Propane Supply Line?

[Over59]

Now that the brake fuse issue is settled let me ask another basic question.

I have removed the old propane lines from my 59 overlander, "The Bat Cave Express". They were damaged, in the way when working on the belly pan and frame, and old and of unknown reliablity.

What do I use for new service line from the regulator to the appliances. I will have gas water heater 6 gallon, gas heater 12K BTU, gas fridge, gas cooktop and maybe a converted Honda 2000 and less likly maybe a gas light. The light is a long shot and dependent on my feeling the safety issues are fully resolved with auto disconnections ect but I think it would be too cool .

What size and type pipe or hose? I see made to order hose which I like. If I use hose should I run it inside a steel pipe for protection, like 1/2" in a 1" pipe.

[Tarheel]

My 94 uses and my 74 used 1/4" od copper tubing, with flared fittings. It comes in a roll is easy to cut with a tubing cutter and with a little pratice you will learn how to use a flaring tool, you may also learn a few words in French. Not a bad job to do just take your time and remember if it won't go don't force it. It is very easy to cross thread and damage fittings if you get in a hurry. Your local hardware store should have everything you need.

[Rebee]

Pick up some "Adele Clamps" to secure the line to the belly of the vehicle. This will prevent the line from getting accidentally snagged and broken.

[Over59]

These must have another name as a google for Adele Clamps doesn't yield any source.

[qjktx]

Hopefully this URL will work

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...roductId=25582

(If the url does not work just search for ancor cushion clamp)

These are what I am using to anchor my propane line.

- Mark

[Over59]

Originally Posted by qjktx

Hopefully this URL will work

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...roductId=25582

(If the url does not work just search for ancor cushion clamp)

These are what I am using to anchor my propane line.

- Mark

So that's what they call those thingys. I thank you.

Still looking for "Hose" input. Would be alot more direct, easier, than the flare fittings. Of course the pipe could be repaired in the field with a few tools.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Over59

...I have removed the old propane lines from my 59 overlander...What do I use for new service line from the regulator to the appliances... What size and type pipe or hose? I see made to order hose which I like...

Gas line pipe diameter is sized according to how much gas is used at what part of the main line. For example, my late model Overlander's main line starts at 5/8" copper at the reg, and does not neck down to the next smaller size until it has cleared the bulk of the appliances.

Flex line is typically not permitted by code if it passed through a wall or floor (durability issue).

The best course of action is to size new copper lines according to what you already had.

If this is not possible, I am willing to go out & make a design drawing of what I have if your layout is fairly close. If yours is different, I can supply the standards used when I sized the natural gas plumbing for my house. They include design data for LPG.

Just ask, Paul. I have actually been known to be helpful on occasion.

Tom

[till]

"Tom helpful on occasion" that is the understament of the year.
The man will give you the shirt off his back it you need it!!!!

I have to echo what Tom has said. The lines on the Overlander start out fairly big and drop down after the galley to the back where the water heater is at the rear.

[Over59]

Let's see if this works. I find I need 19Kw/hr ( 62000 BTU) supply if everything is running. http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/ins...ipe_sizing.htm

That looks like a 1/2" line. So if I go with the 5/8" all the way to the water heater aft of wheel well I'll be good with room for error.

[markdoane]

WOW! Thats a pretty big pipe. Maybe you can run a smaller high pressure line to the wheel well, and then step it down with a low pressure regulator at that point.

(This suggestion may not pass safety inspection)

[Over59]

I think it's alot also, I was kind of wanting to add afterburners for the Alaska trip next year. Like with reverse thrusters.

The 1/2" would be "just" big enough. So stepping down after the space heater may be the way to go. Also I want enough capacity to the rear to use my Honda 2000 back there close to the hook up should I convert it to LPG. Cann't think of any problem with over sizing except taking longer to prime.

Looking at it again 1/2" for the first 15 feet then 3/8" should work fine. The design overseer would never let me light the afterburners anyway. To showy

[markdoane]

What size regulator do you need with that?

[Over59]

Originally Posted by markdoane

What size regulator do you need with that?

[markdoane]

I did a little research- most 2 stage regulators will output 200,000 btu, so shouldn't be a problem using a standard regulator.

[Over59]

Thanks Don. I couldn't find that information.