How To Divert RV Propane System To Portable Tanks 

Make sure the hose coming from your portable tank goes through a 2 stage regulator prior to reaching the inside of the RV.

Well this work for a 1986 ford 350 motor home

Yeah I'm on a mission to try it or figure out how he did it now too. He's not in town any longer. But I want to have a backup 20 lb bottle myself that I can always use to refill in an emergency. Having a bottle sitting outside next to the rig isn't ideal as I urban camp in the city mostly.

@@JCredTV If you are not certified in propane systems, you can't legally refill an onboard tank or portable cylinder. It doesn't really make sense either because it would take less time to hook the hose to the portable cylinder, then take portable into town and refill vs the risks involved with not knowing what you are doing. It's not as simple as draining water from one container to another.

And if you go to Amazon you can get the MH tank to hose adapter with the quick-connect and the quick-connect hose for @ $45.. Of course you will pay shipping unless you are Premier.

You can't. Transferring propane takes either a high pressure cylinder or a pump. You can't just use a 20lb tank like a propane Jerry can.

They also sell adhesive strips now to indicate tank level on the outside.

I know this is very old but, the most accurate way imo it to just put your tanks on a mechanical scale and leave them there, make yourself some nice big 1/4 1/2 3/4 full. Lines you can see out of one of the windows. Or use a digital scale, pull out the screen and run a wire inside

Doesn't matter at all, which ever direction the tank is manufactured, the pick up will always be at the top.

That's strange. I'd get a second opinion! Those on-board tanks are not eligible for tank date inspections. If it's truly pitted and looks compromised, I can see some places not being comfortable filling, but I'd check other places. Certainly they very rarely ever inspect my on-board tanks. Once caught a guy looking for a date code.... And I had to school him on the law. He can look on portable tanks, but not on-board tanks.

Nomadic Fanatic well I went to Tractor Supply first, he said he couldn't fill it because it was pitted to try Camping World. so I went to Camping World and they said the same thing, so I guess I have to replace it, but my gas tank looks exactly the same as my propane tank, does that mean I have to replace my gas tank too. Oh and Camping World said they don't sell those kinds of Tanks and they have no way to order them, seriously it's called Camping World they sell RVs and they can't get an RV propane tank what's wrong with that picture.

@@000MACK000 C.W. is the absolute WORST place to buy anything and the WORST customer service. Unless it is an extreme emergency and I've tried all other options, I wouldn't step foot there unless you enjoy being ripped off.

The person filling probably wasn't certified because the 80% full indicator valve was not open to allow air out as liquid went in. You can't force propane into a tank full of air without a means of releasing the air.

The very best thing is to just replace the shore power cord because the male plug is molded on. That keeps water out and offers strain relief. Those replacement ends are difficult to get on and an incorrect connection can cause problems that can damage equipment or hurt you. With a new cord, you know things are correct. RV repair is my job for last 18 yrs..

It worked well back then, but today, I've actually installed an "extend a stay" between that same port before the regulator and the onboard tank so that I can just hook my external tank right up without the mess. I even have 2 of the tanks stored in the bay next door to my onboard tank for easy swapping if I'm boondocking for long times. I can just throw tank in my car and go swap or fill and be fine.

I think he averaged 8 miles in this rv.

Glad I could help!

You saved by installing the kit. How much is your time worth going through all the disconnecting not to mention the damage to the threads and that units hose isn't really meant to be "flexible" like the usual recreational BBQ hose or fill hose is. Yep it's a save the pennies thing for some of these things needed to keep the total cost down! Makes me crazy at times! LOL!

I'm sure you haven't regretted your purchase by avoiding all the connecting/disconnecting at the onboard tank.

There's no point doing so even if you could because you would need several portable cylinders for extended stay and if you transferred the cylinder to your onboard tank, you would still have to drive to get the portable one refilled to bring back. You have to be certified in propane systems to legally fill or drain propane tanks /cylinders.

Will save you the hassle of removing at the tank and damaging the soft copper fittings.

+rachael rojas-moreno Find an RV repair shop and schedule an appointment for a RV appliance demo. Some do this for free, sometimes you have to pay for the time it takes. Or find a friend who knows RV nearby.

You would need a kit if you want it done the proper way and avoid damaging the soft metal fittings over time.

That would not be a bad idea i have also saw something really cool called E-TREK they put in your rv 8 special bateries that will give you up to ten hours of full power using even your ac with Just a half hour of your motor on, check got to check it out

That is pretty staggering. $1800 is almost 3x your monthly expenses. Perhaps the 'benefits' are outweighed by the costs in that situation. Would that cost mostly be from fuel, or do you anticipate that you would have to pay some kind of fees for parking as well?

Will need a longer run of approved propane hose and ensure the hose connects to a 2 stage regulator prior to entering the RV spaces.

The BBQ requires a higher pressure 10 psi regulator with black screw on cap. Your RV works on less than 1 psi or 11" water column and needs a 2 stage regulator.

Depends on BTU rating of the furnace, capacity of propane tank when full, outside air temp, and the thermostat setting you select inside. So it depends.

There is a liquid level dial gauge on the fixed tank itself. If it is broken, you could always just light a stovetop burner. There will be a short delay of about 20-60 seconds for the propane to displace the air in the line coming to the burner once the burner is turned on to lite.

My son has a 77 Dodge Sportsman with the original tank, and we had no problem driving it to the propane place and having it filled. The gauge however is wonky and doesn't read correctly.

Onboard "fixed" tanks are regulated by ASME in the united states and do not require re-inspection like portable DOT (dept of transporation) cylinders do. It's up to each certified person whether they feel comfortable filling your onboard tank based on a visual inspection.

Yea mine is under the camper and the plate is completely wiped clean of words. Our piping also isn't this flexible for an extend a stay. So trying to figure that out as well

Usually, on the exterior of the RV underneath, flexible hose is used due to all the vibration from the road. However, if it doesn't look like it has been tampered with or changed since it was new, then it is fine. All the interior lines used to be copper though now they are using aluminum because its cheaper and lighter.

Probably similar. You have to be licensed to fill or drain propane tanks / cylinders.

You would have to remove and replace.

one more question, how do you bring your car with you? do you tow it behind your rv?

but if you leave it somewhere wont it get towed?

Many RV parks have propane refill stations that an attendant will be able to fill for you. Or you can google propane suppliers in your area, smaller companies.

Thanks for taking the time out of your life to help others.

Thanks Ezra!

RV park or propane supplier. You can't fill it yourself unless you are certified on propane systems.