP devices. At least the seems to be the consensus. You might want to reconsider.
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
|
|
|
07-11-2014, 11:00 PM
|
#3
|
Junior Member
Name: Sal
Trailer: Uhaul CT13
California
Posts: 11
|
Ok sounds good now I just need to find the black iron pipe in 3/8". Anyone know if I use 1/2" pipe would there be too much flow? I'm assuming the 3/8" pipe on my CT is original?
Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 01:45 AM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Name: Dave
Trailer: Casita SD17 2006 "Missing Link"
California
Posts: 3,738
|
Hi Sal, before you get any black pipe you may want to rethink pipe. All the RVs I've had have soft copper tubing. Never had a problem with any of them.
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 05:27 AM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Name: bob
Trailer: 1996 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe; 1946 Modernistic teardrop
New York
Posts: 5,413
|
The early Uhauls used 3/8 copper, the later ones used iron pipe, at least under the trailer for safety reasons, and according to the Uhaul repair manual the ones with copper were supposed to be updated with iron. I suspect that some of them did not get that update as ours still had copper.
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 07:48 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Name: Denny
Trailer: Lil Snoozy
Michigan
Posts: 552
|
The flow is controlled by the orifice in the burner. Larger pipe would work fine.
Denny Wolfe
Wanderingourway.wordpress.com
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 08:26 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Trailer: 1996 Casita Freedom Deluxe 17 ft
Posts: 454
|
bob, is your gas line exposed on the bottom of the trailer? If that's true, then I would think pipe is a better choice. Most trailers I've seen (including my Casita) have soft copper gas lines but they're entirely inside.
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 09:00 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Name: Jack L
Trailer: Sold the Bigfoot 17-Looking for a new one
Washington
Posts: 1,561
|
My trailer has copper tubing located under the trailer but the copper is run inside a plastic hose to protect it. Seems to be doing the job and lots easier than threaded pipe. If I was redoing mine I would use flexible PVC conduit (sold at Home Depot etc.) to protect the copper instead of plastic hose.
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 10:11 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Trailer: 2002 19 ft Scamp 19 ft 5th Wheel
Posts: 3,640
|
When I had my propane tank buried they installed a copper pipe that has a thick sheath on the outside for direct bury. Check with your propane distributor and see if you can purchase some of that along with the fittings. Would be Ideal and just maybe you can get them to install it.
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 10:22 AM
|
#10
|
Member
Name: Charlie
Trailer: Casita 13
California
Posts: 38
|
hello all. I had the same dilemna. My Casita came with a copper line that when I removed it was severely kinked from factory. Although 1/2" is overkill, major overkill for my application, sizewise, that is the route I am, will be taking. 3/8 is just not a popular size and hard to find ( special order only from plumbing supply houses ). I went with the 1/2 " green coated underground black iron. more overkill lol. Don't quote me, but from a safety perspective, I don't think running a trunk line in the interior is wise, safe or legal. only the appliance connectors, I believe , are allowed to be installed in the interior. That would be the line from the trunk line directly to the appliance.
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 11:09 AM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Name: bob
Trailer: 1996 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe; 1946 Modernistic teardrop
New York
Posts: 5,413
|
Terry, my copper gas line was exposed under the trailer, but I have since removed the stove and furnace along with most of the gas line and don't remember if it had any damage. Like Darwin says, copper line is now available with a sheath or covering on it. When I worked in the propane and fuel oil business 20 some years ago we did not have that product available. Now it seems to be standard use for both propane and fuel and certainly what I would use if I was to run new line. Also with either fuel you use flare fittings, NOT compression fittings and check every connection for leaks. Best to use a manometer when checking propane, but at least use soapy water and watch for bubbles. There was a commercial liquid product for checking for leaks but it's basically soapy water. Someone suggested a shield of some sort to protect exposed copper lines but be sure to avoid any possibility of vibration or rubbing areas that could wear through the line.
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 11:11 AM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Name: bob
Trailer: 1996 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe; 1946 Modernistic teardrop
New York
Posts: 5,413
|
Charlie; good point on the trunk line being outside. Also keep in mind propane is heavier than air and will settle in a low spot, inside or out.
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 11:12 AM
|
#13
|
Member
Name: Charlie
Trailer: Casita 13
California
Posts: 38
|
Does anybody know at what pressure rv lpg lines are tested at ? Residential gas is 10 lbs for 15 minutes, but I have no idea whar RV lpg is. Anybody ?
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 12:50 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Trailer: 2002 19 ft Scamp 19 ft 5th Wheel
Posts: 3,640
|
What is the output pressure of the regulator?
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 01:11 PM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Name: Steve
Trailer: 2012 Escape 19' /2010 Honda Pilot 4WD TV
Escondido, California
Posts: 143
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darwin Maring
What is the output pressure of the regulator?
|
I believe the regulator should be set at approximately 11" WC (water column), measured with a manometer.
__________________
"No Generators"
|
|
|
07-12-2014, 10:42 PM
|
#16
|
Junior Member
Name: Sal
Trailer: Uhaul CT13
California
Posts: 11
|
I've decided to go with 1/2" black iron pipe. It's available and easy install. I'll paint it to help prevent rust.
Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
07-13-2014, 05:49 AM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Trailer: U-Haul VT16
Posts: 982
|
Sal, make sure you use a pipe dope compatable with lp.
|
|
|
07-14-2014, 01:04 PM
|
#18
|
Member
Name: Charlie
Trailer: Casita 13
California
Posts: 38
|
hello.If you use teflon tape, Use yellow teflon tape. white is not approved for gas. Back to the pressure test, and please forgive this thick skull, but 11" water column equates to a little less than 4/10 PSI ? So an air pressure test of 1/2 lb for a while (15-30 minutes) will work the best ? no special gauge to buy.
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
» Upcoming Events |
No events scheduled in the next 465 days.
|
|