Propane question

[wickedstang03]

My trailer has the dual 30 or 40lb tanks and both hooked to one regulator with a manual switch over switch... I guess my question is can I unhook the side not being drawn from and hook up another appliance outside while keeping the otherside hooked up and drawing propane to keep my fridge running without leaking propane?

If a picture would help let me know...

[wickedstang03]

Thank you answer 1 works for me!

[wa8yxm]

I can read your question two ways and the different ways give different answers so I will answer two ways

1: Can I remove the "Not in use tank" and then use said tank on another appliance, say a gas grill? yes

2: Can I remove the "not in use" tank and hook up something to the pigtail and draw off the in-use tank? : NO, there are check valves in the changeover valve specifically to prevent that.


How can I use the IN USE TANK to power a grill? Google Extend-a-flow.

[wickedstang03]

Thank you so much! That answered my question!

[SoundGuy]

wickedstang03 wrote:
My trailer has the dual 30 or 40lb tanks and both hooked to one regulator with a manual switch over switch... I guess my question is can I unhook the side not being drawn from and hook up another appliance outside while keeping the otherside hooked up and drawing propane to keep my fridge running without leaking propane?

Of course you can disconnect either tank at any time and not have any leakage through the unconnected fitting - after all, how would you otherwise take an empty tank to get it refilled? To allow this there is a check valve in each output leg of your dual tank regulator - when one tank is disconnected gas pressure inside the regulator prevents gas from flowing out through the disconnected fitting. Leaving one of these ACME Type 1 fittings disconnected for an extended period may only not be a good idea in that dirt would over time tend to collect inside the fitting but that can easily be solved with an ACME Type 1 Threaded Plug.

[wickedstang03]

Perfect! That "Y" should do the trick!

[Boon_Docker]

Your typical regulator is .5 PSI

[wickedstang03]

Doing some thinking and research I think I could go with something like this... So I don't have to disconnect one side of the propane system to use a tank...


They say it will work with regulators up to 10 psi... I couldn't find a psi rating on my regulator though...

[fla-gypsy]

Yes you can uncouple the tank not being used to power some other appliance with it. No problem

[wickedstang03]

Yes the crossover leaking was a concern but I guess I can test that though and I'll know by the smell of course as well

[Swampman597]

I'm still pretty new to RVing but I don't see why you'd have a problem. Many times, after switching to the other tank, we've taken the empty 30# tank out and taken it to get filled. Don't see why you couldn't use it to run a grill or something - as long as you have a regulator for the outside appliance. Probably wouldn't be wise to plan on having it out for a few days of use but for a few hours, I don't see a problem. If its for a grill or small appliance, you can get one of the adapters to fill up a 1# tank from the 30# tank after removing it and then put it back in place. For me, I just got a 10# tank for the grill and its easy to move around.

Disclaimer stuff: this is assuming your crossover valve doesn't leak through or some other problem. However, I'm sure lots of folks will join in if this is really bad advice - which is welcomed. Egos aren't as important as lives.

[time2roll]

You can remove a tank anytime for fill and replacement.

To get propane for some other appliance you need to tap into the regulator output or the RV low pressure propane feeder pipe.

[2oldman]

wickedstang03 wrote:
2Oldman - just making sure the flow won't leak out the unconnected side is all I'm concerned about...

No, it won't. I've removed an empty tank from the hose and it doesn't leak..as long as the black valve handle is pointing toward the active tank.

Given what you just said, I'm not sure i understand your goal.

[wickedstang03]

2Oldman - just making sure the flow won't leak out the unconnected side is all I'm concerned about...

[wickedstang03]

It's actually a low pressure appliance but the hose I already have for it has a regulator on it..

Trying to avoid bringing along an extra 20lb tank of propane