protecting gas, electrical and water lines

[gene so]

Hello,
I am so impressed with this site and its contributors who have been so helpful in my planning for my teardrop trailer.

Since I will be doing camping in rustic areas my concern about protecting the lines for electrical, water and also propane lines will have to be "overdone". Since the frame will be 2 x 2 tubing, I have thought of drilling the lateral crossmembers to accept tubing ( EMT, pipe etc.) to protect these lines from their sources to their final destinations. Obviously electrical lines can be protected easily this way, but I am ignorant about the propane fittings, and also water lines, as to what size protection I will be needing for these lines. Since it would seem these lines are already manufactured with their fittings, obviously the protecting tubing will have to be larger.

I could use your expertise in just what to use and what size of protective tubing or pipe I will need. I reason that when the protective tubing is enclosed inside the exterior dimensions of the 2 x 2, I can tack weld it in place and these tubings will add strength to the basic structure since they will be connecting to other cross members, in addition to providing safety to these lines.

I'd really appreciate your specific insights and ideas on this application.

Thanks in advance,

Geneso

[Miriam C.]

My pop-up had a emt line going under the trailer with a hole in the trailer frame for the gas. You might salvage one or ask your propane supplier/local trailer repair about one. Water and electric can be blue smurf pipe for the purpose.

[Kharn]

What are you trying to protect the wires and pipes from? Copper thieves, a tree falling on the trailer, etc?

[bobhenry]

3/8 to 1/2 inch galvanized pipe for water

3/8 to 1/2 inch black pipe for gas

When I ran the gas line in the chuckwagon I simply took in the measurements to a good plumbing supply shop and they cut to length and threaded the longer odd pieces. I simply took them home and sealed and tightened the pieces in place.


all supported well from the cross members and hung up tight to them.

Remember you will need a drain and vent for the water!

3/4 Electro mechanical tubing for the electrical

A couple pull ells in the electrical chase would be nice also, should you need future access. Old trick is to add a strand of masons cord to the electrical bundle and should you ever need additional wires it offers a way to pull them in. The EMT is not watertight ! I have used 3/4 PVC to encase the electrical with joints cleaned and glued and open ends can be sealed with silicone.

WHY ? you ask.

A water leak in the frame would be tough to fix....
A gas leak in the frame might leak where you don't want it....
Running electrical thru the frame gives opportunity to chafe the wires where they enter and exit the frame.