Using Auxiliary Propane Tank

[Grandpavan]

I want to use a 30# propane tank rather than the 24ga tank mounted on our motor home. There is a t-fitting already mounted between the coach tank shut-off valve and the regulator. I have purchased a propane hose that fits this fitting and my 30# tank. If I turn off the main tank, I am only getting a slight amount of propane from the aux tank. I wait a couple of minutes and enough pressure builds up in the line to lite one of the stove burners but it only lasts for a couple of seconds. What am I missing here? The system works fine when I am using the main coach tank.

[Woodchopper]

Originally Posted by Grandpavan

I want to use a 30# propane tank rather than the 24ga tank mounted on our motor home. There is a t-fitting already mounted between the coach tank shut-off valve and the regulator. I have purchased a propane hose that fits this fitting and my 30# tank. If I turn off the main tank, I am only getting a slight amount of propane from the aux tank. I wait a couple of minutes and enough pressure builds up in the line to lite one of the stove burners but it only lasts for a couple of seconds. What am I missing here? The system works fine when I am using the main coach tank.

Grandpavan
I suspect that the problem lies in the shut off valve of the 30# propane tank.
Try closing that valve and then slowly opening it....(or try a different portable tank).

[Grandpavan]

I'll test that this evening - hooking it up to my bbq

[twinboat]

There isn't a regulator on the new line, right ?

The new hose may have a built in restriction as a safety thing.

Send pictures or brand and part #

[wa8yxm]

There are two or three types of "T" fittings.. one is called the "Extend-a-flow" this is a true "T" it has an "inlet" that fits into the POL fitting on the tank, an outlet that takes the original fitting that went into the tank valve (Modern ones have an ACME fitting that takes either the older POL or the new ACME connectors) and a "Quick Disconnect" Looks like the top of a disposable bottle.

The next is an "Extend-a-stay type This one has all the features of the Extend-a-Stay PLUS there is a 4th fitting It has a screw in plug with a hex head. This is the INLET for use with an external tank. Works well at least on my RV

NOTE: Both of these products are discontinued but under the names listed but if you go to an RV store and ask they can point you to the replacement products.

The third type of "T" is "Home brew" and I seriously recommend against those for they are dangerous.

[ernieh]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

There are two or three types of "T" fittings.. one is called the "Extend-a-flow" this is a true "T" it has an "inlet" that fits into the POL fitting on the tank, an outlet that takes the original fitting that went into the tank valve (Modern ones have an ACME fitting that takes either the older POL or the new ACME connectors) and a "Quick Disconnect" Looks like the top of a disposable bottle.

The next is an "Extend-a-stay type This one has all the features of the Extend-a-Stay PLUS there is a 4th fitting It has a screw in plug with a hex head. This is the INLET for use with an external tank. Works well at least on my RV

NOTE: Both of these products are discontinued but under the names listed but if you go to an RV store and ask they can point you to the replacement products.

The third type of "T" is "Home brew" and I seriously recommend against those for they are dangerous.

Why do you think that a tee from the plumbing supply (home brew) is dangerous?

[Woodchopper]

Originally Posted by ernieh

Why do you think that a tee from the plumbing supply (home brew) is dangerous?

ernieh
That's a good question.
I've been using this "home brew tee" for 15 years.

[twinboat]

If you use the proper connectors, as I see in the pictures, then a home brew tee is fine. I had one on my MH.

We all know that there will be people who cobble up air or even under sink fittings to connect gas lines. That's an accident waiting to happen.

[wizechatmgr]

Are we talking about the pressure of the gas being insufficient (~11") or the volume of gas required causing the pressure to drop suddenly?

If it is volume, this can happen if you go from a horizontal to a vertical tank of insufficient size as you're burning vapor, not liquid. The horizontal tanks have more surface area available (typically...) than the vertical tanks. The other possibility is the transfer/extension hose can't handle it. I'd doubt this typically...

If it is pressure, I'd immediately look at the pressure regulator. Most LP regulators have a "correct" orientation. Check and verify the vent on it isn't clogged and that it hasn't iced up.

[Pigman1]

You may have a setup to run your BBQ from the RV tank rather than the "Extend A Stay" type fitting. The proper fitting isn't the only problem. Each of these Extend A Stay fittings has one or more flow limiters in it. I cannot use such a fitting in mine as it sets when my high capacity heaters kick on.

That's not the only place you have these dam-ed flow limiters. The gas system has many. They are in each spud, the male shaped item with a tapered piece that fits into the tank valve, regulator input, and probably the piece that fits into the regulator outlet. In addition, your 30# bottle may have one in the OPD valve. I was having problems with some tanks so I called Manchester Tank and spoke to some of their engineers. Seems like when OPD's were required, some designs of this valve ended up with a flow limiter as part of the valve as a serendipitous result of the valve design. Other valve designs did not. Valves made in Italy did not have this feature. You could tell the Italian valves because the word Italy is cast into the top of the valve directly under the shutoff handle. I bought 3 tanks with Italian valves at Lowes and they work fine. In addition, the Acme threaded fitting that screws on to the bottle has a flow limiter as well. In my system I just drilled the flow limiter out and the fitting now works well too.