Propane question: trying to copy/improvise westfalia system

[squirbel]

How safe is it to build a propane system? Which professionals are best suited for such a thing?

If I do create my own propane system (for fridge, water heater) - how does the system work? Tank, pipes, couplings, appliance?

I have a spot in my design to accommodate a tank, but i am wondering about safety. What should i think about when placing the tank?

What are some do's and don'ts about propane?

Thank you much!

(I will be in a box van)

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Where do we begin with the do's and don'ts. You can blow your butt off if you screw up putting stuff together. Get someone who knows what they are doing....Please.

 

[squirbel]

Which leads to my second question: who are the professionals?

How do i find them?

 

[1oleman]

Go to a propane store or RV repair shop, don't try to do this yourself.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Check with one of the dudes at your local propane dealer...like Hank on "King of The Hill".<br>I got all the parts for what is called the "extended stay" kit which sells online for big bucks for a reasonable price from a local dealer that runs routes to fill tanks with their trucks.<br><br>BTW....Propane trucks and school buses are train drivers biggest nightmares.

 

[squirbel]

Haha lol Hank!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

RV shops are gonna soak ya...get up with "Hank".

 

[squirbel]

I'll do just that! Thanks! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[cyndi]

Glen,&nbsp;who blogs at&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128);"><strong><a href="http://www.tosimplify.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128);">To Simplify</span></a></strong></span> is rebuilding a bus and will be replacing the propane (or adding propane to the system, can't remember which) He writes pretty detailed posts about the work he's doing on the bus. You may find his blog helpful.

 

[squirbel]

Thank you! Someone else who thinks of tires as "shoes"~ nice.

I'll read the blog for informative purposes (to know what i want), but I'll still find a pro. :3

 

[James AKA Lynx]

I suggest that you have somebody do it for you and learn. If you have never done this before you can mess up badly.<br><br>Make sure that you can cut off each appliance separately.&nbsp; Anything going through the wall need to be supported and protected from rubbing through.&nbsp; Tank should be vented on bottom and top. <br><br>Good luck, James AKA Lynx

 

[squirbel]

Photo included showing my plans.... I think. Having a heck of a time attaching photos.

 

[VanGirl]

Squirbel,
I have been doing my own propane lines since I was 18 and now I'm 61. I went to the libary and checked out books to learn how to do it. Now we have youtube and the internet to learn how. As long as you do it by the book and check it with soapy water you should be ok. There are classes at Lowes and Home Depot that will help you. It is not difficult but you must take time to do it right. There is almost always someone around to show you.

Propane has a PSI of 12.That is very low pressure. The soapy water test will save your life.

What area do you live in? Did you ask around yet?

VanGirl

 

[squirbel]

Michigan, and i havent asked around yet. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">