Y-splitter for propane?

[Les Hall]

Is it possible to have one 20lb propane tank supply two appliances?

Also, how long a run can a propane feed be?

Thanks, Les

 

[MrNoodly]

Yes, you can use a T-splitter (or several of them) to run propane to different appliances. That's what's done in RVs. Use copper tubing.

 

[highdesertranger]

the length of the run really doesn't matter within reason. there are several ways to do it a "Y" or a distribution post are the most common. here are some "Y's",

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&k...qmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_74onjb9e7g_e

here are some Tee Post's,

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...3NGT57H8&rh=i:aps,k:propane+distribution+post

keep in mind these are all high pressure so most of the time you need a regulator down stream. highdesertranger

 

[rm.w/aview]

Many RVs have their refrigerator and stove running off the propane tank(s) and a number of people will cut in a tee to then run a hose to a convenient location for an additional portable propane heater. The tank pressure will fill the hose when the valve is opened so the length of run is not a factor. Welcome to the forum by the way (just read your intro in Newcomers), look forward to your build pics. Happy Trails!

 

[Weight]

play safe and have shut-off valves of some sort on each leg, as well as at the bottle.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Yes.

If the regulator is upstream of the long run of tubing, it can take a few minutes for the low pressure propane to travel to a distant appliance as the air being purged is moved slowly along the line.


If the longer lines are high pressure then this is not an issue.

 

[John61CT]

The number of appliances is not the issue, other than increasing inspection times.

High BTU consumption and longer distances need higher-gauge tubing.

There are online calculators.

 

[tx2sturgis]

The number of appliances is not the issue, other than increasing inspection times.

High BTU consumption and longer distances need higher-gauge tubing.

There are online calculators.

Quarter inch copper tubing is generally suitable for any reasonable length and normal use in an RV/tiny house/van/trailer.

 

[user 13531]

You can definitely exceed the capacity of the regulator or at minimum its current setting and thus flow of fuel when multiple larger demand appliances are in use. A standard RV propane system has limits as do larger mobile home systems and sticks/bricks home construction as well. It's not how many appliances I have connected to any system but rather how many are in use at any given time. Size of the supply line can vary as well, gas/propane fired water heaters require more fuel for example than a standard tank water heater.

If you're adding system demand have your regulator tested and adjusted by an appropriate service technician...

http://www.rvdoctor.com/2002/01/what-pros-do-propane-system.html

 

[TMG51]

Because no one has specifically said it: In an RV application, propane lines should be flexible copper tubing with flared fittings and shut-offs.

 

[John61CT]

Quarter inch copper tubing is generally suitable for any reasonable length and normal use in an RV/tiny house/van/trailer.

Generally yes.

I was just pointing out what factors are relevant, as opposed to the OP's misapprehension.

But I've seen portable BBQ and chili setups suck up hellacious BTU, and instant HWS can do as well.

 

[Weight]

I recommend using 3/8 copper tube with flair fittings for the main trunk from the bottle or tank. The legs to various appliances can be 1/4 inch.

 

[John61CT]

For a small Wave heater and a campstove in a small van that would be unnecessary.

No harm though, just saying, depends on the setup, just like with electrics, not hard to actually do the math.

 

[rm.w/aview]

When she's baking cookies while boiling water for coffee & cooking burgers on the gas grill outside with the refrigerator running while I take a hot shower, it's comforting to know that the main is larger than the branches as I rinse soap from my eyes.

 

[saytar]

For a small Wave heater and a campstove in a small van that would be unnecessary.

No harm though, just saying, depends on the setup, just like with electrics, not hard to actually do the math.

I suggest a 1/2 line with 3/8" lines tee'd off that one (seen Many RV's especially older ones that use this )...................I doubt most people would EVER put enough useage on that to make any difference..............

 

[wmyers4u]

What about the flexible lines like a grill has?

I can see copper for stationary devices but if you have a wave heater, for example, those have flexible lines and brass fittings and can be portable.

my experience with copper(soft copper) is that if you move or even bump the line sometimes they start leaking.....in water applications anyways.


Big box stores like HD and Lowe's have lots of different fittings to cover most piping needs (gas and water).

I also recommend point of use shutoff valves so an issue with one appliance doesn't shut down your whole gas system.

 

[Wanderer]

Well, may catch flak, but here goes.

I have a Y set up in my van. Currently only the stove is hooked up, but at one time I had stove and heater hooked. Flexible lines to both. I went to short ones after a long one (I was too cheap to buy a new one) got in the wrong position and got burned through.

When I go screwed in appliances, then I'll go copper tubing.