Forum Discussion

ralphnjoann's avatar
ralphnjoann
Explorer
Apr 03, 2014

Propane Question

We boondock two months out of the year in a fifth wheel. It's stays parked during this time. The propane tanks are located in a compartment under the front overhang. They are extremely difficult and painful to my back to remove and replace for refilling. I'm thinking of replacing the two short pigtails with longer ones and have the tanks sit on the ground under the overhang thus making it much easier to refill. My question concerns the length of the lines when the bottles are back in the trailer for travelling and the reason is that I've read that propane can "pool" in the line under certain conditions potentially ruining the regulator. If this is true, are there any precautions I should take with the lines when re-installing the tanks?

6 Replies

  • Peg_Leg's avatar
    Peg_Leg
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2014
    You might consider swapping out the 30# tanks for a couple of 20# BBQ sized tanks. They would be a bit lighter. Keeping them inside also makes them less likely to walk off.
  • Chrisatthebeach's avatar
    Chrisatthebeach
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2014
    donn0128 wrote:
    Simple solution is to get yourself a tube of the yellow thread sealant for gas, install one long line and switch the regulator to the single tank side, swapping tanks as necessary. When you get ready to pack up, remove and store the long line and reinstall the short pig tail. At least that is how I have been all winter with a 25 gallon tank connected. Just took it off the other day as we are getting ready to leave here next month.


    X2, did this through 3 winters using 100 gallon tank. Come summer put short one back on and moved to summer lot on lake.
    Kept the other side hooked to 7 gallon bottle just in case there was a problem with the long hose freezing, which never happened even down to -7.
  • red31's avatar
    red31
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2014
    Regulate to 30 psi within 60" of container valve (NFPA).
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Apr 03, 2014
    If the tanks are properly installed then only gas enters the hose, to get it to become liquid you either need a whole lot of pressure, or a whole lot of cold or both.

    IF you are worried, Move the regulator as well as the tanks, Regulator output is (Somewhat rounded) 1/2 PSI, not nearly enough to make propane turn liquid at temps much above -40 (Your choice of thermometers) Of course, at -40.. Does not matter how long, or how little pressure, it's liquid.

    Second. if you run a good size 'U' trap. if any liquid makes it's way into the hose the hose will frost very quickly,,The regulator takes a couple minutes more to freeze up.
  • GASMAN6674's avatar
    GASMAN6674
    Explorer
    Apr 03, 2014
    You are correct, Tank oressure LP Vapor CAN reliquify under certain conditions. If your tanks when setting on the ground are lower than the regulator no worries as long as your pigtail/hose doesnt have any big sags in it. Any thing that condenses will flow back to the tank. "Gravity Works" When you are done try to coil the hose so it is higher than the tank outlet but lower than the regulator inlet and you should be ok. In reality it can happen in your short hoses too but its kinda rare.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 03, 2014
    Simple solution is to get yourself a tube of the yellow thread sealant for gas, install one long line and switch the regulator to the single tank side, swapping tanks as necessary. When you get ready to pack up, remove and store the long line and reinstall the short pig tail. At least that is how I have been all winter with a 25 gallon tank connected. Just took it off the other day as we are getting ready to leave here next month.

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