Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I need help, my tank will be in the front box. How do I run the gas lines to the back. I've read on other threads on the forum that some people used copper piping, couldn't I use a long LP hose and if I need it longer just put a adapter to connect hoses to hoses? I also need to make a split from the main hose to the inside of the cabin for a heater. That's a whole another issue of going inside the framing of the walls.


Please help,

Mike

I think I may have mentioned this in another thread too, but I can repeat myself here can't I ?

Whatever piping you choose to use, it is best to ensure that all "T" and extension fittings are located outside of the trailer. No junctions should exist in an enclosed space (especially where you sleep). Lines running from the connections should go directly to the appliance.

If I use a hose what happens if the hose its too short, so far all I have seen is a 12' hose. This will probably work but what if it doesn't and I need to connect two hoses together to make it reach. I can put a T on the propane tank, correct? Then one the 12' to the back and a shorter one to the heater on the inside.

Mike

Hose is for flexibility. If you don't need that (and you don't where the line is fastened to the trailer), then an appropriate pipe (tubing, whatever) is a stronger and self-supporting alternative.

Use Copper tubing and brass fittings between the tank and the galley. A short "connector hose" can be rubber to connect to the tank and the other end for the stove. You could "hard plumb" the heater (if it's built into the wall) with just the copper tubing. I believe both Home Depot and Lowes sell the appropriate "gas fititings" for this. DONT use water fittings or other stuff not intended for GAS. They are different. Run the copper under the frame, not inside. Drill a hole up through the floor to get to the heater. Same for the stove. Make sure you have a pressure regulator on the tank, this should have a short rubber hose which is coupled to the copper tube via a brass fitting. The rubber takes the strain off the connections when removing the tank, and when the trailer is moving. If the stove is "nailed" in place, that is, not on a slideout or anything movable, you can go directly from the copper to the stove. If it's portable, or on a slideout, use a rubber hose to take up the slack. Make sure the heater is vented to the outside to release carbon monoxide buildup.

Yep what Dave said.

Use soft copper & FLARE fittings.

Cheers,

Coop

Wow! A little overwhelming but I think I can handle it. I may have to ask one of my knowledgable friends for help with the copper.


Thanks for all the info.


Mike

Another question regarding the propane tank. Is it o.k. to have the propane tank in the same box as the battery and wires or is this a bomb ready to happen? I can put a seperation in the tounge box to seperate the Propane tank from everything else but not sure if that is enough protection.

Mike

It's actually flexible copper tubing, you can attach it to the frame with some clips made for that, it's really not hard to work with. I was just trying to emphasize getting the right stuff, since it's a safety issue, and I don't want to read about some teardrop burning up due to improper propane installation. (that would ruin you vacation real quick!)

Good luck with your build, don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about anything.

Dave

benzu wrote:Wow! A little overwhelming but I think I can handle it. I may have to ask one of my knowledgable friends for help with the copper.


Thanks for all the info.


Mike

benzu wrote: Is it o.k. to have the propane tank in the same box as the battery and wires or is this a bomb ready to happen?

Mike-

I have seen plenty of trailers with both a exposed propane tank and a battery in a box on the tongue, BUT never both in one box.

I suppose if you were real careful and checked all propane fittings/joints with soapy water to check for leaks and all battery connections were tight AND you inspecting them regularly, in MIGHT be OK...

BUT too much road vibration, bumps, etc. WILL loosen things up...

It's not worth the CHANCES regardless of how well you partition the two.

JMO

Cheers,

Coop

So you folks are allowed to install your own gas lines onto trailers or tears? Here this type of work must be done by professionals ..and they must be licensed and qualified to do it..

Strict Laws Again.. but its for safety.

Classic Finn

Classic Finn wrote:So you folks are allowed to install your own gas lines onto trailers or tears? Here this type of work must be done by professionals ..and they must be licensed and qualified to do it..

Strict Laws Again.. but its for safety.

Classic Finn

Heikki-

I think this falls into the "it's easier to be forgiven than ask permission" catagory

BUT it does bring up a good point, don't attempt something unless you are knowledgable AND comfortable doing it.

Cheers,

Coop

Classic Finn wrote:So you folks are allowed to install your own gas lines onto trailers or tears? Here this type of work must be done by professionals ..and they must be licensed and qualified to do it..

Strict Laws Again.. but its for safety.

Classic Finn

In this country if you build it and die in it! It’s legal suicide. Manly because, you are dead they can’t jail a corps. But if you loan it to your neighbor and he dies, you go to jail. We have built all these jails, got to put somebody in them. Ignorance is not a defense. But if you run a big company and give lots of money to politicians that’s different! You get a couple months at a guarded country club, and your lawyer gets richer.

Chuck

Mike...I think your best bet is to plumb it in copper...but that is just my opinion...and if you do use a "joint box" for the tank and battery.., partition them and vent both really well...I think this was gone over somewhere in the last year or so, vent high for the propane, and low for the battery....can't recall the thread however...does someone remember? Doug

Doug, correct me if I am wrong. I think you want the vent low for the propane. As I beleive propane sink to lower level, so you want the vent down low as posible so the gas can excape.