External Propane Hook up w/ Camp Stove

[73shark]

Just curious since the AI has a two burner stove, why the need for another outside?

[weirdstuff]

Originally Posted by 73shark

Just curious since the AI has a two burner stove, why the need for another outside?

Great question. I wish I was willing to do just that, but, I don't really want the mess and definitely don't want the smells inside. I'm just sensitive to smells and would have a hard time sleeping in there after cooking in there. Also, I prefer to be outside as much as possible so that I don't feel cooped up all evening.

I do love that there is a stove inside, for when we might want or need to use it. But, I'd much prefer to be cooking outside.

[73shark]

Makes sense to me. Thanks, good luck on your search.

[weirdstuff]

Originally Posted by 73shark

Makes sense to me. Thanks, good luck on your search.

Thanks. And since the Interstate is so small, I feel like I'd more or less be cooking in my bed!!

Right now we're leaning towards keeping the new Coleman and carrying 2 of the small disposable propane bottles with us. Although, as you can see, I am concerned about the safety of that!

[Ljsydney]

I recently purchased a Weber Go Anywhere gas BBQ with a Weber Q Adapter Hose thinking this would be sufficient to connect the grill to the AS gas hose. Has anyone done this and know if this set up will work? Or will I still have to contend with a pressure issue?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by weirdstuff

Right now we're leaning towards keeping the new Coleman and carrying 2 of the small disposable propane bottles with us. Although, as you can see, I am concerned about the safety of that!

If I end up going that route, I'm think of buying a two-bottle wine tote to carry propane bottles in.

Originally Posted by weirdstuff

Also, I prefer to be outside as much as possible so that I don't feel cooped up all evening.

I do love that there is a stove inside, for when we might want or need to use it. But, I'd much prefer to be cooking outside.

That's me all over. Cooking inside is for breakfast and for rainy days when it's too wet to grill outdoors. Especially in summer, cooking indoors just adds more heat that makes the AC work harder.

[DaveFL]

Carrying propane always a problem, absolute safety doubtful.
Minimise explosion by storing in vented locker, no open flames near locker.
I have experienced leaking of a connected bottle, but remember a post to boating forum of small green bottles leaking even when disconnected.
I always disconnect from grill and wait to store in locker until next day and use my nose to determine if it is a problem. Soap bubbles would be better but since it is a long time between uses I don't want to rust the threads.

[73shark]

I'm worried that Airstream used soft copper in plumbing the onboard propane system. Soft copper and vibration don't work together well.

[weirdstuff]

Well crap. Back to square one!

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by c21bill

Don't know about a stove but Amazon.com has a Camco Stainless Steel Grill that will work with your low pressure hose/quick connect. It is the Camco 57305 Olympian 5500 SS portable grill ($185.25). If you are interested in a smaller one, you could try the Camco 51845 SS Portable Grill that comes with a storage bag for $125.47. (with that one you would need an adaptor, Camco Model 58279 LPG conversion kit which is available from Defender Marine for $43.99 + shipping).

I have this Camco Olympian grill with an extension hose and storage bag.

Amazon.com: Camco 57305 Olympian 5500 Stainless Steel Portable Grill: Automotive

Camco 57282 10' Propane Quick-Connect Hose : Amazon.com : Automotive

Amazon.com: Camco 57632 Olympian Grill Storage Bag: Automotive

It works great for grilling and cooking outside.

[Sebtown]

I have carried the bottles around for years, in my vans and tent trailer, with zero problems nor have I ever heard of a problem from others. Use common sense and I bet you will never have a problem either.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by DaveFL

but remember a post to boating forum of small green bottles leaking even when disconnected.

This is why it is illegal to transport the small bottles after they are refilled, the seals only hold up for so many times connecting them.

Also why it's actually a good thing they only last a few hours or uses.

[bennu36]

so a question from the one that does the cooking in our Interstate " have you ever used this to cook as you would on the stove inside , that is to say using pots and or pans?"

[RichHog]

The PO of my 25' 06 Safari had installed a tap off of the propane tanks that feeds a 10' hose to a Weber grill that he gave me with the trailer. Your dealer should be able to install a tap so you can buy the grill you want. I used it for the first time in November at a rally where we were cooking for the group.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by RichHog

The PO of my 25' 06 Safari had installed a tap off of the propane tanks that feeds a 10' hose to a Weber grill that he gave me with the trailer. Your dealer should be able to install a tap so you can buy the grill you want. I used it for the first time in November at a rally where we were cooking for the group.

