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Old 04-05-2012, 02:30 PM   #1
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Type K Copper for LPG

Having a hard time finding this tubing. Anybody have a source that doesn't require large purchase quantities. Need probably 15' of 1/2" and about 20' of 3/8". Alternatives are welcome...maybe stainless?
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Old 04-05-2012, 02:37 PM   #2
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I have always used whatever the local hardware store had. Never any problems either at home or on the trailers.
I have to admit I do not now what the K designator means,

You could check with a major propane supplier as they use copper for the lines from residential out door tanks.
These installations use a regulator at the tank to drop the pressure some, run through 3/8 copper and then a second regulator at the house.
Since you are regulating at the tank on a trailer you are only dealing with 8 oz or less of pressure.
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Old 04-05-2012, 03:04 PM   #3
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Interesting link for inquiring minds:Copper Tubes - ASTM B88
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Old 04-05-2012, 03:07 PM   #4
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Home Depot a Lowes carry it in 25' rolls. It will identify the use on the box. Some types are used for refrigeration and others are for gas etc.
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Old 04-05-2012, 03:19 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverHoot View Post
Having a hard time finding this tubing. Anybody have a source that doesn't require large purchase quantities. Need probably 15' of 1/2" and about 20' of 3/8". Alternatives are welcome...maybe stainless?
Many of the big box stores have switched to carrying type L. Apparently the codes have been relaxed and no longer required K for many applications.

K is the thickest, followed by L, followed by M. Flexible tubing is typically sold in K and L only, and rigid copper is typically sold in L and M only. Usually "refrigeration tubing" is used for gas. It is the same as the flexible copper water pipe except that is cleaned and inspected differently and sold in 50' and 100' lengths instead of 60' and 120'.

Grainger has type K refrigeration tubing in 1/2" and 3/8" in 50 foot coils. They also have water pipe.
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Old 04-05-2012, 03:28 PM   #6
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Thanks to all, I imagine the K designation is for durability since there is no pressure to speak of. I am going to the big boxes to see what they have and will just protect it with some type of rubber hose that is slit to allow gases to escape if a problem were to occur.
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Old 04-05-2012, 03:38 PM   #7
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Try your local ACE or True Value or Do It Best or whatever ones are in your area. Usually they have it, and sell it by the foot. Often it is labeled "refrigeration" tube.

Big box stores don't have the service or the depth of some things like this that the local hardware stores have. The local hardware places are fun to poke around and find stuff you never knew existed.
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Old 04-05-2012, 03:52 PM   #8
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I always try the locals 1st! Thanks
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Old 04-13-2012, 07:01 PM   #9
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Double flairs and old brass

I checked the copper gas line on my 1976 AS. Part of it had been rubbing on the axle and it looks pretty thin. I am thinking of replacing all of the copper pipe.

Two questions: 1) Do we have to use double flairs on a gas line?
2) Can we use the old brass or should the brass be replaced with new?
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Old 04-13-2012, 07:14 PM   #10
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Eagle: there is only 11 inches of water pressure on the joints. Single flare is all that is ever used, or necessary.

Some of the old US made brass is much better quality than the new stuff available, but all the same yours are 33 years old. The only problem I have ever had with gas fittings has been that occasionally a flair nut will crack. Happened once on a rig I owned, and the 22' Argosy I am re doing now had one when I got it.

I probably would just re use what I took off, after close inspection.

If you have only one bad section, maybe you could just replace it, and leave the rest alone. My experience is that it holds up pretty well, unless crushed or road stone damaged near the wheels.
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Old 07-12-2012, 04:16 AM   #11
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Eagle: there is only 11 inches of water pressure on the joints. Single flare is all that is ever used, or necessary.

Some of the old US made brass is much better quality than the new stuff available, but all the same yours are 33 years old. The only problem I have ever had with gas fittings has been that occasionally a flair nut will crack. Happened once on a rig I owned, and the 22' Argosy I am re doing now had one when I got it.

I probably would just re use what I took off, after close inspection.

If you have only one bad section, maybe you could just replace it, and leave the rest alone. My experience is that it holds up pretty well, unless crushed or road stone damaged near the wheels.
I just found a 5/8 flare nut cracked, could not find an RV dealer or propane dealer to make a new line. Went to local OSH hardware, bought 1 foot of 1/2 copper tube, 2 5/8 flare nuts. Used Harbor Freight flaring tool. The pipe I replaced was 6" long. Thanks to this thread I was able to fix it myself. Idroba, thank you, again.
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Old 07-12-2012, 05:34 AM   #12
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I would highly recommend staying with Type L copper and not install refrigeration tube. Refrigeration tube is a lighter wall. Single flare is good and a standard flare nut is very adequate. Try your local plumbing shop to get the length you need and probably sell you the flare nuts that go with it. There are some products made of stainless with a rubber coating but cost is much higher than L copper. Been in the plumbing business for 40 years and found when you cheat on cost it will bite you. The box stores have clerks that are here today and gone tomorrow so some information is not trustworthy. Buy the L copper in my opinion.
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Old 07-12-2012, 05:44 AM   #13
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Another thing to keep in mind is the refrigeration tubing is measured from the outer diameter (OD) and water pipe is measured from the inner diameter (ID). Make sure you measure the OD of whatever copper tube/pipe you are working with to ensure everything fits correctly.
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