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Old 01-09-2020, 12:34 PM   #1
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Low pressure propane mod

I was planning to do a low pressure propane modification like MyronL did and then I saw the connection shown in the photo. Is there any reason I should not put a Tee connector there and run a hose/pipe under the storage tank to attach a quick connect on the door side of the trailer? If this is a stupid idea, let me know. You won’t hurt my feelings.

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Fred M.
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Old 01-09-2020, 01:21 PM   #2
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I assume that you meant "low-pressure propane", and running under the storage box.

That's the connection, under the storage box, between the hose from the regulator (which is out of sight under the propane tank cover to the right in the photo) and the copper line which runs under the trailer (running out the left side of the photo). One side of the adapter in the middle is presumably a 3/8" flare connection, which could be easily unscrewed to insert a flare tee.

This makes sense to me, if there isn't another tee connection under the trailer at a location closer to the desired outlet, such as for the water heater.
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Old 01-09-2020, 01:24 PM   #3
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Fred that’s a great idea and easy solution to a lower pressure quick connection. There’s no reason that it can’t be done. Don’t forget to post pictures [emoji6].
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Old 01-09-2020, 03:11 PM   #4
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I think your on it, Fred. Looks like an awesome solution. You could actually pick after adding a T, to a number of possible destinations.
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Old 01-09-2020, 08:06 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Dog View Post
I was planning to do a low pressure propane modification like MyronL did and then I saw the connection shown in the photo. Is there any reason I should not put a Tee connector there and run a hose/pipe under the storage tank to attach a quick connect on the door side of the trailer? If this is a stupid idea, let me know. You won’t hurt my feelings.

Fred M.
I did something very similar, except I came right out of the regulator (on the low pressure side) and ran a second line. I used a 6 foot braided propane line and a quick connect mounted to the back side of the storage box with insulated clamps. Works wonderful with our Weber Q grille.
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Old 01-10-2020, 08:14 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tburt View Post
I did something very similar, except I came right out of the regulator (on the low pressure side) and ran a second line. I used a 6 foot braided propane line and a quick connect mounted to the back side of the storage box with insulated clamps. Works wonderful with our Weber Q grille.
Like tburt I ran a hose to opposite side but I used the excess threads on bolts ETI used to attach body shell to frame. These are at the front corner and tucked up at top of frame rail. I made a custom bracket to hold the the propane shutoff/quick connect fittings firmly in place. Hose was kept up in frame to protect from frame grounding or road hazards.
I think the main propane line was a 1/2" flare? Seem to remember I needed to step down with fitting that took 1/2" to 1/4" line installed.
Sorry no pictures it's snowing in the PNW!!
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Old 01-10-2020, 08:57 AM   #7
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As you probably remember I added my own LP QC. The main line off the bottles, at least on my trailer, was 1/2" and the branch lines were all 3/8". I did choose to mount mine inside a sealed access port to keep in out of view and protected when not in use. Mounting the QC anywhere out of the way is good though.

That connection point you mentioned looks just fine. I spliced mine into the copper line right off the regulator and ran a hose to the location I mounted the connector, but on the 5.0TA the setup is much different than yours.

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Old 01-10-2020, 09:50 AM   #8
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Yes, your install looks really nice there Jim...
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Old 01-10-2020, 11:22 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChuckBC View Post
I think the main propane line was a 1/2" flare? Seem to remember I needed to step down with fitting that took 1/2" to 1/4" line installed.
It's probably 3/8" flare. Keep in mind that fittings are designated by a nominal size, related to the diameter of the associated tubing or pipe, and that if you measure something like the diameter of the thread you'll see a different dimension.
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Old 01-10-2020, 11:26 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian B-P View Post
It's probably 3/8" flare..
As mentioned above, my main line is 1/2" copper that uses flared fittings.
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Old 01-10-2020, 11:36 AM   #11
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Works fine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Dog View Post
I was planning to do a low pressure propane modification like MyronL did and then I saw the connection shown in the photo. Is there any reason I should not put a Tee connector there and run a hose/pipe under the storage tank to attach a quick connect on the door side of the trailer? If this is a stupid idea, let me know. You won’t hurt my feelings.

Attachment 44255

Fred M.
Thats what's I did and it worked fine.
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Old 01-10-2020, 01:40 PM   #12
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Fred, Here are the additional photos you asked for. Besides the braided line, the quick connect and the flared fitting, the rest of the fittings were items I had in the garage. I would suggest you buy new fittings as needed. Hope this helps.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Connection at regulator.jpg   Braided line along frame.jpg   Quick connect.jpg   Mounting bolts inside storage compartment.jpg  
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Old 01-10-2020, 05:57 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Bennett View Post
As mentioned above, my main line is 1/2" copper that uses flared fittings.
Good to know.
As the parts used by tburt show, the regulator output and the hose attached to it are 3/8" NPT, so the fittings where Fred is considering to tap in presumably include a transition up to 1/2".

I would take the flare fitting (or fittings, if it is flare on both hose and tubing sides) apart at that point and see what size it is (or they are).
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Old 01-10-2020, 06:45 PM   #14
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I want to offer a caution to Jim Bennett's post and photo above. If you decide to install a QC inside a box, SEAL THE BACK OF THE BOX AND VENT THE DOOR TO THE OUTSIDE SO THAT IF THERE IS A LEAK, THE GAS WILL VENT TO THE OUTSIDE, NOT INTO THE TRAILER!

I used to work for a firm specializing in leakage detection in pipe line systems of all types, and eventually, any connection is likely to leak. The concentration of gas in an enclosed atmosphere is quite low (less than 3%), and you may not smell the odorant. An explosion would neither be good for your health, nor for the longevity of your trailer.
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Old 01-11-2020, 07:49 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tburt View Post
Fred, Here are the additional photos you asked for. Besides the braided line, the quick connect and the flared fitting, the rest of the fittings were items I had in the garage. I would suggest you buy new fittings as needed. Hope this helps.

Thanks Tburt, as well as everyone else to responded!

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Old 01-11-2020, 09:55 AM   #16
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I meant to say “everyone else who responded”...
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Old 01-24-2020, 08:39 AM   #17
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I successfully added the low pressure propane mod and I am working on securing the hose under the trailer.

My question to the group:
Do you think the standard low pressure hose is sufficient or should I use a braided hose?
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Fred M.
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Old 01-24-2020, 09:44 AM   #18
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Since standard low pressure hose is in use from the tanks, braided, IMHO would not be helpful.
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Old 01-24-2020, 09:54 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Dog View Post
I successfully added the low pressure propane mod and I am working on securing the hose under the trailer.

My question to the group:
Do you think the standard low pressure hose is sufficient or should I use a braided hose?
Attachment 44537Attachment 44536Attachment 44535
Fred: I think the standard hose will suit your needs as long as it is secured properly and not subject to a lot of abrasion. With that said be careful where your main propane line (and your new line) run through the propane tank tray. All owners should be aware that this edge over time will start to wear through the hose with the motion of travel. Will take awhile but not a good situation. I took a piece of reinforced heater hose and zip tied it around the length that passes through the hole.
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rubbing edge.JPG  
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Old 01-24-2020, 10:09 AM   #20
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Originally Posted by rubicon327 View Post
All owners should be aware that this edge over time will start to wear through the hose with the motion of travel. Will take awhile but not a good situation. I took a piece of reinforced heater hose and zip tied it around the length that passes through the hole.


Good point on this. I will double check this.

Fred M.
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