Extend A Stay - RV-Dreams Community Forum

GENECOP · RV-Dreams Family Member

Extend A Stay

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gene, it all depends on what you wish to accomplish. If you want to keep both 40 pounders and add in a larger tank, you will need to have a valving arrangement to allow you to hose in the larger tank to the high pressure supply to the in place pressure regulator. Then all three tanks will be available. If you can get by with one 40 pound tank and the larger tank, get a hose from a dealer long enough to run from the large tank to the in place pressure regulator.
A whole 'nother way would be to get a propane dealer to set a 250 or so tank and let him pipe it up. That would be my choice. That way, no switching on your part is required and the large tank is not so easily taken by others. He would provide the tank and regulator and hook up to the trailer low pressure supply line.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gene,

Here is what we ran into in the way of an external LP source. We have leased a 120 gallon tank from our local LPG supplier. We did have to purchase the hoses to connect everything to the coach.

What we were told, at least for Oklahoma, is that a 250 gallon or larger tank has to be located at least 10 feet from any other structure (or RV) and at least 6 feet away from any overhead electrical wires. We could lease 100 pound cylinders or the 120 gallon tank and put them as close to our coach (or any other structure) as we wanted to.

In our case, we ran the hose from the tank to the coach and hooked up to one of the tank connections instead of using another valve type system. So, we primarily operate off the 120 gallon tank and use one of the 40 lb cylinders in the coach as a backup. The second 40 lb cylinder is filled and there in case of emergency.

If you are going to be hooking up for an extended period of time, it is certainly a better option to have a tank. Even the 120 gallon tank we have is equipped with a gauge. No more guessing on how much fuel we have, except in the backup cylinders.

Terry

BandA · RV-Dreams Community Member

Gene,

Here is a link that should answer most of your questions.
http://www.propane101.com/propanetankdistancerules.htm

Also regarding the hoses used for the extend a stay applications, they may in the future be illegal as per some of the directives we've received from the State Association. It's a possible National code change.

The hoses like tires are susceptible to the damaging effects of sun exposure.

EDIT by Moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Saturday 11th of February 2012 09:31:59 AM

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

The way I usually do it is to plumb a T into the black 1/2" line that runs under the RV. There is usually a place with an elbow right near the bottles that is easy to do without taking apart too much line. Make sure you use black (gas) pipe. And proper pipe dope. And check for leaks.

Once the basic T is in just use brass adaptors to go to the proper flare fitting for the hose to the external tank. Buy a flair cap to cap it off with when you are mobile. You can put a shutoff on the line if you like (you will have to put more than just a T on if you do). I usually don't put on a shutoff for a bulk tank connection. I just cap it when not in use with a flare cap.

Since this is tapped into the low pressure system (beyond the bottle regulator) you need a regulator on the bulk tank. The bulk tank CAN NOT be a high pressure hookup. I usually use a 125 gallon bulk tank. Any propane company will place and fill these for you.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Our propane use isn't that great we try never to be in Cold climates. We looked into the larger tanks. And we decided it much easier to add a 40 pounder giving us three 40's. Always have a full tank on hand. When one tank is empty we replace and refill. We do have a large Propane tank as a back up system at the stick house and we own the tank.. Our longest stay will be this year 5 months in Florida. I personally don't like to stay in one place over two to three months in one place.. But its a choice. Happy Trails....