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Propane connections for heater installation

Propane heater propex

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#1 Cory Kelley

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Posted 29 January 2019 - 08:18 PM

I am planning to install a Propex HS2000 in my new to me Hawk Shell.  I intend to mount a 5lb or 10lb tank outside on the back driver's side of the camper.  I am thinking it easiest to have a connection from the tank to the back wall that I can remove in summer (when I don't carry the tank) and when I am driving.  Then on the inside I will have a line that goes from the back wall connection to the heater.  

 

1.  Does this sound like a sound plan?  If so do any of you have a pictures of this type of system installed?  I have found a couple examples online but not exactly what I am looking for.

 

2.  Any suggestions on the connection for the propane at the back wall?  I guess I am looking for some sort of propane specific through hull connector.

 

3.  Is there any reason the use hard copper lines on the inside instead of flexible lines?  It seams much easier to install and connect the flexible lines.

 

4.  Are there any gotchas related to the regulator that I should be considering?  I assume that it will need to be on the exterior and would probably be a part of the connection from the tank to the back of the camper.  

 

Thank you!


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#2 ntsqd

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Posted 31 January 2019 - 02:54 AM

There are quick connectors, similar to but not the same as air hose connectors, made specifically for propane. I would use one of those at the rear wall of the camper. Can get an NPT bulkhead connector. I've used those available from mcmaster.com for several projects.

 

Between the tank and the regulator needs to be pressure rated plumbing. After the regulator not so much as your regulator will be either 4 psi or 20 psi output. Robust plumbing components and practices are still very important due to the nature of the gas in question. I don't trust those flexible metal hoses to last long if they are moving a lot. When I re-plumbed our last camper I used copper tubing, but buy it 'dead soft' so it's easy to bend and flare.


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Thom

Where does that road go?

#3 larryqp

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Posted 31 January 2019 - 02:33 PM

I installed and wired my propex heater, but had a licensed propane technician do the propane hookup. He used copper tubing and went thru the smooth sidewall of my Eagle shell. I have about 6 inches of overhang which sticks out past the truck's sidewall. He mounted the regulator outside in a vertical orientation. I drilled two holes straight thru the floor of the Eagle and truck bed for the furnace air intake and the exhaust. The tire intake terminates in the opposite direction of the exhaust and the exhaust terminates slightly past the truck sidewall, to prevent any chance of exhaust getting into the camper. I sealed the holes with high temp sealant from the auto parts store and also wrapped the exhaust pipe with auto exhaust header wrap. This all may be over kill, but I figure our lives are worth it. I can actually grab the wrapped exhaust pipe with my hand when the furnace is running, it's only slightly warm to touch.

 

The propane tech, used a quick connect which terminates under the overhang and made me a short hose with a quick connect on one end and a typical propane tank connection on the other. I carry a 10lb propane tank mounted on my swing away gate and just make the connection when needed. It all works great.

 

As an added safety feature, the hose is not long enough to close the swing away gate while connected, so I am forced to disconnect the hose before driving, thereby eliminating the possibility that I accidentally leave the furnace on while driving. You know those days when you're in a hurry or just hung over.

 

good luck with your install.


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2016 F150, FX4, XLT super cab

2019 FWC Hawk Shell

2009 Ford Ranger 4x4, XLT, Supercab total loss on 7/30/19

2014 FWC Shell total loss on 7/30/19

Towed behind our home which is a 2005 Kountry Star Diesel Pusher


#4 larryqp

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Posted 31 January 2019 - 05:58 PM

Here are 2 photos as reference for my earlier post

Attached Thumbnails

  • regulator.jpg
  • Heat shield.jpg

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2016 F150, FX4, XLT super cab

2019 FWC Hawk Shell

2009 Ford Ranger 4x4, XLT, Supercab total loss on 7/30/19

2014 FWC Shell total loss on 7/30/19

Towed behind our home which is a 2005 Kountry Star Diesel Pusher






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