External Propane Tank Hookup

[Squeaky-JAY]

Hello Everyone!

We are living fulltime and need an external propane tank, filling up our 2 little tanks every two weeks is annoying. Our park will let us do a 420lb tank and allow companies to come and fill, so we are all set.

We have a 2022 NorthPoint 377RLBH, two tanks on the one side and the single on the other, and I've been searching and searching trying to figure out how we hook up this tank to the rig... We've called a few local companies and they do not hook anything up, we have to do it ourselves, and buy our own tank (a couple places used to do it, but people would steal the tanks).

I searched around on here and other forums, but no luck on finding any exact information on how to actually hook the tank up properly and safely. Do we use an adapter to hook into one of the existing LP tank hookups (I did find this thing about a Extend-A-Stay or Stay-Longer type of adapter, or do I have to tear out what we have (the two tanks and the switch) and run a separate hose in?

I want to make sure this is done properly and safely.


Thanks.

 

[RogerR]

Propane tanks all work at the same pressure no matter what the capacity. In my case we added a 120 gallon tank. A local Ace hardware guy fixed me up with the connections but I would figure any HVAC company could do it as they install LP furnaces.

 

[Nevr2late]

I would definitely hook it into one of the existing tank connectors. Way less trouble and it enters the system prior to the pressure regulator. As stated, they sell the different tank connectors to do this. The easiest way may be to remove one of the tank connectors at the regulator and tap in there. It is likely just standard 3/8 flare fitting or something similar. That would remove the need for a separate interface into the QCC1 connector.

 

[Squeaky-JAY]

I would definitely hook it into one of the existing tank connectors. Way less trouble and it enters the system prior to the pressure regulator. As stated, they sell the different tank connectors to do this. The easiest way may be to remove one of the tank connectors at the regulator and tap in there. It is likely just standard 3/8 flare fitting or something similar. That would remove the need for a separate interface into the QCC1 connector.

Fantastic.

Ill do it that way then, seems to be the easiest and I can convert it back easily if I need too.

 

[mwheue-JAY]

If the Large tank already has a regulator you will need to remove your regulator on one side or the other to hook up. I also have a 377 rlbh and found out the furnace won't light if double regulated. In my case I removed the double bottle side and trailer regulator and connected directly to the remaining rubber hose. That will leave one small bottle connection if the big tank runs out. Also if possible use copper line vs a rubber hose. Rats and mice like to chew on rubber hoses as I found out the hard way.

 

[Dma251]

I had an existing horizontal 240gal tank that I had a low pressure manifold on. I just ran a hose to a tee fitting after the onboard regulator so I wouldn’t be double-regulating it. Works great. $50 hose kit with self-sealing quick fittings and a few parts from Ace Hardware.

 

[muckinfuss]

It's not clear where you are trailer parked, but if in Indiana, it's a state law that any propane and nat. gas connections have to be done by a licensed and certified plumber. Even if you can do it yourself, there may be a liability if anything were to go sideways on you without that installer's finger prints on your project. What does your campground management tell you?

 

[Squeaky-JAY]

Just saw your post, interesting that you say this, I've called a few propane dealers in the area and none of them will do the hookup. They tell us to do it ourselves and then call them to fill it up. I asked two of them if they had any recommendations for someone to do it and/or parts and they said, "I don't know, search Amazon."

I've found that most companies won't touch RVs. I could try calling an RV tech, but haven't had much luck getting any of the ones around here to even answer the phone.

Campground management gave me the number to a couple local dealers that used to do hookups, but they've since stopped.

Literally, they've been no help at all.