Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Running Propane Devices On the Road (Read 1765 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #25 –
Quote from: lew –
The firefight products are at:

Fire Fight Products

larry whisler

Larry thank you SO Much for that link!  I have put off buying a System, because they were Hideously expensive, up to $4K just to protect the Engine Compartment, and the side Radiator, and with what I purchased, it will ONLY cost me One Coach Buck! LOL!

The owner, Jim Bounds, spent nearly an hour on the phone with me, and Tailored, the System I am purchasing, I feel very Confident it will be sufficient, to NOT become a Fire Statistic!  The Engine Compartment system has an Engine, Shutoff Feature, via a Sensor, to eliminate more Fuel, feeding the fire as well! I also bought 3 Hand Helds, for the Bedroom, and the Drivers area , and Kitchen Mounts!  This system is easily transferable to other Applications I have as well!  My 26' MacGregor PowerSailor, and Offroading Toys will be protected, by what I purchased, simply by moving both the Fixed and Portable Bottles to them! Then I also plan on utilizing them, in my House!  I purchased a Dozen Visual Sensors as well, in 2 different temp readings! They turn a different color when exposed to heat within the ranges they are set up for!


I was going to go with a Halon System, but AFFF Foam is superior in every way!  As having an Aeronautical Background, and Aerospace, the Foam is way superior for Extinguishing Fires, IMHO! I hated the 2 Big CO2 Bottles I now have, but something is better than nothing! With this system, and it's versatility, I will feel Very Confident, in every way! The CO2 Deployment Destroys everything it touches, and I also learned it can be deadly for animals nearby, as they can get Chemical Pneumonia, as can Humans if breathed enough of it! 


Thanks again for the Link, as I have not found another Vendor/Manufacturer for this Quality Product!  I was Sold, when I went to that link!
Tom & Barb Root
'95, 40' U-320C SE, bought from Dave Head, 8/2017  FT Motorcade # 18196 Coach Build# 4663 October '94
2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, 1991 Suzuki Samurai, Off-Road Custom Build-Up, W/Toyota 22re mill, and a 2005 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax/Allison TOADS Will also pull a MacGregor 26X Powersailor 2001 Model, owned since new!

Retired SR Rocket Mechanic, FT Sales Associate @  FT of California, Escondido CA.!  and Retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant (Hence Retired Guns! ) Avionics Tech, on A6E Intruder & OV-10 Bronco Aircraft!  V/N Era Vet, and Desert Storm Participant.  Happily Retired now!

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #26 –
Ooops, forgot about the Generator Compartment....called an added $400 Bucks + $65.00 for the Auto Fuel Shutoff Valve,  to that order!  Whew!  He also Scientifically Explained the Difference between use of Halon, and the other Similar stuff, that this stuff just blows away! I have found many resources that back his claims up, as well! Halon and the other, new product like it, are good, don't get me wrong, this just has better properties that fits the use!  Worth OUR lives, and a Must, IMHO!
Tom & Barb Root
'95, 40' U-320C SE, bought from Dave Head, 8/2017  FT Motorcade # 18196 Coach Build# 4663 October '94
2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, 1991 Suzuki Samurai, Off-Road Custom Build-Up, W/Toyota 22re mill, and a 2005 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax/Allison TOADS Will also pull a MacGregor 26X Powersailor 2001 Model, owned since new!

Retired SR Rocket Mechanic, FT Sales Associate @  FT of California, Escondido CA.!  and Retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant (Hence Retired Guns! ) Avionics Tech, on A6E Intruder & OV-10 Bronco Aircraft!  V/N Era Vet, and Desert Storm Participant.  Happily Retired now!

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #27 –

Another Consideration, is I am trying to design a System to Automatically Shut off LPG Appliances, that catch on fire, as well! I have a Catastrophic Leak System Pressure Sensitive Shutoff at the Source Tank, but it will feed Propane to a fire, as long as it likes, if the pressure remains constant!  So, if anyone knows of a Packaged System, please advise! What I wanna do, is put these Valves in the five LP Consumer Appliances, and have them connected to a simple Sensor that you can get most anywhere for Temp Sensing Shutoffs for outdoor Barbeques!  Some people may say I overthink stuff, and they are certainly correct!  I have seen catastrophes with Fuel and Fires in my Professional life, that would make most cringe!  I was also a Quality Assurance Representative, and did all kinds of evaluations to Prevent failures, particularly fires, which can easily be inherent around things that fly!  And also things that roll!  I was part of way too many Investigations and that old adage, of an Ounce of Prevention, is worth that pound of Cure, rings true!

