External propane question

Kathyfog · 02-27-2022, 02:31 PM

We have new 2022 cougar 36BHL. We keep camper at campground. We have external tank for LP. Anyone know how we connect line from external tank into our propane compartment? Thanks in advance for advice to this newbie

**sourdough** · 02-27-2022, 03:32 PM

I am confused. Are you talking about the external propane connect for things like an outside grill or are you talking about connecting a propane tank into the regulator for the RV??

**chuckster57** · 02-27-2022, 03:51 PM

Welcome to the forum

Danny I think they are wanting to connect the trailer to a bulk (large) LP tank.

**sourdough** · 02-27-2022, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Welcome to the forum

Danny I think they are wanting to connect the trailer to a bulk (large) LP tank.

Errr, yep, I think that's what the OP is asking. Couldn't get it to sink in first 4 go rounds but think I've got it now....

**chuckster57** · 02-27-2022, 04:02 PM

I’m wondering if an extra long pigtail to the regulator would work. I’m not that familiar with bulk tanks. A few years ago I was going to buy a 100Lb cylinder from Lowes, but decided it would weigh too much to lug around. I suppose a seasonal site camper find find it fits their needs.

Kathyfog · 02-27-2022, 04:02 PM

Sorry I wasn’t more clear. Yes external tank source to connect to our rig. Anyone know if there is a conduit or if there is an area in the portable LP tank area that has access to ground so we can pull up the connection?

**JRTJH** · 02-27-2022, 04:13 PM

The bottom of the LP tank storage areas on the trailer "should be" open to the exterior (no bottom on the cabinet spaces)... That's to prevent any accumulation of explosive gas in the event of a propane tank/pigtail leak. So, if what you're asking is "is there an opening in the storage compartment to pull a gas line from the ground, up into the compartment? The answer is yes, the entire bottom of that space is open to below the trailer.

Are you attempting to connect an existing "large propane tank" that was already at the site? Or, is this a new installation on the site? If it's a new installation, the propane company delivering the tank and setting it up will know exactly what to do to connect to your trailer. They will set the new tank, fill it, adjust the tank regulator to the correct "intermediary pressure" and then connect that to your regulator on one side of the regulator input. They will leave the existing pigtail so you can connect your 30 pound tank "in event of an emergency"...

If you're trying to "wing it and hope to get it right without knowing how to connect a bulk tank to your existing automatic changeover regulator on your trailer, then you have some potentially dangerous "tries" ahead of you...

Propane is not "foolproof" and in most states, a bulk tank is required to be connected by a certified plumber or gas company employee. On most installations, there is a "mid pressure regulator" on the bulk tank and that connects to your existing regulator to provide the 11" WC to operate your trailer gas appliances...

If you don't know what you're doing, I'd urge you to let the gas company do the work.

Kathyfog · 02-27-2022, 04:31 PM

Thank you so much. You gave us the answer we needed

flyingjack · 03-05-2022, 08:45 AM

For 5+ yrs we used 100LB tank and just removed driver side LP hose; plugged it to keep dirt out; added a new longer hose and reconnected to 100 lber. Winters in central TX used quite a bit of LP when we worked there. That way always plenty of spare LP when 100 lber was empty. No issues. We also didn't move very often so larger tank weight/size wasn't an issue.
Good luck.

You may also like: