Propane Tank To Camper: Easy And Safe Connection Guide

Hooking up a large propane tank to a camper is a straightforward process, but it's important to prioritise safety. Propane is a flammable liquid, so it's crucial to be cautious and consult experts if you're unsure. The first step is to install a T-fitting, also known as an Extend-a-Stay or Stay-a-While, which allows you to connect an extra tank. The second step is to run a hose from the T-fitting to your auxiliary tank. It's important to ensure you don't accidentally double regulate the incoming propane. If your auxiliary tank has a regulator, you'll need to bypass your camper's regulator. Before using your propane appliances, open a window or roof vent and test the most upstream propane appliance first, usually your cooktop.

Check if your propane tank has a regulator

Checking if your propane tank has a regulator is an important step in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of your RV's LP system. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with the process:

First, it's important to understand the different types of propane tanks and their locations. On travel trailers, you will typically find DOT cylinders mounted on the trailer's tongue or, less commonly, on the rear bumper. On fifth wheels, DOT cylinders are usually located inside a storage compartment. Motorhomes, on the other hand, have ASME tanks that are permanently mounted to the frame or floor and accessed through an exterior compartment door.

Now, let's determine if your propane tank has a regulator. If you have a DOT cylinder, it is likely that it does not have a built-in regulator. These cylinders are usually equipped with a security bar and a pigtail connector, which you can unscrew to remove the cylinder. If your cylinder has a regulator, it will be a separate component attached to the cylinder or located nearby.

For ASME tanks in motorhomes, the regulator is typically found inside an exterior compartment door, often near the tank itself. It may be a standalone component or integrated into the tank's valve assembly.

If you're unsure whether your tank has a regulator, here are some additional signs to look out for:

• Check for a cylindrical or rectangular metal component with a dial or gauge on it. This is usually the regulator.
• Look for a valve or knob that controls the propane flow. The regulator often has this control.
• Consult your tank's user manual or search for its model online to find specific information about its features, including the regulator.

Remember, understanding your propane tank's regulator is crucial for safe and proper usage. If you have any doubts or questions, it's always best to consult a professional or a knowledgeable RV service technician.

Install a T-fitting

To install a T-fitting, you will need to purchase a Propane-T, which is a pipe fixture that allows you to connect your RV's onboard propane regulator to an external propane tank. This is also known as an Extend-a-Stay Kit.

Most people already have these units; it’s basically a “tee” fitting in line between your coach’s regulator and propane tank. It has two connections; one of the connections is for connecting appliances like small grills that make use of the disposable bottle-style fitting. This is known as the “outflow” connection since the gas flows out to the appliance. The other connection is a 1/4-inch inverted flared connection, which you can hook up to an external propane tank.

If your external tank has its own regulator, you'll need to install the T-fitting downstream of (after) your RV's regulator, so that the propane only passes through the regulator on the external tank. If your external tank does not have a regulator, install the T-fitting upstream of (before) your camper's regulator. This way, all incoming propane will flow through the camper's regulator before being distributed to the various appliances.

You can also use a Camco Propane Brass 4-Port Tee, which comes with 5-foot and 12-foot hoses, allowing for a connection between an auxiliary propane cylinder and propane appliances. This kit includes propane tee, 5-foot auxiliary tank hose, 12-foot additional appliance hose, and caps that prevent accidental loss of propane from the unused ports.

Run a hose from the T-fitting to your auxiliary tank

Now that you have installed a T-fitting, the next step is to run a hose from the T-fitting to your auxiliary tank. This will physically connect your RV's propane setup to your extra propane tank.

The main issue people run into when connecting external tanks is accidentally double regulating the incoming propane. If your extra propane tank lacks its own regulator, you'll need to regulate the gas at your RV. If your extra tank does have its own regulator, you'll need to remove it or bypass your RV's regulator.

If your external tank does not have a regulator, install the T-fitting upstream of (before) your camper's regulator. This way, all incoming propane will flow through the camper's regulator before being distributed to the various appliances.

If your external tank has a regulator, install the T-fitting downstream of (after) your RV's regulator, so that the propane only passes through the regulator on the external tank.

There's one more factor to consider here. If you're running a 6' or longer plastic hose to your grill and you leave it connected to high-pressure (unregulated) propane for weeks or months at a time, the plasticizers that keep the hose flexible will eventually seep into the inner tube, causing an oily buildup in the hose and grill regulator. This is only an issue if your auxiliary tank does not have a regulator (regulated propane doesn't cause this issue).

The easiest solution is to use a rubber or Thermoplastic rubber hose. Unlike all-plastic hoses, these hoses won't leach enough plasticizer to cause oil buildup issues.

Check for leaks with a soapy water solution

After you've finished making your connections, spray your hoses and fittings with a soapy water solution to check for leaks. This is an important safety measure.

To do this, create a soapy water solution by mixing a few drops of regular dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the solution.

Spray the solution liberally on all the connections you've made, including the T-fitting, the hose, and the regulator. Look out for bubbles forming on the surface. If you see any bubbles, this indicates a gas leak. Tighten the connection and spray again until no more bubbles appear.

Repeat this process for all connections to ensure there are no leaks.

Once you've confirmed there are no leaks, wipe down the connections with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue.

Use yellow thread tape for gas connections

When connecting a large propane tank to your camper, it is important to ensure that all connections are secure and sealed to prevent any gas leaks. One way to achieve this is by using yellow thread tape, also known as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) tape.

Yellow thread tape is specifically designed for use on gas pipe threads and is compatible with a broad range of gases, including propane. It can be used on various piping materials such as galvanized steel, iron, brass, copper, and aluminium, among others. The tape is made with PTFE construction, which provides durability and longevity to the seal. It is thicker than standard white thread tape, making it more suitable for gas connections.

When applying the yellow thread tape, ensure that you wrap it around the male threads in a clockwise motion, keeping the tape at the bottom of the thread. For pipe threads that are 1/2", 3/4", or 1", wrap the tape 3 to 5 times around the male thread. If you are using tape with a width smaller than the pipe size or working with pipe threads larger than 1-1/4", wrap the tape 4 to 5 times, starting at the end of the threads and working upwards.

It is important to note that while yellow thread tape is suitable for gas connections, it should not be the only sealing method. Oatey, a manufacturer of thread seal tape, recommends using the tape in conjunction with an approved pipe joint compound for pipe sizes over 1-1/4" with pressure and fluids moving through them. This extra step ensures a secure and safe connection.

By following these instructions and using yellow thread tape properly, you can confidently connect a large propane tank to your camper, ensuring a secure and safe gas connection.

Frequently asked questions