Tapping off of the 3/8 Propane Line

[datedd]

I installed a residential refrigerator and capped off the existing 3/8" propane line that once ran to the Dometic. I would like to exploit that line by using it as a propane source for my gas grill so that I don't have to carry canisters or run a long hose underneath the coach from the TEE on the propane tank. I am having a hard time figuring out the fitting and hose combination to tap off that line. (pictured)

Once again, it's the 3/8" female flare with a 3/8" male flare cap on it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by datedd

I installed a residential refrigerator and capped off the existing 3/8" propane line that once ran to the Dometic. I would like to exploit that line by using it as a propane source for my gas grill so that I don't have to carry canisters or run a long hose underneath the coach from the TEE on the propane tank. I am having a hard time figuring out the fitting and hose combination to tap off that line. (pictured)

Once again, it's the 3/8" female flare with a 3/8" male flare cap on it.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

That's a good idea. I'll let others comment on exact requirements. Put in a valve as well. I already have one up front and we use the grill connected to it all the time.

Keep in mind, you'll need to take off the regulator on your BBQ to make it work correctly.

[Ljwt330]

Unless you want your gas outlet to be through the refrigerator vent cover, I would suggest you trace the copper line back to the 1/2" black iron gas pipe which is somewhere under the floor and probably accessible from the basement. The copper is likely plumbed into a T or elbow with a brass fitting. You can replace that fitting and plumb a new line to anywhere you wish using other than flare fittings.


I'll stop here because I don't know where your iron gas line is located or if it's practical for you to go that route. Just a suggestion, but it's the way I did it, twice, on my coaches.


If you choose to have the outlet through the vent, it should be relatively simple. Be sure to use a shut-off valve which which ever way you decide to go. It can be incorporated in a quick-connect fitting, sold for just this purpose at RV, propane supply stores, or on line.

[datedd]

Originally Posted by Ljwt330

Unless you want your gas outlet to be through the refrigerator vent cover, I would suggest you trace the copper line back to the 1/2" black iron gas pipe which is somewhere under the floor and probably accessible from the basement. The copper is likely plumbed into a T or elbow with a brass fitting. You can replace that fitting and plumb a new line to anywhere you wish using other than flare fittings.


I'll stop here because I don't know where your iron gas line is located or if it's practical for you to go that route. Just a suggestion, but it's the way I did it, twice, on my coaches.


If you choose to have the outlet through the vent, it should be relatively simple. Be sure to use a shut-off valve which which ever way you decide to go. It can be incorporated in a quick-connect fitting, sold for just this purpose at RV, propane supply stores, or on line.

Thanks for your reply. I do plan on using it through the refrigerator vent, since it's the most convenient place. I just need to know what types of fittings etc. to use for this connection. I agree, a valve is definitely needed. I just don't know the fittings, etc. to use.

Pictures, links or illustrations would be greatly appreciated.

[johninsd]

Might be quicker and easier to have a propane service do this job, or an RV repair and service business - either will have the fittings and the knowledge to do the job right. Not to mention the insurance to cover any mishaps attributable to the installation. I wanted a connection for my bbq and a way to connect an external propane tank just in case. After looking around for a while I decided against the DIY route and had a local RV service do the job, cost a few hundred dollars more that way but it's done and it works and I didn't have to spend my time crawling around underneath my RV. YMMV of course.

[Milford 47]

Union valve

[Ljwt330]

Since you wish to route the outlet through the vent, here's one possible way.


Use a 3/8" male flare to NPT thread adapter. Here's an example.




From the NPT side, you can then connect any array of pipe or quick-connect fittings. The pictured example is 3/8" flare to 3/8" NPT, but you can choose any size NPT, and it can be a male thread or a female thread. A lot will be decided by what kind of quick- connect you choose (male or female) and the size of the quick-connect (3/8" or 1/4".)


Also, I showed an elbow, but you can use a straight adapter just as well, depending on how you plan to route the feed to the quick-connect. From your photo, it looks like a simple elbow connected to the flare nut would direct the gas to the outside, and a quick connect w/shut-off valve could be attached.


There are many ways to do this so I won't overload you, but a picture shows you what an adapter can look like, specifically the flare end vs the NPT end.

[Waiter21]

In my Ole Mirada, I installed a valve and a quick disconnect to supply gas to a ventless heater.

https://www.amazon.com/SHINESTAR-Nat...dp/B07CZCZVXT/

The quick disconnect closes when disconnected, but I also installed a valve to make sure the gas was off when it was disconnected.

[ByeTheWay]

First you should be certain that the lp pressure (which is already reduced) matches the required pressure for your grill. I had to eliminate the existing reducer on the grill. I discovered that not all pressure reducers give the same pressure. My grill worked fine but my lp Coleman stove did not work at all.

[datedd]

Originally Posted by Waiter21

In my Ole Mirada, I installed a valve and a quick disconnect to supply gas to a ventless heater.

https://www.amazon.com/SHINESTAR-Nat...dp/B07CZCZVXT/

The quick disconnect closes when disconnected, but I also installed a valve to make sure the gas was off when it was disconnected.

Perfect. I like this idea!

[153stars]

After converting to brass or iron piping after the brass converting fitting .Make sure to secure the threaded piping with clamps to some wood. Test all fittings with soapy water.

[datedd]

Originally Posted by 153stars

After converting to brass or iron piping after the brass converting fitting .Make sure to secure the threaded piping with clamps to some wood. Test all fittings with soapy water.

Copy that!!

[JoniMichael]

I used a 2 way splitter and 12 ft hose to plumb mine straight to the tank. luckily my tank is in the first compartment on passenger side and worked well. Now I can connect wife's blackstone straight to the camper or to propane bottles at home. The last piece converted my tanks POL fitting to the newer QCC1 fitting, the other ends of the tee can accept either type. Due to tight space I did remove one of the splitters and used a fitting from home depot to elbow it over instead of diagonal. Then I put a piece of wood under just to make sure it had support while driving around.



Here is what I used
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[ByeTheWay]

Extend A Stay is another product to consider:


https://www.amazon.com/s?k=extend+a+...b_sb_ss_i_1_12