gas barbeque connection question

[outdoors5]

I know that gas barbeques can be bought, from an rv dealer, that connect directly to the pu propane outlet for the outdoor stove.  However, is it safe to buy one of the cheap $20 barbeques from K-mart or Walmart and attach it directly to my pu propane tank through the outdoor stove outlet.  The type of cheap barbeque I am talking about uses the small, typically green colored propane tanks.  I am not interested in doing anything unsafe, but just wondering if this has been done and if it is ok?

[Tim5055]

You can never say never, but it probably will not work, but probably won't be unsafe either.

There are three LP gas pressures available:

* Tank pressure...several hundred psi
* High pressure...approx 13 psi
* Low pressure....less than 1 psi, approx 11 inches of water column.

As Quick connects are only approved for low pressure, that port on the side of your pop up should be a high pressure port; it should be a screw on connector.  Now, to get "high" pressure it runs through the regulator, converting tank pressure to high pressure.

Now, the grill you want to use needs Tank pressure (remember, it runs off the 1lb tanks which are at tank pressure) Tank pressure is what is inside any propane container, be it a 20 pound cylinder, a 1 pound or 14 ounce cylinder. All the same and need some kind of regulation before using. Being a tank pressure device, it has some sort of internal regulator to step the tank pressure down to the pressure the grill really wants to use.


So, the problem comes in with using double regulation. The regulator on the trailer will take tank pressure and turn it into high pressure, but the internal regulator on the grill will be looking for tank pressure; so you are supplying it with too low a pressure. Some units will not work with double regulation and others will. It's not by brand, more likely by the regulator in the grill.

[kampinguru]

I know that gas barbeques can be bought, from an rv dealer, that connect directly to the pu propane outlet for the outdoor stove.  However, is it safe to buy one of the cheap $20 barbeques from K-mart or Walmart and attach it directly to my pu propane tank through the outdoor stove outlet.  The type of cheap barbeque I am talking about uses the small, typically green colored propane tanks.  I am not interested in doing anything unsafe, but just wondering if this has been done and if it is ok?

If the BBQ has a regulator on it already, then it wont work.  I know, because I tried it.  I ran a T into the gas line between the tank and the first regulator and ran a copper liine out the side of the trailer and installed a scond quick disconnect to the end of the line.  I run a hose fromm the quick disconnect to the BBQ and I have Tank pressure delivered to where I need it.  Works great with my Port-a Chef BBQ.  PM me if you would like to see pictures.

[Tim5055]

I ran a T into the gas line between the tank and the first regulator and ran a copper liine out the side of the trailer and installed a scond quick disconnect to the end of the line.  I run a hose fromm the quick disconnect to the BBQ and I have Tank pressure delivered to where I need it.  Works great with my Port-a Chef BBQ.  PM me if you would like to see pictures.

The only problem I see with this is that you used a second quick disconnect.  A quick disconnect should only be used with low pressure LP Gas.  Two possible problems are:

1. The quick disconnect may not be rated for continuous use at the un-regulated tank pressure, which can be several hundred PSI.

2. Someone using your pop up (or a second owner) may connect an unregulated appliance (like and RVQ) to the "unregulated" quick disconnect, thus receiving tank pressure at the flame point.  Turning on the gas in this manner would probably have flames at about awning level


Always remember there are three LP gas pressures available:

* Tank pressure...several hundred psi, which should have a positive connect (e.g. screw connection)
* High pressure...approx 13 psi, which should have a positive connect (e.g. screw connection)
* Low pressure....less than 1 psi, approx 11 inches of water column whcih can have a quick connect.

[beacher]

I do it all the time!  It works fine on a portable table away from the PopUp!  I use a portable Weber GoAnywhere grill.  I connect it with this handy Steak Saver Adapter , and this 12' Hose.  With that arrangement I can connect to the PopUp's high pressure connector, or directly to a separate 20# tank, or I can use a disposable cylinder at home if my large BBQ runs out of propane.

The reason?  Your 2000 Niagara, (like my 2004 Niagara), has a high pressure connection on the outside connector.  It does NOT have a low-pressure regulated quick disconnect, like many other models do.

You will notice that the male threads on the connector, (normally covered with a brass protective cap), look EXACTLY like the threads on the small size disposable propane cylinders.

BTW, I highly recommend the under $50 Weber GoAnywhere grill instead of those cheap $20 models.  It will last you many years if you don't bake off the protective porcelain coated drip flavorizer plate.  Mine is from 1985 and still cooks as good as the day I bought it.