Replacing the LP line question.

[welefort]

Hey all. I have a 98 eagle with the old copper gas lines underneath. I've found them to be quite loose and kinda flimsy. There is also a strong gas smell coming from the outside, not inside so the alarm does not go off. So I assume there is a leak somewhere.

I was thinking of replacing the entire system with some flex hose instead of the copper. LP rated of course like this


Has anyone done this? Any thoughts?

[Jagiven]

Don’t know anyone that has done it. Should be very doable. The underside of my HTT, is full of hose similar to what is shown. Then bring it to a couple manifolds, to split it off to different areas of the trailer. Everything has threaded couplers.

[welefort]

That's what im thinking., couple of manifolds or t's. Those copper lines underneath scare me a bit. A rock or something hitting them on transit.

Any thought on CSST lines?

[mike837go]

I'd be very slow to replace the copper lines.


My 1983 TT had the original copper lines when I sold it this summer.


Use a spray bottle filled with soapy water to locate the leak. Usually a connection has worked loose.


Use a wrench on the fitting and the nut to tighten things up.


If there is a hole in the line, it can be cut, new nuts slipped on, the ends flared and a new splice fitting installed.


If you decide to replace the copper lines, you might wind up going rubber all the way to the appliances.


So, find your leak first. Then decide how much should be replaced.

[ALJO]

Rubber will deteriorate in the long run. Copper is still the best. It is illegal to have rubber propane hose inside the carriage. If worried about copper being punctured under the RV, protect with a rubber hose or the automotive plastic wire protection.

[mike837go]

Originally Posted by ALJO

.... It is illegal to have rubber propane hose inside the carriage.....

Are you sure about that? My 2015 TT has rubber lines from the changeover valve all the way to each appliance.

If my trailer was built illegally, I'll have to add it to my just as illegally built VW Jetta Diesel.

[norty1]

My comment would be to fix the leak and leave the rest of it as is. Protect any areas you are concerned about.

[welefort]

Originally Posted by mike837go

Are you sure about that? My 2015 TT has rubber lines from the changeover valve all the way to each appliance.

If my trailer was built illegally, I'll have to add it to my just as illegally built VW Jetta Diesel.

Thats my question too. The copper lines run under the frame to the floor boards where a rubber hose is then connected and snaked into the cabin. As far as I know its all still stock.

[SmokerBill]

Strange. My TT has iron pipe underneath, stubbed out with copper to the appliances. With the copper, I'd look closely for areas where the copper tubing could vibrate and rub against a surface while traveling. Copper is soft, and if rubbing against a hard surface during travel, a hole could be worn through it.

[3'senough]

Originally Posted by SmokerBill

Strange. My TT has iron pipe underneath, stubbed out with copper to the appliances. With the copper, I'd look closely for areas where the copper tubing could vibrate and rub against a surface while traveling. Copper is soft, and if rubbing against a hard surface during travel, a hole could be worn through it.

+1. All my trailers came with black pipe run along the frame to manifolds then run in with either copper of flexible gas rated hose. The only copper my units have ever had were from the aluminum manifolds. Below is a link to some industry standards and type of pipe is not specified, but diameter is important for volume to the appliance. 1/4" flexible tube from the tanks will not provide the same volume required to run your appliances. 1/2" flexible hose however would provide the same volume should you decide to go that route.

As for legality I am sure there is something perhaps DOT regulated due to road debris taking out a line run under a unit.

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association: Standards

[Crabman]

Black pipe under mine as well.

[mike837go]

Dang, now I am going to have to crawl under my TT and confirm what's there!

[ALJO]

"Dang, now I am going to have to crawl under my TT and confirm what's there!"


Careful not to hang your self on the rubber hoses.
And inform yourself before you say something.