propex furnace lp fittings/adapters???

[John in Michigan]

I want to install a Propex HS2800 furnace in my Boler 17. All US and Canadian suppliers except SureMarine sell this unit with the UK propane fitting (BSPT 1/4"). As with most FGRV that already have propane appliances, my Boler 17 already has several 3/8" copper lines terminating with 3/8" female flare (SAE) fittings.

So the question for those of you that have already retrofitted Propex furnaces in Scamps, Casitas and other FGRVs, what propane fittings and/or adapters did you use?

[David B.]

I purchased our unit from GoWesty, and they sent the adaptor with the unit. I would suggest going for the largest btu output in your 17’.
Best of luck.
Dave & Paula

[John in Michigan]

Dave, yes, based on your previously posted opinion regarding the HS2800 vs the HS2000 (what you installed), I will use the larger Propex 2800 unit. Thank you.

My issue is that the included propane fitting is a 1/4" BSPT x 1/4" compression elbow. I'm looking for a 1/4" BSPT x 3/8" flared (SAE) elbow to retrofit with my existing setup. Anyway I believe I found the necessary fitting at McMaster.

Next question is have you or anyone else considered or purchased the Propex Digital Thermostat? From what I've read, you can set the temperature in Fahrenheit degrees.

Thank you.

[Joe at Outback]

Hello John we have installed many of the Propex heaters here and the digital tee stat is the smart choice, as for the fittings Fairview fittings are also a good choice as the manufacture many of the brass fittings, regulators, and hoses for the RV world.

[John in Michigan]

Thanks for the feedback Joe. I will also look at Fairview.

[Timber Wolf]

I ran all new gas line so just used 1/4” that the supplied fitting worked with. Since most (all) of my camping in my 16 is in the South I went with the smaller Propex unit figuring it would just run a little longer if needed on cold nights. It has worked fine the few times I have used it.

[John in Michigan]

TW, how is the noise? Apparently PROPEX has recently developed a quieting kit, including sound dampening duct hose.

[Timber Wolf]

Originally Posted by John in Michigan

TW, how is the noise? Apparently PROPEX has recently developed a quieting kit, including sound dampening duct hose.

I used one section of the “quieting” hose, can’t say if it helped a lot. I am the wrong person to ask about the noise anyway as I can’t hear it over my CPAP at night. Dos not bother my daughter when sleeping though nor me during the day. A little air noise is the price of moving the heated air about.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by John in Michigan

TW, how is the noise? Apparently PROPEX has recently developed a quieting kit, including sound dampening duct hose.

When I researched the ProPex heaters I came to the conclusion that if you mounted it with more or less direct output venting, then it would be almost as loud as a similarly installed Suburban, such as the one in Scamps. But if you mounted the ProPex under the camper and used a good length of ducting then it could be fairly quiet. It all depended on how it was ducted.

I came up with a plan to mount it under the rear bench, and run ducting to the side cabinet at the floor. I figured it would be somewhat quieter than the Scamp installed furnace, but not as quiet as a ProPex under the camper.

But I can't say for sure... I never installed a ProPex.. a little noise does not bother me.

[John in Michigan]

Seems like a ducted Suburban furnace, e.g. NT16-SQ, with thoughtful installation approach and insulated flexible ducting could be fairly quiet.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by John in Michigan

Seems like a ducted Suburban furnace, e.g. NT16-SQ, with thoughtful installation approach and insulated flexible ducting could be fairly quiet.

I agree

[Air Doug]

I hope the fitting adapter you found works. I didn't like the supplied 1/4" compression fitting supplied with the kit. I went to Pirtek and they hooked me up with the proper thick wall 3/8" tubing adapters. No leaks or problems so far.

[John in Michigan]

I will be installing the HS2800 this week. I purchased the 1/4" BSPT x 3/8" flared (SAE) elbow (EDIT: part number 50635K787) from McMaster-Carr. Will let you know how it works out.

[garthom]

On my propex 2000 I used McMaster-Carr 1/4 inch NPT female X 1/4 BSPT male #1786N128. Installed 1/4 elbow.

[Tom and Terri]

Originally Posted by John in Michigan

I will be installing the HS2800 this week. I purchased the 1/4" BSPT x 3/8" flared (SAE) elbow (EDIT: part number 50635K787) from McMaster-Carr. Will let you know how it works out.

How did your McMaster Carr fitting work out for you?

[John in Michigan]

Originally Posted by Tom and Terri

How did your McMaster Carr fitting work out for you?

The 1/4" BSPT x 3/8" flared (SAE) elbow (part number 50635K787) from McMaster-Carr worked perfectly with my existing 3/8" flared copper tubing.

Thanks for reminding me to follow up! Also, the Propex 2800 works great in our Boler 1700. Used it for several below-freezing nights on a camping trip in Michigan last October.

[Tom and Terri]

Thanks for the reply! Glad to hear that the heater works so well. Guess I need to order that part so I can get my install going!

Terri