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rvshrinker's avatar
rvshrinker
Explorer III
Jul 14, 2021

replacing pigtails on propane tanks

I thought this would be so obvious and simple but as usual I run into all kinds of questions.

First I found out that there are ‘two kinds’ of connectors. The one I am replacing has a thread on the male end. This is what I have on the new one as well. Is this necessarily the right one, or are there more than 1 kind with a threaded male end?

Second, is there supposed to be a small washer inside the fitting? There is none on my regulator.

Third, I read different things on line: you must use Teflon tape, definitely do not use Teflon tape, you don’t need anything, or you should use LocTIte of some kind. What is the actually correct answer?

Fourth, Do I just tighten as much as possible? Could I overtighten/strip something?

Ugh. nothing is as simple as it looks to me.

25 Replies

  • that is a great question. I continue to experience leaks. I’m not really sure why, I tighten things as much as I could. When I look at the old one, it seems I have the same male brass fitting, I wish I knew how to attach a picture because I could show a picture of each one.
  • Can you take the old ones off first and then match them up for the new ones?

    What happened to your old ones that you have to replace them?

    I owned a 2003 TT up until 2019 and never had to replace anything on the propane side (except when the cylinders expired.. ;) ). Even the auto switch over worked fine the whole time.

    Mitch
  • I ‘m really glad I asked because now I’m even more confused.

    The two stage regulator is made of zinc. There is no brass fitting.

    The male pigtail has a threaded brass end.

    Do I need some kind of brass adapter on the regulator?

    With or without a brass adapter, do I need yellow gas tape?
  • Types of LP fittings

    Yours could be NPT or Inverted Flare (check which in the LINK above)
    If old hoses screw directly into REG body then NPT
    If old hoses screw into a brass adapter on REG then Inverted Flare

    Yellow Gas Tape on NPT...not on Inverted Flare

    Tighten until you feel good resistance ....

    No washers used.
  • There is at least two.
    One is a flare, regulator needs an adapter. No yellow Feflon tape on flare fitting threads.
    Other common one is pipe threads that go into regulator. Yellow Teflon tape required.

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