I am wanting to add a propane fixed type hot water heater to my trailer and, as with everything else, can't find a lick of information on the subject. Guess what I really want to find out is what type and size piping would be appropriate for this project. I was considering a furnace as well and discovered a write up on how to do a hydronic heater system and it looks very intriging so it's something I am wanting to try. The guy who did the write up heats a 24' RV with his set up so I think it would heat up my modest 4'SW LQ quietly. I have the room to install both but I really need some info on the basics of propane plumbing. Any help would be appreciated.
Posted 2007-03-23 12:45 PM (#57583 - in reply to #57581) Subject: RE: Installing propane and HW heater
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 560 Location: Mena, AR
My hubby & I installed one in a DIY several years ago. We ran black pipe from the propane tanks under the trailer to where the water heater was placed and came up from the underside. Home Depot will cut & thread the pipe for you in needed lengths. If I remember correctly we used a flex hose from the propane tank to the black pipe, and copper from the black pipe stub inside the trailer to the heater. The big nervous moment was when we cut the hole in the side of the trailer for venting. I visited some dealers and looked at LQ to see how it was done, and thats what we did.
Posted 2007-03-23 12:58 PM (#57585 - in reply to #57581) Subject: RE: Installing propane and HW heater
Expert
Posts: 1283 Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
I usually mount the lp tanks under the neck, so if you are planning on putting the water heater in close proximity of that you could use all flexible line. I have in the past on some. If not within 6-8 ft. of the tank you should use the black iron pipe under the trailer and then flex from there back to the water heater. All of the appliances, water heater, furnace, stovetops ect... will work off the same regulator so it can be mounted close to the tank.
Posted 2007-03-23 3:56 PM (#57609 - in reply to #57585) Subject: RE: Installing propane and HW heater
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 524 Location: Lone Oak, Tx
Thanks folks. Is there a specific diameter of pipe that should be used? I wish I could use the flex pipe all the way but, I have not measured yet, I think the distance way more than 6 ft. Any specific type bracing that should be used under the trailer along the floor supports for the pipe? The tanks I intend to mount on the opposite side of the spare under the gooseneck where most are mounted on the drivers side of the trailer. Hot water heater is going in the corner of my closet.
Posted 2007-04-05 11:16 PM (#58634 - in reply to #57581) Subject: RE: Installing propane and HW heater
Member
Posts: 18
I bought a twin bottle mount from a local RV supply (tray, all-thread, hold down, regulator and auto changeover valve and all 3 hoses). There is a brand new setup currently on eBay that includes the cylinders. I welded some 1 1/2" angle iron under the trailer to the angle iron. I ran 1/2" black pipe from front towards back to where I stubbed up through the floor to my shut-off valve. I used pipe thread compound on each joint. I pressure tested the hard piping by pressing it up a little with my compressor and leak tested the joints. I have a flex hose run to my cook top. I got 2 20# cylinders from my true value store (they were running a sale). I will be out of town for a week but if you want I'll take some pictures and post them for you showing how I ran the pipe and mounted the bottles. I just crawled under a bunch of trailers at a local roping and took mental notes copying what the manufacturers did.
Posted 2007-04-15 10:27 PM (#59360 - in reply to #57581) Subject: RE: Installing propane and HW heater
Member
Posts: 18
Send your email address to rsandi5218@gmail.com and I'll send you the pictures of my project. I just got back in town and have taken pictures of the piping underneath and my bottle mount.
Posted 2007-04-15 10:51 PM (#59366 - in reply to #58654) Subject: RE: Installing propane and HW heater
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I would think 1/2" or 3/4" would be sufficient.
Use black pipe any where that will be exposed to elements. I'm not sure that the yellow flex pipe is rated for outdoor exposure.
I think you can go longer than 6' with the yellow flex. We do it all the time with Natural Gas in new homes. I don't know why Propane would have a shorter distance. (Except for the outdoor exposure rating) If in doubt go one size larger to allow more flow (ie 3/4" in place of 1/2") But the smart thing is to check the manufactures ratings for the product.
When you build the systems. cap all the ends and put a pressure guage on one end. Inflate the system to 5 or 10 psi. Let it stand for a few hours and see if you lost any pressure. (If you let it stand over night and have temperature fluxations, you will see a small drop due to the temp change.) Natural Gas system for new homes ran at 4 oz standard or high pressure at 2 lbs psi. So a 10lb test is more than sufficient.
The big disadvantage to Hydronic heat is the time it takes to heat up a unit. It is very efficient at maintaining heat. But slow to bring something cold up to heat.
Personally myself I want to be able to turn the heat off while I gone and come in, flip a switch and have heat in 5 minutes. Not in hours.
I also like the air movement in the trailer. If I come in wet from a rain or snow storm, I like the air movement to help dry things out. The only air miovement with Hydronic heat is the natural convection of heat rising.
Posted 2007-04-15 11:49 PM (#59370 - in reply to #57581) Subject: RE: Installing propane and HW heater
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 378 Location: Nebraska
When installing gas fixtures (wheather in your house or your trailer) you should use a professional to do the install. It might cost you a little to install it, but could save lives and property damage.
Installing propane and HW heater
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