end of propane

[Bill Palmer]

Ok,  I was going to try to revamp the old propane system. I found out that in order to do that I would have to have the old tank out and have it pressure tested. After finding out what that would cost, It was time for a re-think. I'm thinking of removing the old tank and system and going ele. I know this means being near an outlet, but I think there are ways around  the problems. I found a new apartment refer at Lowe's for $120. A lot cheaper than a 3-way. I'm thinking about a on demand water heater. (ele) and  using the space where the old tank was to make a slide out for a small camp stove and a small tank. I'm removing the old cook top and oven for an ele cook top. Don't see to much use for an oven. Just wondering if anyone has gone this route and can give me aheads-up on what troubles I'm going to run into. Any advice would help. thanks, this site has been very cool to me. thank you all

[Richard W. Cobbs]

Hi Bill,

I guess my question is why do you have to remove and test the tank?  My system is 35 years old and has a Rosan leak detector.  I've never had a problem with it.  Well, maybe I fibbed a little!  Several months ago, I forgot that I had switched my refer to gas when the local electric went out and used up 3/4 of the tank in a month!  Usually a tank lasts me a year.  Also, the on demand hot water systems are fine, and maybe now they are reasonably priced, but my Titan 2 1/2 gallon electric HW heater from Lowes does just fine.  I leave it unplugged until shower time and then allow 20 minutes for it to do it's thing.  I feel guilty if I forget to unplug it before I take my shower.

Just my thoughts,

RWC

[Bill Palmer]

I was told by a few shops here in Az that they had to check it by law. I can fill it myself, but to text for leaks it must be removed and tested in a pressure tank. as to your water heater, what a great idea. just a regular mobile home one.  I haven't priced out an on demand, just thinking it would be a good thing. But a small ele like yours sounds good.  I have to replace my refer and a RV one was just to much money. It's just me so a small ele would work just fine. AS I said, most of my needs could be meet with smaller, cheaper ele appliances.  any ideas or heads-up is very cool. thanks for your input!!

[Richard W. Cobbs]

I started thinking about replacing my gas/electric refrigerator today when I got my first electric bill here.  The electric coming into my RV is usually under 90 volts and heating element output is low because of this (my electric pop corn popper sometimes just doesn't get hot enough to pop corn).  With low output, the element is on 24 hours a day!  I'll need to check if a new fridge will keep food cold longer when the electric goes out; as it did today.  By the time I noticed it today and switched to gas, it was up to 65 degrees.

[Bill Palmer]

cool. I'll check out the Lowe's for there heater.. I'm going to check out a leak detector. any make you might suggest?

[John Scott]

If every where you're going to go is plug in you should have no problems but if you go off the plug you have nothing. I'm in the same situation but know how to gas pipe. I kept my LP stove and piped it so I can screw on a 20 lb LP tank sitting outside the RV.

I just started getting into solar panels and inverters for off the plug situations, lights are on 12 volts deep cycle batteries and a inverter to power appliances.

Solar panels are a great way to keep your 12 volt battery banks up and invert to 110 current when you are off the plug.

Guess it is all in what you need and want to spend.

I know that an electric stove would not work on my battery banks because a cook top is 220 volts so I kept the stove LP.

Worst case scenario is that if I'm off the plug I still have lights and can warm up some water on the LP stove and take a bath and feel like a human.

There is nothing worse then going to bed without being able to clean up.

[Bill Palmer]

Your right, I'm keeping the gas burners and water heater. just in case. but my reffer is beyond repair so it's an ele apartment one ..  

[John Scott]

I went with electric on my fridge and can run it off of my battery bank when I'm off the plug.

Try what I did. 

If your a handy type of guy, you can just run your LP off a 20 or 30 Gal tank

with a little re piping and putting the tank on outside on the ground.

When you pack up just unscrew the tank.

Just remember to check for gas leaks when you re pipe your LP lines. Check with soapy water in a spray bottle.

If  you see any bubbles you have an LP leak and you don't want that!

[Bill Palmer]

Good idea. I have a 40 gal in the RV. the one it came with. I just checked it out and it's holding fuel!!  I'm amazed. I know the guy I got it from never used any of the propane system for years. I thought what the heck, turned the valve and the cooking burns worked!!  wild... the only thing is the filler valve looks like a 7 year old with a hammer went to town. I guess I can replace it, if I can find one. I think the only thing I will run of the gas system is the cooking top. the reffer  doesn't work at all, and the water heater works off the truck motor and ele. I try not to be anywhere that gets really cold so a small ele heater should do the trick. I think I will put a in-line valve so I can run a 20 gall like you suggested. thanks for the idea!

[John Scott]

Awesome, there is always a fix or work around without spending a million bucks!! :)

[Richard W. Cobbs]

Checkout the Extend-A-Stay kit.  I think it is a little pricey, but should keep you out of trouble.  There is a video on connecting it to your system. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er_cFg1MRk0       Good Luck                                                                                                           

[Richard W. Cobbs]

Hi Bill,

The only tank mounted leak detector that I have found is made by Rosan Enterprises 2901 West Coast Hwy. Newport Beach, CA 92663  [phone].  They may be out of business; this is old information.

[Bill Palmer]

i guess it's a hand held from home depot. thanks