Flexible LGP line to connect to fridge

[bpg_austin]

Hey group. I just purchased an Argosy MH that did not come with a fridge. I picked up a nice Dometic until and will be installing it shortly. My LPG hardline pokes up through the subfloor and needs to connect to the back of the fridge. There is no way for a 'hardline to hardline' connection obviously. Can someone tell me what kind of flex line I need to adapt these? Is this a standard home depot flexible gas line connect hose?
Sorry for the newbie question. I'm sure this is a simple thing.

Thanks,
Ben
Austin, TX

[55AS]

My fridge had a hard copper line connected where it enters the trailer and to the back of the fridge with flare fittings. It was bent to line up with the fridge fitting. When swapping fridges I had to cut, rebend and reflare the end.

[bpg_austin]

Thanks, much appreciated. So, is the correct method to use all hardline fittings?
Apparently I need to hard-mount the fridge, then rework the LPG lines together?

[55AS]

Slight correction. I believe my LP line is "soft" copper but still not a flex line.

[TG Twinkie]

The flex lines used for residential purposes are not suitable for RV use. They will not withstand the over the road vibration. Copper tubing is the best solution.


Sent from my iPod touch using Airstream Forums

[55AS]

P.O. added a propane wall lamp to my trailer using residential flex line. I removed it.

[batman]

Originally Posted by bpg_austin

Hey group. I just purchased an Argosy MH that did not come with a fridge. I picked up a nice Dometic until and will be installing it shortly. My LPG hardline pokes up through the subfloor and needs to connect to the back of the fridge. There is no way for a 'hardline to hardline' connection obviously. Can someone tell me what kind of flex line I need to adapt these? Is this a standard home depot flexible gas line connect hose?
Sorry for the newbie question. I'm sure this is a simple thing.

Thanks,
Ben
Austin, TX

Ben,

All LPG connections should be rubber flex from outside of trailer to inside appliance, Refer, Water heater, Stove, Heater, etc.

Never use solid copper line directly into the appliance! Ever!!!

A local propane dealer in your area will have what you need. Camping World and other RV stores carry these lines. The box store will have copper line, brass fittings, tubing cutter and flare tool if you need them.

Please, research this on the internet! Be safe out there!!

-Dennis

[bpg_austin]

Great info.
So.. since I'm not up to speed on gas lines.. Home depot does sell rolls of 3/8" copper tubing.

3/8 in. ID x 10 ft. Copper Type L Soft Coil (1/2 in. OD)-PCLE-375L010 - The Home Depot

This look like the right stuff with appropriate fittings?
Thanks again, hopefully I'm almost done with the rookie questions.

Note: Batman, your post came up at the same time as mine. So, are you telling me I need to install a rubber line from my hardline to the back of my fridge? Not a soft copper line? I'm getting confused here. Will certainly do some more internet reserach before purchasing anything.

[bpg_austin]

Just walked out to my boss's (not currently running) airstream and took this photo. Looks like he has the soft copper connection from the hardline underneath to his fridge. This is what I thought I was trying to duplicate from the 1st two posters comments.
Is there a consensus between this method and a flexible rubber line?
This will be inside the camper, so it would be bad if it ever leaked. I'd assume that's why people are using a copper line here. ??

[batman]

Originally Posted by bpg_austin

Great info.
So.. since I'm not up to speed on gas lines.. Home depot does sell rolls of 3/8" copper tubing.

3/8 in. ID x 10 ft. Copper Type L Soft Coil (1/2 in. OD)-PCLE-375L010 - The Home Depot

This look like the right stuff with appropriate fittings?
Thanks again, hopefully I'm almost done with the rookie questions.

Note: Batman, your post came up at the same time as mine. So, are you telling me I need to install a rubber line from my hardline to the back of my fridge? Not a soft copper line? I'm getting confused here. Will certainly do some more internet research before purchasing anything.

Sorry Ben,
It can be confusing with so much different input. You must temper your judgement with facts. That is why I urged you to do some more research on the subject. Don't listen to me, just the facts.

-Dennis

[shineybullet]

Originally Posted by batman

Sorry Ben,
It can be confusing with so much different input. You must temper your judgement with facts. That is why I urged you to do some more research on the subject. Don't listen to me, just the facts.

-Dennis

So what are the facts ? Hard line or rubber flex ? I currently have a new refrigerator to install and now I'm confused with the different views stated here maybe a propane tech will chime in with the correct way it should be done ?

[idroba]

All Airstreams built forever it seems have used copper lines to the appliances, including those built today at the factory. Post #7 which states to never, ever use copper directly to the appliance is simply wrong. Sorry for being blunt but the information is not correct.

Do not use any of the flex lines that are available at places like Home Depot or Lowe's as they are not made to stand up to the constant jiggling in an RV and are not approved for RV use.

A rubber flex line could be used but are hard to find and are subject to more wear and deterioration than copper.

Copper, with proper flare fittings is the standard way to connect propane appliances to the system. If you are not familiar with how to bend and flare copper, I would suggest having a professional do the job for you.

[55AS]

I did the bending and flaring on mine with no trouble, though the proper tools are required.

[msmcv51]

I would never use flexible stove or dryer connectors in my rv. They will crack over time and the propane, being heavier than air, could collect under the floor above the belly pan. Only use soft copper. You can drop down to 1/4" if you need to make tighter bends. The 1/4" copper is much larger than the orifice for the fridge or hot water tank. I hope the picture of the water tank I just installed uploaded.

[bpg_austin]

Thanks everyone for the great info. I've got a commercial A/C buddy who I can get to bend and flair the sections for me. I'm a big DIY'er, but he's got the tools.. Sounds like a simple enough job. Just have to head out to the Moho tonight and figure out what fittings are required.
It would be nice if our parts suppliers carried a copper Loop with fittings. Seems pretty standard now that I've looked at a few pictures.

[dalemonroe]

Notice the wide loop of soft copper in the photograph. That is the way my 2006 Airstream came from the factory. That loop allows for some flexibility betweem the trailer and the refrigerator. I added several loops of copper on my garage air compressor to prevent vibration damage.

[HiJoeSilver]

Flexible copper tubing that you find I the coil is the stuff you want. As mentioned, leave an extra loop going to the fridge, gives flexibility in making the connection and forabsorbing vibration. Flare fittings. Normal is 3/8" to the appliances.

[Jacob D]

Idroba is correct. My 67 has soft copper flared connections made at the factory originally and they are still good. 10 years ago, I had a new HW heater installed by Richard's RV who used soft copper flared fittings and that I think is the only way to go. If you are worried about stiffness of the connection putting stress on the appliance, put a loop or dip in the line to provide a little flexibility. The suggestion to move down to 1/4" soft copper couldl be the way to go but I wouldn't go smaller than the connection provided on the appliance. The only flex line on my trailer is from the LP regulator at the tanks to the 1/2" supply line installed down the center line of the trailer to which each 3/8" supply to appliances is attached.

[tjdonahoe]

Use copper direct with flare fittings just like the factory installations....