Propane System Mod

[Campaholics]

The Coleman has the 20 lb tank hooked to two regulators.  Between the regulators is a T. The branch goes to the outside high pressure fitting. The second regulator supplies the low pressure interior stove, hot water heater, refrigerator and furnace.

The OEM high pressure stove is pretty lame.  I replaced it with a regular Coleman stove, with its regulator hooked up to the exterior high pressure fitting.  Better performance than the OEM.  However, the burners are hotter when the stove is used with a one lb propane cylinder.

Got to thinking.  What if I moved the T to the input side of the first regulator?  The Coleman stove's regulator will still deliver the proper pressure to the burners. (Assumption one: 1 lb and 20 lb cylinders pressrues are the same)

Assumption two:  The low pressure system works best with a double regulator system. I will place a yellow warning sticker next to the unregulated outlet.

If I use the OEM stove with unregulated tank pressure, I will blow myself, and those within 20 yards, to kingdom come.

Other than never, ever using the OEM stove, are there any other downsides to the proposed mod?

Thanks,
Bob

[topcat7736]

Geez, I hate propane!

I wouldn't have an unregulated line running under my trailer. The LP gas is just too volitile.

The problem with the high pressure stove may not be due to "regulation". The hose used by Fleetwood, which connects to the OPD outlet on the tank, seems to have a problem with stem length. It doesn't quite open the internal valve enough. If you replace it with an old style POL hose (which will screw into the OPD fitting with no problem), you'll probably be more than satisified with the results.

Fleetwood owners, running multiple LP devices and experiencing LP shutdowns, should also replace the hose.

[Campaholics]

Thanks for you input.  

Something sticks in my mind about the tank connector for RVs having some kind of flow limiting device.  The one on a gas grill is full flow.  I figure the flow limiter is there for a good reason.  This mod won't get done this year.  I'll continue to weigh the pros and cons until spring.

Thanks,
Bob

[mike4947]

Bob, what I think you're thinking of is the OPD problem with the valve limiting flow when it thinks there's a leak. That's a function of the tank itself, not the connection (which is the same for RV's and gas grills) or the regulator.

Fleetwood outside high pressure hoses like Topcat said do have problems. We've pulled the safety check valves out of several with flow problems. The check valves only function is to keep any propane in the hose from leaking out when the hose is disconnected.

[Campaholics]

Mike,
How do I remove the check valve?
Bob