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mkirsch's avatar
mkirsch
Nomad II
Jun 06, 2013

gas grill propane regulator for TC

Hoses are all rotten on my dual-tank propane regulator. New hoses are going to run about $60, if I can find ones that fit without resorting to a bunch of adapter fittings.

Will a normal gas grill regulator work to run the water heater? I have a spare lying around, and it threads right on to the piping in the TC with a $2 adapter.

The specs for the regulators as far as pressure seem the same (11" WC, 1/2 PSI). Only difference is the BTU capacity. 200,000 BTU vs. 75,000 BTU for the grill regulator.

Since the water heater is only 15,000 BTU, the furnace is only 15,000 BTU, and the fridge is a mere fraction of that, theoretically I should be fine. Right?

7 Replies

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  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2013
    A grill regulator is normally single stage. RV regulators are supposed to be dual stage. The single stage ones are not approved for RV use. Appliances need more accurate control than a grill.
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Jun 06, 2013
    The grill regulator I have is rated for the EXACT SAME PRESSURE output as an RV regulator. I checked.

    The grill regulator I have is rated for FIVE TIMES the BTU output of either the water heater or the furnace. I checked.

    On paper, it should work just fine.

    So what does the 2-stage regulator buy me?
  • sleepy's avatar
    sleepy
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2013
    Camping world has a hosw adapter called "easy fill" or something like that. To use a grill like you would at home you hva to Tee inbetween the propane bottle and the campers regulator to give you the pressure that you need... . the tubing from the tee that you use to connect your grill has to have another dedicated regulator just like the one you use at home when you have your grill hooked up to propane.

    Or Lance camper has grills that connect to RV pressures
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jun 06, 2013
    Just go to any bottled gas store they will have what you need reasonable. Trying to cheap out on something like a your propane gas system is just plane crazy!
  • Boatycall's avatar
    Boatycall
    Explorer
    Jun 06, 2013
    My understanding is you're talking about 11psi on the regulated side of a TC, and that's about the same as a grill. I would say you could try it. Hook it up, fire up the stove, see how the burner looks.

    And before all the propane police chime in, do it with due caution.
  • billtex's avatar
    billtex
    Explorer II
    Jun 06, 2013
    Not sure...but I think grill is high pressure and appliances are low pressure?

    This is NOT an area I would cheap out on.

    For $60?


    I am sure some plumbing experts will chime in soon...

    Be careful, B

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