Something like this was my thought, for a Do - It - Yourself System!  As I go along, I will try and document, my install and Implementation of what I come up with!  Of course I do not want to reinvent the wheel, and any advice, or Known Packed systems would be an option here, as well!

1/4" NPT Brass Electric Solenoid Valve 12VDC Normally Closed VITON (standard...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Tom & Barb Root
'95, 40' U-320C SE, bought from Dave Head, 8/2017  FT Motorcade # 18196 Coach Build# 4663 October '94
2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, 1991 Suzuki Samurai, Off-Road Custom Build-Up, W/Toyota 22re mill, and a 2005 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax/Allison TOADS Will also pull a MacGregor 26X Powersailor 2001 Model, owned since new!

Retired SR Rocket Mechanic, FT Sales Associate @  FT of California, Escondido CA.!  and Retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant (Hence Retired Guns! ) Avionics Tech, on A6E Intruder & OV-10 Bronco Aircraft!  V/N Era Vet, and Desert Storm Participant.  Happily Retired now!

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #28 –
Our hot water heater is really the only thing that uses propane. Our refrigerator is a residential one, so the generator is running to power it and the rooftop heat/air conditioner. The hot water heater is supposed to have some method of heating the water with engine heat, and there is, indeed, a valve that I assume handles that. I've not tried turning the valve, as I'm not sure what would happen if I did, but I suspect a leak.

I leave the propane on all the time and haven't had a problem. A tank lasts us 6-9 months.

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #29 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
The hot water heater is supposed to have some method of heating the water with engine heat, and there is, indeed, a valve that I assume handles that. I've not tried turning the valve, as I'm not sure what would happen if I did, but I suspect a leak.
David,

Next time you drive your coach, at the end of the day, feel the hoses on both sides of that valve.  You might find your valve is already in the "open" position (ie both hoses are hot).  That is the way I found the (probably original) valve on our coach, when we first took possession.  Like you, I did not try to reposition ours, for fear of causing a leak.  But since ours is "stuck" in the open position, it does allow the engine coolant to circulate around the water heater tank, and it does heat the water going down the road.  When we pull in from driving all day, our water is already very hot.  After we get parked for the night, I either turn on our electric water heating element (if we have shore power), or the propane heat (if dry camping).  Since the water is already pretty hot, neither one has much work to do.

If I ever need to replace our hot water heater, I will also replace the (probably) frozen valve at the same time.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #30 –
I guess I need to do a little more home work on our rig.  I have always thought that the Hot water by-pass valve did just that, in that with the valve open, the hot water going to the dash heater is by-passed around the hot water heater.  To direct the flow thru the heater, you would shut the valve.  I keep mine open all of the time and just use propane to heat the water.  I prefer to get as much heat forward as I can.  Guess it just boils down to where you need the heat.    Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #31 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
Our hot water heater is really the only thing that uses propane.. The hot water heater is supposed to have some method of heating the water with engine heat, and there is, indeed, a valve that I assume handles that. I've not tried turning the valve, as I'm not sure what would happen if I did, but I suspect a leak.

I leave the propane on all the time and haven't had a problem. A tank lasts us 6-9 months.

Yes, I have that Valve as well, and have not attempted fate, there either!  LOL.  If you ever get Subzero Temps, and need that Heater 24/7 It would only last a week, at least that's what I found!  I like it warm, though, and tote 3 Different sized Heaters that are Electric, when hooked up to 50 Amp Service!  I could use them with the Genny, but haven't done that as yet....might just be cheaper???  I have to fill again, soon, the Cheapest I have found it here in Central Ca. is $3.90 a Gallon!!!!! I'd like to crack the code on Propane Prices while traveling, also, as they sure don't advertise it! I will be in California, for a few months and heading South from Santa Barbara County (Lompoc) to San Diego County, and sure would like to know how I can pay less in transit, or SD County, but that seems like a Huge Chore, or nearly Impossible!  Back home in PA, I did extensive research, and found a 60 Cent per gallon difference!  That can be substantial, for sure!  My coach has the Aquahot delete, and they can both a Blessing, or a Curse, or so I have heard?
Tom & Barb Root
'95, 40' U-320C SE, bought from Dave Head, 8/2017  FT Motorcade # 18196 Coach Build# 4663 October '94
2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, 1991 Suzuki Samurai, Off-Road Custom Build-Up, W/Toyota 22re mill, and a 2005 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax/Allison TOADS Will also pull a MacGregor 26X Powersailor 2001 Model, owned since new!