Can he install a tap from a built-in ASME tank on an Interstate? Without losing all of the propane you already have in the built-in tank? It's not quite the same setup as you guys with trailers and portable DOT tanks have. I ask because this IS the "Sprinter and B-van Forum" after all.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by RichHog

The PO of my 25' 06 Safari had installed a tap off of the propane tanks that feeds a 10' hose to a Weber grill that he gave me with the trailer. Your dealer should be able to install a tap so you can buy the grill you want. I used it for the first time in November at a rally where we were cooking for the group.

Can he install a tap from a built-in ASME tank on an Interstate? Without losing all of the propane you already have in the built-in tank? It's not quite the same setup as you guys with trailers and portable DOT tanks have. I ask because this IS the "Sprinter and B-van Forum" after all.

You trailer owners often have good ideas that we Interstate owners can shamelessly steal for our own use. But I'm not entirely sure this is one of them.

[idroba]

Originally Posted by 73shark

I'm worried that Airstream used soft copper in plumbing the onboard propane system. Soft copper and vibration don't work together well.

Soft copper has been used on RV propane systems for over 50 years with very few issues. The fact that it is "soft" means it is flexible and holds up exceptionally well. Occasionally you will get a cracked flare fitting causing a leak but other than that I have seen few problems. The only other system I have ever seen uses rigid black steel main supply pipe with copper running to the individual appliances. That steel pipe is more subject to vibration issues because it is rigid, and also it can rust. Airstream and everyone else uses soft copper for the gas lines because it works well.


On another topic on this thread, the propane in a small tank.

The little tanks hold about one pound of propane, 20,000 Btu total. There are about 4 pounds of propane in a gal. Depending on where and when you buy it propane costs about $2.50 to $3.00 per gal to refill a portable tank. So, if you buy a gal of propane it would take 4 little one pound tanks at a cost of $2.50 to $4 a tank, or $10 to $16 a gallon. Propane in little tanks is thus 4 to 6 times more expensive than bulk refill purchase.

[RichHog]

I guess there could be something specific to the Interstate but the tap off the tank is a standard component for propane systems. I have one of the Colman griddles with the little disposable green tanks and live it, but the Weber is bigger, has a folding stand and for bigger grilling its convenient to just hook into the existing tank.

[Smartstream]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Can he install a tap from a built-in ASME tank on an Interstate? Without losing all of the propane you already have in the built-in tank? It's not quite the same setup as you guys with trailers and portable DOT tanks have. I ask because this IS the "Sprinter and B-van Forum" after all.

You trailer owners often have good ideas that we Interstate owners can shamelessly steal for our own use. But I'm not entirely sure this is one of them.

Can you post a picture of your tank and valve set up? I thought that the ASME tank on my motor home would be hard plumbed but it turns out that it uses a standard valve w/POL fitting. It is connected with a hose to a tee with one port going to a high pressure regulator that feeds the generator and the other port going to a low pressure regulator that supplies the rest of the coach appliances. I installed tee with a quick disconnect to provide tank pressure to grills, fire pits or whatever I have. I used this fitting F276181 Mr. Heater 1/4" Quick Connector. It has a valve that must be turned off before you can connect or disconnect the fitting. Propane Products has a great selection of propane hardware.

Again I haven't seen an Interstate set up but I saw a propane installation on a Pleasure Way built on a Sprinter chassis. The tank was under the coach behind the rear axle. Because it was basically inaccessible, it had an electric solenoid valve instead of a hand wheel valve. It still used POL fittings and regulators to connect to the coach.

[73shark]

Originally Posted by idroba

Soft copper has been used on RV propane systems for over 50 years with very few issues. The fact that it is "soft" means it is flexible and holds up exceptionally well. Occasionally you will get a cracked flare fitting causing a leak but other than that I have seen few problems. The only other system I have ever seen uses rigid black steel main supply pipe with copper running to the individual appliances. That steel pipe is more subject to vibration issues because it is rigid, and also it can rust. Airstream and everyone else uses soft copper for the gas lines because it works well.

Copper is soft 'til it "work hardens" from vibration, then it is prone to cracking which is the reason they used steel lines from the fuel pump to the carburetor before FI. I realize that engine vibration is probably more severe than what would be seen by copper attached to the frame. Just saying . . .