Forum Discussion

kfp673's avatar
kfp673
Explorer II
Apr 17, 2021

Pinched Propane line ideas??

Hello all,

We have a small slide in our kitchen area that houses the stove and refrigerator. I typically run the fridge the day before leaving, load up, close slides and go. I noticed on a few trips that the fridge was not running when we get there. I assumed it blew out but had never had that issue before so I dug deeper. THen I noticed that the rubber propane line under the slide (From the main propane line to the fridge) was getting pinched when the slide closes. They have a spring attached to pull it in but it does not always land correctly. So now I check it every time, but there are creases in the line and it still seems to restrict flow sometimes, other times it’s fine.

So for those of you with refrigerator in the slide out, have you seen this and how have you fixed it?

Thanks
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Apr 17, 2021
    Find a propane distributor and have the service shop build a replacement, and see if you can route better so it doesn't pinch.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Apr 17, 2021
    This is a common problem with rubber LP lines in slide outs. The BEST way to fix is, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE LINE. Once it is kinked, there is no way it will stop kinking no matter how you route it. Now, when you replace the line, find a metal coil spring that will slide over the new Hose snug but not too loose. That metal spring cover will prevent the hose from kinking. IF you have room, you can install a longer replacement hose to then route it to prevent kinking when extending and retracting. MY preferred method is the Spring around the hose. Doug
  • kfp673's avatar
    kfp673
    Explorer II
    Apr 18, 2021
    Thanks all! I ha e never replaced a “permanent” propane line/hose. As noted, this feeds from the metal “main” and off into the 2 appliances. Easy enough to replace but is there some sort of sealant that should be used to avoid leaks similar to Teflon tape?

    Thanks agai !
  • Roger10378's avatar
    Roger10378
    Explorer II
    Apr 19, 2021
    Most likely you will have flare fittings to hook to. Never use sealant on flare fittings. If you have threaded fittings then you need sealant.

    I would observe the line as the slide is moved in and out to see if a slightly longer or shorter hose would be less likely to kink. Then take the hose with you to your local propane dealer to have the hose you need made.
  • kfp673's avatar
    kfp673
    Explorer II
    Apr 19, 2021
    Roger10378 wrote:
    Most likely you will have flare fittings to hook to. Never use sealant on flare fittings. If you have threaded fittings then you need sealant.

    I would observe the line as the slide is moved in and out to see if a slightly longer or shorter hose would be less likely to kink. Then take the hose with you to your local propane dealer to have the hose you need made.


    Thanks for the reply, but please help me understand the terminology. After reading this I figured "flare fittings" are the quick connect spring loaded type like I have for the RV grill. This is threaded on both ends and after doing a quick search I found this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZCNM28/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 This shows threads but also calls it flare fittings. So are you saying I should not use the yellow tape on these?

    I will have to check the size and length of the existing but this looks like it will be perfect.

    Thanks again all!
  • Roger10378's avatar
    Roger10378
    Explorer II
    Apr 20, 2021
    Yes those are flare fittings. The sealing is the tapered part that is down inside what you see. The threaded nut is used to clamp the two tapered parts which is where the sealing is done.
  • mobeewan's avatar
    mobeewan
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2021
    Do not use tape or pipe dope on 45° flared or reverse flared fittings. Yellow tape is for tapered pipe threads only when used for propane and natural gas.

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