Need to install LP quick connect for generator and grill

[Rocket53]

I've got a 2008 23FB without an LP quick connect for my LP appliances. I was reading some threads yesterday which was talking about what you have to do to add one, but i can't find it now. Could somebody point me to the right thread that would list the fittings required?

Thanks
Mike

[SeeMore]

There are many threads discussing quick connects. Use the "SEARCH" function found in the blue banner near the top of the page. Enter "quick connect" and a list of threads will appear in response to the search showing LP quick connect, propane quick connect, etc.

You can also try variations such as "brass fittings" or "connect fittings" to locate threads where the language or terms used is slightly different.

[rmkrum]

Here’s a few pictures of what I did:

I used a 3/8” DOZYANT quick connect and hoses from Amazon. The rest of the parts came from the big box home improvement store.

This is the quick connection fitting with a shutoff valve under it.



This is the adapter under the A-frame with 3/8 brass fittings and a master shutoff valve I added to let me quickly shut off everything in an emergency situation.

[Rocket53]

Rich, I believe it was you who said you detailed adding the quick connect in another post? Was I correct?

Mike

[rmkrum]

Yes, there is a more complete set of posts widely scattered in the “Which Grnerator” thread under my username. That thread details the generator modifications i made to hook it directly to the Airstream propane system. That was a while back.

It’s fairly straightforward once you determine what size quick connect fittings you want to use, then the issue is finding all the assorted brass fittings to adapt everything. I went with 3/8 quick connection parts because I run a Champion 3400 watt dual fuel inverter generator off my port at the end of up to 24 feet of 1/2 low pressure hose. I was trying to reduce pressure drops in the long hoses.

The post above shows a few pictures of what my installation looks like. The important idea is to use flare fittings to tap into the propane system on the A-frame and use yellow Teflon tape that is rated for gas lines. The ordinary white Teflon tape will not seal propane properly.

Message me if you have more questions. The exact fittings needed depend on the parts already in the Airstream system.

[Rocket53]

Thanks Rich I will. I'll be out to the trailer next week. I'll take some pictures and we'll go from there. I have a Weber Q and a Honda 2200 propane generator that so far I'm running off a separate 20lb tank. That's OK but another tank to load. Want the option.

thanks again
Mike

[guskmg]

I have two quick disconnects on my propane system. I bought the QDs that have a black handle on the valve that won't let you turn it on unless there is a QD plug already connected. I too, wanted to be able to run a campfire, generator or other appliances at the same time, so I changed out the regulator for a Marshal MERC HD model. The HD model flows a much higher volume of gas, but is the same size as the OEM. The flow during changer over is also higher while you wait to actually change to the full tank.
guskmg

[OutdoorIdaho]

Originally Posted by guskmg

I bought the QDs that have a black handle on the valve that won't let you turn it on unless there is a QD plug already connected.

I really like that idea! Can you share a link for where you found those?

[SeeMore]

Walmart has silver handled valves:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Solid-Bra...alve/613010538

RV outlets have the black handle variety:
https://rvpartsexpress.com/product/q...er-kit-wvalve/

[Rocket53]

Took these pictures yesterday. How would I proceed from here?

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by Rocket53

Took these pictures yesterday. How would I proceed from here?

Here’s what I did, with parts from Amazon for the quick connection 3/8 fitting. The pipe threads are 3/8” and the flare fittings were chosen to match the existing ones. Biggest thing is yellow Teflon tape and picking the right fittings. YMMV.

Connection to airstream pipes



Connection to hose from regulator. I added a master shut off valve. Lets me shut off all propane from regulator back without fussing with the tank enclosure cover in an emergency. Note the ‘split loom’ to keep sunlight off the rubber hose from the regulator.



Backside of the pipe to quick connect. Added a shutoff to the quick connection so I can turn off the generator and it bleeds the lines. The Champion dual fuel absolutely requires an external shutoff when running on propane. Turning off the master switch on the generator does not shut it down when running on propane.

[Rocket53]

Thanks Rich,

So the flare fitting is 3/8"? and all the other fittings are 3/8" as well?

[rmkrum]

I believe so, but it’s been a while and my memory could be faulty. I started with the quick connect fittings i chose on Amazon. They are 3/8 pipe thread and went on from there. The other thing is my Airstream was built in 2007. Yours could be different.

I probably tried a couple sizes picked by eye and returned the stuff that did not fit.

[TRIPPPIN]

Originally Posted by guskmg

I have two quick disconnects on my propane system. I bought the QDs that have a black handle on the valve that won't let you turn it on unless there is a QD plug already connected. I too, wanted to be able to run a campfire, generator or other appliances at the same time, so I changed out the regulator for a Marshal MERC HD model. The HD model flows a much higher volume of gas, but is the same size as the OEM. The flow during changer over is also higher while you wait to actually change to the full tank.
guskmg

Did you also change the pigtails from the tanks to the regulator to "High Flow"? I am replacing all the hoses and regulator and want to change to the High Flow regulator but concerned about smaller pigtails reducing the benefits.

[Ahroc]

Hi. A great and intelligent source for the fittings you need ( https://gashosesandregulators.com/ ). There are high pressure parts before your regulator, and low pressure parts after your regulator, and the disconnect's are rated differently. Their website has both. The guy I delt with was very patient with me .
Happy Travles!

[rewillia]

If you go to a Propane Gas Dealer they can likely make up a "T" using a 1/4-male QDC to a 3/8" NPT-T, then split off with a 1/4-Female QDC and a 3/8"-Female QDC and each independently valved it you want it. That way you can run the genset on the 3/8"s which is needed (plus larger ID hose) and the gas grille of the 1/4. Make sure to have sufficient length of hose to get your grill away from the front of your Airstream and its propane tank storage.

[Sinneton]

Check out propane gear.com for quick disconnect Y that will let you connect 2 propane appliances to the Airstream’s low pressure quick disconnect outlet.