External propane hook-up
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 5:37 am
As we will be living in our B190 for the next year, and heading to South America, we decided we wanted an external propane hook-up for a grill, so we could cook outside enjoying the view and keeping the inside of the van cool. There were a couple of options. 1) Install an extend-a-stay or similar. 2) T a low pressure line off an existing one. We deiced to go for number 2) as installing an extend-a-stay seemed complicated with the b190 due to the regulator placement on the propane tank.
Making a T from an existing line seemed like the best idea as we would be working with low pressure gas, and it would allow me later to install a second internal propane hook-up for a low pressure catalytic heater.
I went to my local ACE hardware and bought all the pieces I would need to T the line. I decided to T the line on the back of the fridge, as it was easy to get to using the external panel, and would give me enough space to install a ball valve as well. I simply attached a T junction between where the flare copper propane line screws into the fridge, it was easy, no cutting or flaring required.
I used soapy water to check for leaks, there were a couple so I used more yellow tape, and presto no more leaks.
As we don't have a TV I used the hole where the cable hook-up was. I used a hack saw to make the hole a little bigger, and pushed a propane line from behind the fridge, under the sink and then to the opening. I wrapped the propane hose in the plastic ribbed sheath, that's used throughout the van.
I searched and searched the states for an external propane outlet, but couldn't find one. In the end I ordered something from eBay in the UK ( my home) called a bullfinch caravan BBQ gas point, which is a really nice peice of kit. I needed a little peice of brass called a tail to convert the metric compression fitting to a USA imperial barb.
8mm tail for use with 8mm compression fitting.
http://www.gasit.co.uk/8mm-tail-for-use ... tting.html
That was the only really complicated part, and had me scratching my head for a while. On the whole I'm glad I did it and I think it looks great. The van is in storage at the moment, but I'll put a finished picture up when I see it next.
Does anyone know of an American fitting that does the job of the bullfinch? I know there are quick release valves, but none I've seen that can be mounted on the side of an RV.
Edd.
Sent from my ALE-L21 using Tapatalk
Making a T from an existing line seemed like the best idea as we would be working with low pressure gas, and it would allow me later to install a second internal propane hook-up for a low pressure catalytic heater.
I went to my local ACE hardware and bought all the pieces I would need to T the line. I decided to T the line on the back of the fridge, as it was easy to get to using the external panel, and would give me enough space to install a ball valve as well. I simply attached a T junction between where the flare copper propane line screws into the fridge, it was easy, no cutting or flaring required.
I used soapy water to check for leaks, there were a couple so I used more yellow tape, and presto no more leaks.
As we don't have a TV I used the hole where the cable hook-up was. I used a hack saw to make the hole a little bigger, and pushed a propane line from behind the fridge, under the sink and then to the opening. I wrapped the propane hose in the plastic ribbed sheath, that's used throughout the van.
I searched and searched the states for an external propane outlet, but couldn't find one. In the end I ordered something from eBay in the UK ( my home) called a bullfinch caravan BBQ gas point, which is a really nice peice of kit. I needed a little peice of brass called a tail to convert the metric compression fitting to a USA imperial barb.
8mm tail for use with 8mm compression fitting.
http://www.gasit.co.uk/8mm-tail-for-use ... tting.html
That was the only really complicated part, and had me scratching my head for a while. On the whole I'm glad I did it and I think it looks great. The van is in storage at the moment, but I'll put a finished picture up when I see it next.
Does anyone know of an American fitting that does the job of the bullfinch? I know there are quick release valves, but none I've seen that can be mounted on the side of an RV.
Edd.
Sent from my ALE-L21 using Tapatalk