There are two flexible pipes in the propane system on my RV and they are getting old. They look good with no cracks etc, but for safety reasons would like to change them. They are obviously made to suit with their own metal ends. As I can't get new lines from the factory, can I use high pressure hydraulic pipe and get new lines made to match? There is Parker close to me and they can make any line up. The existing pipes are labeled as 350 psi max and are on the LP side of the tanks.
Am considering metal shielded (braided) lines.

 

Stan, if you are talking about the flex lines from the tanks to the regulator. I suggest that you wait until you come across the border. Most any RV dealer and even some Wal-Mart’s carry them, and not very expensive ether.

 

Do not use hydraulic lines for gas.
Normally it should not get you into troubles, but in some cases the material can break down from being exposed to propane. The risk to blow yourself up is very real.
AFAIK the flexible lines have only some 3 or 4 different ends standardized worldwide (for gas), so if you have a shop that installs gas ovens etc nearby they should be able to get your stuff.
(I had no trouble finding gas hoses in rural Mali/Africa)

HTH

AlpineRAM

 

Thanks guys for the answers. Had a feeling that the propane would in time eat the rubber for hydraulic hoses, which is why I asked my question.

These lines are not the HP lines from the tanks to the regulators, but are downstream of the regulators, so presume have less than 5 psi max pressure. One hose goes from the rigid steel line on the frame to the fridge and stove inside one of the slideouts and the other connects from the outlet of the regulator to the frame mounted steel pipe.

Will keep trying here, but if I can't find something already made up, will wait until next week when I am up in the states.

 

talk to your parker guy and do the research online at parkers website. you can probably get a propane rated hose and fittings, but you better know what your asking for before you go so they dont slip you something else instead.
Also, propane being a gas will leak thru places hydraulic oil wont.
A better bet would be to hit your local welding supply shop and have them set you up with proper fittings and hose for propane (like for a rosebud)

 

Now that I have read these answers, have another question.
Can I use teflon tape on the pipe threads. or does it have to be some sort of special pipe thread dope?

 

I got the flex 106,000 BTU lines for my cat heater install at Lowes. Turns out they were a couple of bucks cheaper at Ace. They look identical to the ones going to my ref+stove. Teflon tape on the end that connects to the ridged pipe but put nothing on the flare end.

 

Not sure how critical it is but I know that they sell a special yellow teflon tape for gas lines as opposed to the standard white tape?

GRAY STAINLESS STEEL TEFLON-THREAD SEAL TAPE
This tape has nickel pigment color added for use on all stainless steel fittings. Prevents galling, seizing or corrosion. A high density rating, this is the tape for coarse stainless steel threads. Also carries a temperature range of -450F to +550F. Exceeds Mil. Spec. T-27730A. UL Listed

YELLOW GAS LINE TEFLON THREAD SEAL TAPE
Designed for gas lines of all types... Natural gas, propane and butane lines. Meets gas company standards world wide. Full density (1.6) makes this the heaviest tape available. Seals threads easily and quickly with confidence. Has a temperature range of -450F to +550F. Exceeds Mil. Spec. T-27730A UL Listed

GREEN OXYGEN TEFLON THREAD SEAL TAPE
Color coded green for oxygen applications. Grease free, density of 1.2 . This is the tape for all your oxygen lines. Will not support combustion. Temperature range of -450F to +550F. Exceeds Mil. Spec. T-27730A UL Listed

PINK PLUMBERS TEFLON THREAD SEAL TAPE
For plumbers and pipe fitters. Colors coded pink to signify this is heavier than standard white thread seal tapes. A premium high density tape . Ensures leak free joints. Temperature range of -450F to +550F. Exceeds Mil Spec. T-27730A UL Listed

 

I personally had rather use a good quality pipe dope (like Rector Seal) than I had the tape but I have seen both used without problems. To me it just seems that the dope coats the treads better with no chance of the tape wading up. But thats just me I’m old school........... uh and old
Another source for the low PSI hose at least here in the states would be most of the larger propane suppliers. They should be able to ether make up or have in stock several lengths of flex hose.

 

Im not sure either. The white tape I have says its ok for natural gas/propane but not for use on gasoline or fuel. You would think if it was good for propane it would be ok for gasoline. I get so confused.

 

On the tape issue. Im more into hydraulics so tape is a dirty word. We use the Lock-tite brand thread dope. Just a word of advice, be prepared for a workout if you need to break it apart.

 

The white tape works, I've used it for oxy-acetylene cutting torches and connecting the hoses to both the gauges and to the torch. In a pinch we've used propane instead of acetylene, even for long periods, and never had an issue with it.

 

A propane place, or an RV place will likely have the line with the proper fittings on hand. At least they did when I replaced that line on my older 5th wheel.

 

Stan, go on your trip ok?
LOL
If the hoses are on the low pressure side, use a garden hose with a whirly bird sprinkler head with flow control. Its kinda like a turntable in a microwave for even heating and you can open up the the valve in the flow control for REALLY big pots and pans.

Yeah that should work. Get a really long hose too so you can put the sprinkler/burner up in the bedroom or even on the roof.

Glad I could help.

Use electrical tape over any hissing sounds.

 

This is what you need. Give these guys a call. They are great. I've ordered from them.

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/lp-gas/lpg-hoses.htm