Propane for grill from RV

[PCarnathan]

We have a 2009 Mandalay 43A. I bought a propane grill from Camping World as well as a flexible hose so I could run the grill using the RV's propane tank. The hose's quick disconnect plugged perfectly into the RV's receptacle and I turned on the RV's valve. Sadly, there's not enough gas coming out of the hose to light the burners. As a test, I tried a brand-new small canister of propane and the grill fired right up.

Currently, the RV's propane tank is about 1/4 full. Could that be the issue? I don't know of any other valves in RV's propane system. Can you think of anything I'm missing?

Many thanks in advance,

Pat in Menifee, CA
www.patcarnathan.com

[deandec]

Just add a new propane tee at the tank before the MH regulator.

(Just did mine this week. Took about 30 minutes.)

It will cost $35 but then you will be set with option of regulated or non-regulated extension connections.

Or move the existing tee.

Tee

[PCarnathan]

deandec, that's good advice, too. I carefully inspected my grill and I don't think it's possible to bypass the grill's regulator. There are two flexible pipes coming out of the "downstream" side of the grill's regulator going to the two burners. There's no way (that I can see) to attach the RV's propane supply hose on the other side of the grill's regulator. When I had my 5th wheel, I was able to tee off the main propane tank and run an unregulated hose to the grill - Life was good. It's doesn't look very promising to do the same thing on the new Class A.

The RV's quick-disconnect for propane is regulated way back at the tank itself. I'd have to tee off the main tank and plumb a propane line from the left-front of the rig to the middle-right and I'm not sure it'll be worth the trouble.

Still pondering, but I sure appreciate everyone's input.

Pat in Menifee
www.patcarnathan.com

[deandec]

PCarnathan wrote:
JPeyton, that sounds reasonable. How do I find out if it's regulated? Is there a gauge I can buy? Or something in the RV's propane line I can look for?

Thanks,

Pat in Menifee, CA
www.patcarnathan.com

Look for a gizmo that looks like a regulator near your onboard propane tank shut off valve. It may be covered/protected by a plastic cover in the propane plumbing.

Here are examples. The internet can be your friend through searching.

Regulators

Note: I connect my remote propane hose extension to the propane tee which is installed between the tank shutoff valve and the Motorhome propane regulator. The hose extension is then filled with high pressure until it encounters the remote device's regulator.

That way, you use your grill or gas firepit regulator that came with the device without making modifications.

[frankdamp]

I concluded that having a long hose running across the campsite from the RV to the picnic table, carrying high-pressure propane, was not a good idea. I also didn't want to be humping a 20-pound tank around.

My final choice was to get a 10-pound low-profile tank that has the same base as the 20-pounder, then bought a "base stabiliser" from CW. I bolted the stabiliser into one of the outside stow-bins. The tank fitted in very snugly, didn't need additional tie-downs and was fairly easy to lift out.

[hbillsmith]

See this link for pics and instructions Dan has thoroughly explained and documented the Weber Q parts and process.

[WyoTraveler]

Camco sells the quick connect modification kit that fits most grills. I bought a fire pit that has an unremoveable regulator. I had a propane dealer make up a hose kit for it. However, you will probably have to furnish a Camco fitting to them which is pretty much the standard quick connect fitting for RVs.

[hbillsmith]

If you can attach a bottle you are regulated on the grill. You can replace the regulator on the grill with a quick connect valve. Search on YouTube for "convert propane grill". Many videos to show you what you need and how.

[RoyB]

We never tried to convert the RV PROVIDED connection for our portable grill. I need the 1lb propane canister for PLAN B heat therefore we always have several 2-packs on hand anyway. One 1lb canister lasts us just fine for the quick over the weekend type camping trips so no big deal using them.


We went with the portable propane grill to get the unit away from the side of the trailer. Never liked the idea of having the grill up against the wall of the trailer because of the heat and grease from cooking. Also like all of the different grill tops we can have with our Coleman model.

Just what we do...
Roy Ken

[JPeyton]

PCarnathan wrote:
JPeyton, that sounds reasonable. How do I find out if it's regulated? Is there a gauge I can buy? Or something in the RV's propane line I can look for?

Thanks,

Pat in Menifee, CA
www.patcarnathan.com

I'm guessing I am right because usually you hook a thirty pound tank or whatever (high pressure) right up to the grill. So my guess is the grill does itself have a regulator.

The regulator looks like the starship enterprise (circular thing). Google "propane regulator" images to see it. Look for that on your grill line somewhere (perhaps hidden somewhat). If you have the regulator on the grill you have 3 choices:
1. get nonregulated propane to it (change your rv setup to sending before the regulator... not recommended because dangerous)
2. modify your grill so that it bypasses the regulator
3. you get lucky and your grill has two connections (high and low pressure) to choose from.

Find your regulator on your RV propane setup. Try to see if the quick connect is before or after (likely after for safety reasons).

Basically, high-pressure (non-regulated) propane will cause a huge fireball if it catches fire. The regulated propane (after the regulator) gives a trickle which only is enough to give you what you get at your stove. You AVOID bring non-regulated lines into the RV obviously (for such add on's as propane heaters, etc).

For instance, I have a Mr. Heater ceramic propane heater in my RV (kind of like a little portable fireplace). It has 2 options to hook up: high-pressure or low-pressure. Your grill may have the same options. read the instructions if you have them for the grill, that might help you. May just have to get a different hose with different ends(typical for propane because that's how they ensure safety to some degree).

Keep in mind, that if you bypass the grill's regulator you CANNOT directly connect the grill to a mobile propane tank! Or you'll have big problems!

[PCarnathan]

JPeyton, that sounds reasonable. How do I find out if it's regulated? Is there a gauge I can buy? Or something in the RV's propane line I can look for?

Thanks,

Pat in Menifee, CA
www.patcarnathan.com

[JPeyton]

Does your grill have a regulator? That could be the issue if your RV quick connect is after the RV regulator (double regulating). You have to determine if you have high pressure propane (before your RV regulator), or low pressure propane (after the regulator which prevents too much propane coming out at your stove, etc). Otherwise, sometimes low propane can do it but I doubt it (unless you have a really small thirty pounder or something).