Forum Discussion

bighatnohorse's avatar
bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Apr 26, 2020

Copper gas line touching aluminum frame problem

Camper: Lance
Frame: Aluminum

Problem: possible galvanic reaction where copper propane tube is touching aluminum frame.

During a routine inspection I noticed a discoloration on the propane tube line to the refrigerator.
Two photos shown; one overview (I've released the copper tubing clamp at the top to allow separation of the copper tubing and aluminum frame.)
Second photo: close view of problem spot

My temporary fix will be to place a sleeve of plastic or vinyl tubing over the copper tubing.

Questions: Can the copper tube be treated with something to prevent further deterioration of the copper?
How should this issue be treated?


  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Apr 27, 2020
    bighatnohorse wrote:
    wa8yxm wrote:
    If the copper has not yet been damaged I'd suggest a wire loom (That black ribbed plastic tubing aroudn the wires) or a length of clear plastic tube slit so you can slip it over the pipe and a dab of GOOP to keep it in place.

    Done. I used plastic/vinyl tubing and slit it lengthwise. Works perfectly.


    Kinda like in the pic I posted. ;)
  • bighatnohorse's avatar
    bighatnohorse
    Explorer II
    Apr 27, 2020
    wa8yxm wrote:
    If the copper has not yet been damaged I'd suggest a wire loom (That black ribbed plastic tubing aroudn the wires) or a length of clear plastic tube slit so you can slip it over the pipe and a dab of GOOP to keep it in place.

    Done. I used plastic/vinyl tubing and slit it lengthwise. Works perfectly.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Apr 26, 2020
    If the copper has not yet been damaged I'd suggest a wire loom (That black ribbed plastic tubing aroudn the wires) or a length of clear plastic tube slit so you can slip it over the pipe and a dab of GOOP to keep it in place.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 26, 2020
    The 90 bend in the first pic implied to me that this is 'soft' copper and can be bent.
  • bighatnohorse's avatar
    bighatnohorse
    Explorer II
    Apr 26, 2020
    time2roll wrote:
    Looks like the copper is up against a wood spacer. Give it a yank to move them apart.

    I see what looks like some grey sealant on the wood spacer but where is the aluminum frame?


    The aluminum is sandwiched between two skins of wood. The "grayish" color is the aluminum. The aluminum seems to have a coating of glue on it.
    I can't just "yank them apart" because the copper tubing is rigid and attached to the frame.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Apr 26, 2020
    I had an issue with my feeder line to cooktop. It was rubbing against the galvanized steel opening. I put a "CONDOM" on the line to protect it from wearing thru.

    I always save left over hoses for such "PROTECTION".

    Do the same with yours!!!


  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 26, 2020
    Looks like the copper is up against a wood spacer. Give it a yank to move them apart.

    I see what looks like some grey sealant on the wood spacer but where is the aluminum frame?
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 26, 2020
    1. Contac Lance and the NHTSA immediately with your pics. This will probably result in a National Safety recall. Which means you will get a NEW line at no cost to you, parts and labor. If yours has this, all other with your model will have it. You will be saving scores of RV'ers a major problem and possible explosion or death.
    2. From the pic, it appears not just discolored, but has rubbed off part of the copper and the integrity is compromised. I would replace that line if it was mine. Doug

    PS, this is how recalls get initiated---when the customer finds a problem and notifies the authorities.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Apr 26, 2020
    Absolutely, you can get galvanic reaction/corrosion between aluminum and copper. And, isolating them with any non-conductive material prevents it.

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