Propane and Electrical Line Protection

[Tamara]

Ok, another question from the new girl. It may be a bit daft, so bear with me!

Still waiting on a good day to go pick up our recenlty purchased trailer, but I have a question that has been nagging at me ever since I went to have a look at the old girl. When you look under the trailer, there is an exposed propane line (copper) that runs from the front to the fridge and water heater. There is also a fairly new run of wiring that was installed from the back fuse box up to the fridge.

Now, call me crazy, but is that a safe application? Do we not have to concern ourselves with road hazards that could possibly damage the lines?

I haven't gotten to take a closer look at the rest of the runs, I assume mostly they are inside the trailer itself, but for the outside runs, wouldn't they be safer under the belly skin? Or do you want to be able to see them up close to check for damage?

I'll sleep better if I know the correct answer!

[BobbyW]

Good observation. The gas piping is run on the outside for a very good reason. To keep your trailer from blowing up if a leak was to occur. Being on the outside allows for 2 things. It lets you inspect it and were a leak to occur, it does not allow for the gas to build up inside an enclosed space. The wind will just carry it off.

The electrical wiring you see was probably added by a previous owner who was not inclined to remove interior skin to do it the right way.

-BobbyWright

[Tamara]

Thanks Bobby,
That makes sense. I am pretty sure you are right about the electrical wire. The guy I bought it from had it done at some shop and they probably didn't want to remove the belly skin. Since I will be taking some of it off anyway to replace my holding tank, maybe I will see about re-running it inside.

Still learning....

[norpentig]

Tamara,
A sheild of some kind to protect that exposed propane line would be a good idea. I'm not familiar with older Airstreams, but the newer models have that propane line underneath protected by a plastic pipe or tubing of some kind

[83Excella]

After seeing the dings on my gas line underneath I thought of getting some pvc pipe cutting it in half lenghtwise and fastening a half over the line with screws/pop rivets and metal straps to protect as much as possible of the line.

John

[Tamara]

Thanks all for the suggestions -

I think I will see about adding some kind of shield that will still allow access to the propane line but offer a bit of protection from road hazards. And perhaps cover the electrical line to keep the darn squirrels away.

[jcanavera]

Tamara,
My 2001 Safari has no protection for the gas line either. The big copper pipe is out there for the elements to play havoc with. I ended up buying some water pipe insulation tubes, the kind you slip over your home water pipes to help keep the water hot or stop sweating. It's made out of black foam and is split to allow you to slip it over the pipes. I just cut it to length and slipped it on.

It won't protect the pipe from a heavy blow but it does protect the pipe from flying rocks or other debris.

Jack

[Tamara]

Great idea Jack - a very simple solution.
That's my favorite kind!