where to run the Gas line

[shamrock]

In my frame I need to run the gas line from the front to the back ,I have made my mind up to use black pipe for durability. What i would like to know is ..How many people run there gas line ether under or inside the frame rails.

[Keith B]

I have not run gas line in my TD, HOWEVER, we run plenty of it when building. Something to consider over blackpipe is flexible stainless steel with the yellow jacket; it'll be lighter, probably cheaper and easier to work with. The gas line on my motorhome is flexible and it is secured to the frame w/ hangars, not inside the chasis frame.

[Miriam C.]

Most small trailers run the gas outside and under. You are talking a very small structure. You also have to consider what will happen if you run a screw through it.

[SkipperSue]

What's wrong with soft copper pipe?
That's what my old Airstream uses.

[shamrock]

Sorry I was not clear about what I ment when I said "run it thru my frame" . I ment drilling holes thru my cross members, sliding it thru and tack welding in place.
Keith ...I would like to know more about this flexible SS tubing, like any place I can see and of corse get it ?

Thanks Scott

[Keith B]

Copper will work just dandy. Soft copper is typically used for "refrigerant" lines, so just make sure you get the appropriate fittings for the job, because 1/2" soft copper and 1/2" ridged coper do not take the same fittings.

[Keith B]

Here is some info on the Stainless Steel gas line: http://www.toolbase.org/TechInventory/techDetails.aspx?ContentDetailID=741

With regard to running it through your crossmembers, etc.. just make sure you use rubber grommets, etc., because "bouncing" around, etc, will eventually chaff any soft pipe, etc.

OH and FYI: any decent plumbing supply house will have it and really, any decent plumber will have it... however, the plumber will prob. only have 1/2-3/4" which is WAY to big for your application. You know, considering all of this is exterior mounted, you could use braided 3/8" fuel line.. .MUCH cheaper, much more flexible, under the trailer, it wont rot out from sunlight. 100% of gas grills have this hose running from the tank to the burner. The safety is in the regulators, valves, orfices, flame controls, etc.

[Miriam C.]

Sorry I was not clear about what I ment when I said "run it thru my frame" . I ment drilling holes thru my cross members, sliding it thru and tack welding in place.
Keith ...I would like to know more about this flexible SS tubing, like any place I can see and of corse get it ?

Thanks Scott

Yes to the holes and you don't have to weld it unless you want.

[Gerald_G]

One thing to keep in mind when running gas lines at all is to keep it outside the trailer body as much as possible.

My local RV tech says it's code (law) in these parts anyways to have all T's and fittings outside, with a single line running inside the trailer cabin to each appliance.

This is in the event of a fitting leaking, if they are all outside the cabin, you will not fill the cabin with propane.

[shamrock]

OK Keith I have seen this SS pipe ..I am just wondering about the price with fittings and all, I see you said somthing about the diameter of the pipe . I was thinking the bigger the better but I see you are just the opposite, I guess if I am only running a small grill I wouldnt need 1/2inch pipe. I can get 10 feet of 3/8 or 1/4 inch blackpipe at the hardwear store. Also an interesting idea about braided gas line but once again what about the end fittings , do you just use hose clamps?

Thanks Scott

[shamrock]

Gerald...I heard the same thing about the gas line ,I will just have the single line from the front by the tank to the back for a grill.

[Keith B]

1/2" gas line in SS will supply a house with a run up to 50', 3/4-1" for over 100'. 3/8" fuel line should be PLENTY for what you're wanting to do. The tank has very high pressure, however, the regulator controls how much pressure is released for what is being used. For a two burner stove and a lantern, 3/8" is MORE than enough. They do make barbed fittings, etc, for fuel line, just like what you see on bar-b-q grills and you can either band them or use a couple SS hose clamps. The fittings for the SS stuff can be a bit pricy probably for what you're wanting to do and supplying. If it were me, which it probably will be (as I have yet to install the line), I would run black fuel line with the appropriate fittings; you can bend tighter corners, more easily repaired or "added to, etc.". ACE will have 90% of what you need and you can buy a banding gun and clamps if you want to, but as I said SS clamps should suffice. Just my two cents worth, but for a TD, that's what I would and will run.

[goldcoop]

Copper will work just dandy. Soft copper is typically used for "refrigerant" lines, so just make sure you get the appropriate fittings for the job, because 1/2" soft copper and 1/2" ridged coper do not take the same fittings.

Also note use flared fittings, NOT compression style!

Cheers,

Coop

[Q]

I just used standard 3/8 flexible copper line, run under the trailer through holes in the frame members. I did put heat shrink tube around the tubing where it goes through the holes to keep it from wearing from vibration. It's worked great for 15,000 miles or more including at least 1,000 miles of gravel road.

Q

[Gage]

My gas line is external. That way if there is a leak, I'll be able to find it in a hurry.