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Topic: External propane tank to get through winter (Read 711 times) previous topic - next topic
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External propane tank to get through winter
I’m considering using an external tank while our TK is parked for the winter. I don’t want to plumb in an extend stay solution.

I came across a 10 year old thread that shows an external tank connected to the fill port of the LD propane tank. (Thanks Jerry!) This looks like a great simple solution for my needs.

Is it still good practice?

Thanks much,
Steve
Steve
2003TK
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #1 –
It works for me and the hose was built a local propane company who told me this was the easiest solution.
Jerry Galang
Meridian, ID 83646
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #2 –
Connecting thru the fill port is also mentioned in this post "Topic: Extend-a-Stay Installation Failure?" Reply #21

If you find someplace that sells a pre-made hose for the fill port please post as I would also be interested.

JohnF
2003 TK
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #3 –
The only downside I see is the lack of an overflow valve.
The Factory outlet valve has an overflow valve that shuts the flow off if something happens that allows the full flow of propane, such as if a propane pipe breaks.
With the connection shown, if someone was to accidentally run into the hose, the thin brass fitting could shear off, allowing the full flow of propane to escape, instantly producing a highly explosive cloud that cannot be shut off without removing the connection to the tank's fill inlet.  It could be a very destructive event.
An Extend-a-Stay is downstream from the stock outlet valve and is protected by the overflow valve in the outlet valve.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #4 –
Thanks Larry, you raise a valid point to consider.

John, I haven’t found a complete hose solution using a filler adapter. Looks like we need to build up a solution using various parts. Not too surprised since we probably represent .01% of the RV population that would buy one.

I did find this filler adapter:

FEMALE POL X 1 3/4 ACME FUEL FILL ADPT - 34079 | IMS Bolt

Steve
2003TK
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #5 –
Quote from: 73gitane  - 
Thanks Larry, you raise a valid point to consider.

FEMALE POL X 1 3/4 ACME FUEL FILL ADPT - 34079 | IMS Bolt

If you go this route, add a 90-degree fitting to the filler adaptor and then a gas-rated ball valve,  along with the hose the runs to the propane tank. Point the 90-degree fitting and ball valve downward where they are less likely to be accidentally hit and broken off.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #6 –
"I don’t want to plumb in an extend stay solution."

I had to go all the way back to the original post to find this and my immediate questions is: Why not?

Many of us have the extend a stay installed and if I had to store my rig over the winter that is the means by which it would be done. After all, that's what it's designed to do, furnish LP from an external tank.   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #7 –
"if someone was to accidentally run into the hose, the thin brass fitting could shear off, allowing the full flow of propane to escape, instantly producing a highly explosive cloud that cannot be shut off without removing the connection to the tank's fill inlet."

And who is going to want to unscrew that connection while a potentially explosive cloud of propane is blasting out? One spark and you're dead.

I would not be comfortable running the risk of that happening. I'll echo Steve's question: why not just install (or have installed) an Extend-A-Stay? It's not expensive, and it's safe, unlike the proposed solution.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #8 –
There’s seems to be a consensus of thought that says when connected to the fill port there is the possibility of creating a propane cloud that would be sourced from the LD propane tank. Is this really true?

My understanding is that the the fill port adapter is flush fit and that there is no physical pushing against an internal valve in the fill port that would allow propane to be released. So in practice the external tank will only force propane into the LD tank when the pressure of the external tank is greater than the LD tank (for example when the LD tank is empty). Then in a situation where the hose is cut between the external tank and LD tank, external pressure is released and the fill port valve would snap shut. Is this incorrect?

Why not just  go with  the extend-a-stay solution? In a word, convenience. I don’t want to do the required cutting and flaring. I could have it done professionally if I was willing to wait three months. However convenience does not trump safety in my book. If my laid out assumptions are wrong I’m very open to correction.
Steve
2003TK
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #9 –
We have been through this before. No cutting, no flaring, no moving the regulator. Lotsa money in fittings.
Harry 2006RB
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #10 –
Quote from: 73gitane  - 
There’s seems to be a consensus of thought that says when connected to the fill port there is the possibility of creating a propane cloud that would be sourced from the LD propane tank. Is this really true?

Do you know for sure that the fill connector has a breakaway device/high-flow cutoff built into it?
SInce the port was designed for the high-flow rates presents when filling, I don't know if you are protected in case of a broken downstream connection or pipe, since is not a normal use of the fill port.

I would hate to heard about your demise on the 6:00 news...guess we all have to go sometime.
Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #11 –
Quote from: 73gitane  - 
My understanding is that the the fill port adapter is flush fit and that there is no physical pushing against an internal valve in the fill port that would allow propane to be released. So in practice the external tank will only force propane into the LD tank when the pressure of the external tank is greater than the LD tank (for example when the LD tank is empty).

 I'd expect both tanks to have the same pressure, as long as they are at the same temperature - the normal case. My guess is the external tank pressure is not going to be high enough to force propane into the RV tank, and that is why the supplier turns on a pump to force propane into the tank. So, if you'd have to put a pump on your external tank to use the fill port on the RV tank. All those fittings still got to cost a lot less than that pump!
2005 Jayco 24SS
 
Re: External propane tank to get through winter
Reply #12 –
I came into this a little late but are you drawing vapor or liquid out of your Aux tank? If you are drawing vapor then your LD tank wouldn't have a liquid level and probably work ok. If you are pulling liquid from the aux tank I can see where you could over fill the LD tank and not have a vapor reservoir to draw gas from. If the LD tank overfilled with liquid, on your first warm day the tanks Relief valve would lift, hopefully, and blow off excess pressure.

This whole thing has disaster written all over it.

Jon
1994 MB