making propane lines

[CharlesPou]

most know the pigtails from the propane tanks to the regulator often leak and need to be replaced. don't know where I saw it, but the black rubber hose from the regulator along the bottom of the trailer to the hot water heater, refrigerator, and crossing under the trailer to the stove top can leak too.

looking around on web, I saw example of what was probably incorrect installation with propane hose running from the regulator being curved too much where 90 degree joint should have been installed. the rubber hose had cracks just like pigtails. so, I made a note to check my trailer for this issue.

I checked today. I have 2018 21C and all looked good until the hose was bent 90 degrees to go into the trailer for the stove top. definitely looked bad IMO. at least on my trailer, the black hose was generally protected with plastic cover, I think it's called wire loom tubing, so that was good IMO. after all the issues with this trailer, which I love by the way, I suspect the 90 degree bend I saw may cause some trouble, and probably should have 90 degree fitting installed.

what to do? I'm actually surprised required standard is not copper tubing, but oh well. I'm wondering if I can make my own propane rubber line, cutting it to length and installing proper fittings. I realize would need to buy some sort of crimping tool, source the fittings and tubing. quick search didn't bring up any vids or otherwise educate me on how to make my own propane lines.

so, I'm looking for more information. any and all comments welcomed. cheers

 

[CharlesPou]

looking around web little more, I see can order custom lengths of black rubber propane line, and fittings. probably bad idea to try and make my own.

appears would be doable repair, if started leaking. at least I'm aware of the issue. I definitely see need for propane detector, would never disable detector in my trailer haha.

unfortunately, the tubing that looks the worst is going to stove. appears would probably have to pull the stove to replace it, and install 90 degree joint. probably doable, but would be big job for me. reminds me of my converter issue, I learned way more about repairing my trailer than I ever wanted to know. I ultimately was able to repair and replace myself with a lot of help from the great people on this forum.

appears the quality of the black rubber tubing running from the regulator and supplying appliances is good quality. if it was like pigtails, would already have been leaking IMO.

cheers

 

[Centex]

... if it was like pigtails, would already have been leaking IMO. ....

FWIW the pre-regulator pigtails contain gas at ~145~200 PSI (+/- depending on tank ambient temperature) while the post-regulator lines carry gas at ~0.4 PSI (regulated to ~11" WC).

Not suggesting that the low-pressure lines can't leak or be a source of danger, but perhaps there's a lower propensity of that risk (?).

 

[Iowa Dave]

I know it’s not propane but we used to go to a commercial hose and rubber business for custom made hydraulic hoses. If you have one of these places nearby you might
Contact them to see if they do gas too or know a firm that does. They were always considerably cheaper than factory replacement hoses and had high quality fittings and hose.
Iowa Dave

 

[Ron in BC]

In the "old days" we just took a length of hose, added hose barbs at either end and that was it.

Over the years propane hoses, to be legal in Canada, are required to carry a certification label. It's the old story, homemade will work but in the event of a problem there's a reason for the insurance company to deny the claim.

Ron

 

[CharlesPou]

thanks for great comments, maybe I shouldn't but I'm feeling better about situation, especially realizing pressure drop after regulator.

also, was interesting to literally see that stove was at the end of the line, and why you always light the stove top to get gas in line for the upline appliances. cheers