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Old 08-17-2018, 04:02 PM   #1
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Propane Copper Pipe Hangers

Today I purchased all of the copper tubing and fittings to complete /replace the propane system on my Caravel.
I'm just not sure what type of hangers to use to attach it to the belly pan.
The original hangers looked like scraps of aluminum from the trailer skins fabbed in to make shift hangers.
What have others used?
Also is it a good idea to protect the copper?
I've seen foam insulation tubes used and Pex.
Thank you!
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Old 08-17-2018, 05:13 PM   #2
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I have split garden hose lengthwise in areas where the tubing would rub. Also used the cushioned hangers with the rubber inserts. Obviously no joints are covered. When I routed the 1/4” tubing thru the floor to the appliance, I drilled the hole large enough to accommodate 1/2” water hose and ran the 1/4” tubing thru it with a little caulk. Are you planning on double flares? I found those very reliable and easy to form. Good luck, Bubbaa
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Old 08-17-2018, 05:28 PM   #3
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Which class of copper tube did you get? I hope you did not get the thin M class.
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Old 08-17-2018, 06:18 PM   #4
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Never seen soft copper in type M

There are aviation? Type straps that are lined with rubber that would be ideal Not sure where to get though

Or sleeve copper in pex tube before flairing
Our excella is this way but in poly butyl tube although only the run past the axles I think
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Old 08-17-2018, 06:42 PM   #5
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https://www.amazon.com/Ancor-Marine-.../dp/B000PM1FUW
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Old 08-17-2018, 06:44 PM   #6
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On my 68, from the factory they used pieces of aluminum to make hangers. They wrapped the aluminum around the copper tubing and riveted to the belly pan. I replaces the branch lines with new copper 9 years ago and used the same method. The main trunk LP line is original, is in god\od shape, no leaks, and has hung from the bottom of my trailer for 50 years with the aluminum hangars. Cheap, quick and efficient.
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Old 08-17-2018, 07:48 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by r carl View Post
Which class of copper tube did you get? I hope you did not get the thin M class.
The thick stuff. I went to our local plumbing & heating store. They know what it is being used for.
Very helpful fellows in there.
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Old 08-17-2018, 07:50 PM   #8
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Ace Hardware has the steel clips with rubber/plastic where it clamps the tubing. They make many sizes. I used smaller ones to hold my brake lines. They are in the area where they have the cabinets with plastic trays holding boxes of hardware.




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Old 08-17-2018, 08:38 PM   #9
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Thanks, thems the ones
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Old 08-17-2018, 08:44 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dingo Girl View Post
The thick stuff. I went to our local plumbing & heating store. They know what it is being used for.
Very helpful fellows in there.
You did right. Copper comes in three grades, type m=thin, type L= common, type K= thick
Rolled soft is type L and what is commonly used for rv gas.
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Old 08-18-2018, 10:26 AM   #11
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When I replaced all propane lines I used a flexible clear plastic tubing that fit the copper perfectly. Although it doesn't cover fittings, almost everywhere else it protects the copper. Got the plastic tubing at Lowe's but its widely available. Clamps are stainless steel.
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Old 08-18-2018, 11:38 AM   #12
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That's what I used too. Available in the electrical aisle of your local big box hardware store in several sizes.
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Old 08-20-2018, 05:57 AM   #13
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Thank you for all the great responses!
Today I'll head for our electrical supply house to see about getting the cushion clamps. If not I'll order them.
Another few questions :
What is the best way to straighten out the rolled copper?
What is the smallest radius I can bend it into for a 90 degree bend? 2 sizes of copper so I assume 2 different rads.
No bending tools here so what did others bend it around?? Beer can? Broom stick? Etc........
How far apart did you put your hanger clamps?
That's all I can think of right now.

Vacation day today so I can work on the trailer. Someday the vacation day will be so I can use the trailer. 😉
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Old 08-20-2018, 07:01 AM   #14
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To unroll the coil, I just clamped one end to a 2x6 and unrolled down the board till I had enough for what was needed. Easy to straighten. On 90 bends, I have some of the cheap spring coil benders. They work well enough for me and are cheap. I placed hangers 4’oc and at Ts and valves. Good luck, Bubba
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Old 08-20-2018, 10:35 AM   #15
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Thank you!
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Old 08-20-2018, 02:17 PM   #16
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Use a tubing bender. Even this HF junk will work well. https://www.harborfreight.com/tubing-bender-3755.html
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Old 08-20-2018, 04:32 PM   #17
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Thank you. I looked at that. I'll get one or something similar this week.
I hope to only need it once.
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Old 08-21-2018, 02:11 PM   #18
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Great flare tool

I found it was difficult to make the flares on the strong copper tubing with my simple clamp and twist flare tool. By simple I mean it just pressed a cone shaped tool straight into the end of the pipe. Well, it didn't work well on the stronger copper. It would slip, and the flare would turn out bad (leaked). And it was a real struggle.

I found the RIDGID 458R Ratchet flare tool made beautiful flares that worked every time. I didn't have to cut new tubing and start over. This tool has an offset cone that rolls around the inside of the tubing, creating the flare a little bit at a time as it goes around. It has ball bearings and is easy to operate by hand because it is not bending the whole flare all at once. It has a ratchet on the feed screw handle that releases when the flare is done.

It is a little expensive, but a pleasure to use, and made my project be a speedy one. It is a good idea to practice a few times on scraps to get the hang of it. The special features that make it work are not immediately apparent when you pick it up. It's a good idea to read the instructions and get familiar with the steps to make the flare, detect when it is finished, and remove the tool when done. It even has a special feature to release the flaring bar clamp if it sticks to the pipe.

I also recommend using the forged flare nuts since the fittings are all subject to vibration.

Good luck with your project!
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Old 08-21-2018, 03:21 PM   #19
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great story

Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGreatleys View Post
That's what I used too. Available in the electrical aisle of your local big box hardware store in several sizes.
enjoyed reading the whole story.......very nice job
dog,wedding,remodel....etc
still working on our 93 25' a/s

if u guys are ever traveling in n.fl. we offer free camping
at ur mini-retreat

good job..safe travels
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Old 08-21-2018, 07:44 PM   #20
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I have a really nice flare tool that I bought years ago to do some work in my home. No leaks.
bought all new shut offs and flare nuts. The Ts that were originally used will be used again. They are still in perfect condition.
I will do some practice flares & bends before starting . Better safe than sorry.
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