I'm thinking that it would be nice to be able to hook up to the RV propane tank to run a grill, fire pit or cook top outside. Are there any downsides to this and what is the best system? Should the splitter be installed before or after the existing pressure reduction valve?
You are referring to an Extend-a Stay device.
Amazon.com: Marshall Gas Controls 536-00 Extend-A-Stay Standard Tap Kit:... (https://www.amazon.com/Marshall-Gas-Controls-536-00-Standard/dp/B002UC4T6C?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B002UC4T6C)
Extend-a-Stay | Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157602104740981/)
They are installed after the pressure regulator, if there is room. Not all LD have the space for one.
Most installations require cutting a copper line and using a flaring tool to reflare the shortened line.
This is an advance job, with specific knowledge on how to make leak free connections, using a flaring tool kit
Amazon.com: Superior Tool 17515 Professional Flaring Tool-Large Flare Tool... (https://www.amazon.com/Superior-Tool-Professional-Flaring-Tool-Large/dp/B0009XI9MO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1514914846&sr=8-1&keywords=Superior+Tool+17515)
If you have any doubts, have a pro install it. Safety first.
Larry
"They are installed after the pressure regulator,..."
For shame Larry
Why is it that the "Tee" is shown in you Flicker link on the high side, prior to the regulator? :o
Eticket
View the video in the following link, I think your answer is there!
How To Connect a BBQ Grill to an RV's On-board Propane Tank - RVgeeks (http://www.thervgeeks.com/propane/bbq-grill-connection/)
"They are installed after the pressure regulator,..."
For shame Larry
Why is it that the "Tee" is shown in you Flicker link on the high side, prior to the regulator? :o
Steve
You catch me, I slipped up.
The Extend-a-stay goes before the regulator.
Larry
Several have dealt with the problem. This is one solution without installing extend a stay. The fitting to attach a hose from a tank is not shown but it would be installed instead of the 1/4" pipe male plug. You are dealing with "fire" here so make sure you know what you are doing or let a pro do it.
Propane T without moving the regulator (http://www.lazydazeowners.com/index.php?topic=29930.msg170119#msg170119)
Depending on the propane pressure required by your grill a T after the regulator may work. The extend a stay is intended to allow propane from a portable tank to feed the RV. A "T" before the regulator is more versatile but requires your grill to have it's own regulator. Hope I got all that correct!
Our camping buddies use an Extend a Stay and I considered installing one, but I nearly always pull an enclosed trailer for the motorcycle and bicycles. My hillbilly solution has been to install a rack for a 5 gallon BBQ bottle on the tongue of the trailer and run the propane for the BBQ and the propane campfire off this tank with a 20 foot hose. When boondocking, the propane fire pit doesn't draw down the LD propane so we can keep our frivolous use of the campfire separate from the dedicated important use of the LD tank for the refrigerator, stove, and furnace.
We have refilled this 5 gallon tank numerous tank and the solution works well for us.
HD