Retired SR Rocket Mechanic, FT Sales Associate @  FT of California, Escondido CA.!  and Retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant (Hence Retired Guns! ) Avionics Tech, on A6E Intruder & OV-10 Bronco Aircraft!  V/N Era Vet, and Desert Storm Participant.  Happily Retired now!

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #32 –
Quote from: fkjohns6083 –
I have always thought that the Hot water by-pass valve did just that, in that with the valve open, the hot water going to the dash heater is by-passed around the hot water heater.  To direct the flow thru the heater, you would shut the valve.  I keep mine open all of the time and just use propane to heat the water.  I prefer to get as much heat forward as I can.
Fritz,

The valve on our coach has a round paper tag attached to the (blue) handle.  The tag says "close for max dash heat".  From the extension of the valve stem, it looks to me like the valve is in the "open" position, and I have never tried to move it.  As I said, our water gets very hot going down the road, without having either electric or propane turned on.  I have always been happy with this arrangement, because we very seldom drive in extremely cold weather.  The few times we have used it, our dash heater has always put out a LOT of heat...more than we would ever require.

As you say, different strokes for different folks.  8)
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #33 –
Chuck!  Wished my Bay was that clean looking!  Very nice!  So, what is that device on the Left (Rear) wall?  Is it just a Thermometer, or does it have another Function?
Tom & Barb Root
'95, 40' U-320C SE, bought from Dave Head, 8/2017  FT Motorcade # 18196 Coach Build# 4663 October '94
2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, 1991 Suzuki Samurai, Off-Road Custom Build-Up, W/Toyota 22re mill, and a 2005 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax/Allison TOADS Will also pull a MacGregor 26X Powersailor 2001 Model, owned since new!

Retired SR Rocket Mechanic, FT Sales Associate @  FT of California, Escondido CA.!  and Retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant (Hence Retired Guns! ) Avionics Tech, on A6E Intruder & OV-10 Bronco Aircraft!  V/N Era Vet, and Desert Storm Participant.  Happily Retired now!

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #34 –
Quote from: RetiredGuns –
So, what is that device on the Left (Rear) wall?
Remote temp sender.  Have one in each end of the wet bay.  Receiver is inside the coach.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #35 –
I was at Tractor Supply in Temecula (So Cal) a few weeks ago and propane was $2.49 a gallon... They told me that they fill coaches as well as bottles. Tractor Supplies are pretty widespread, might be worth checking out. I put two ball valves in the water heater coolant loop so it could be isolated for removal. I learned the hard way what happens when you close the single OEM valve and then remove the water heater without clamping off the other side of the loop! :o Doh!
Don
Quote from: RetiredGuns –
Yes, I have that Valve as well, and have not attempted fate, there either!  LOL.  If you ever get Subzero Temps, and need that Heater 24/7 It would only last a week, at least that's what I found!  I like it warm, though, and tote 3 Different sized Heaters that are Electric, when hooked up to 50 Amp Service!  I could use them with the Genny, but haven't done that as yet....might just be cheaper???  I have to fill again, soon, the Cheapest I have found it here in Central Ca. is $3.90 a Gallon!!!!! I'd like to crack the code on Propane Prices while traveling, also, as they sure don't advertise it! I will be in California, for a few months and heading South from Santa Barbara County (Lompoc) to San Diego County, and sure would like to know how I can pay less in transit, or SD County, but that seems like a Huge Chore, or nearly Impossible!  Back home in PA, I did extensive research, and found a 60 Cent per gallon difference!  That can be substantial, for sure!  My coach has the Aquahot delete, and they can both a Blessing, or a Curse, or so I have heard?
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson
 

Re: Running Propane Devices On the Road

Reply #36 –
Quote from: Don & Tys –
I was at Tractor Supply in Temecula (So Cal) a few weeks ago and propane was $2.49 a gallon... They told me that they fill coaches as well as bottles. Tractor Supplies are pretty widespread, might be worth checking out. I put two ball valves in the water heater coolant loop so it could be isolated for removal. I learned the hard way what happens when you close the single OEM valve and then remove the water heater without clamping off the other side of the loop! :o Doh!
Don


Thanks for that tip!!!  The Propane Market is Insane! We have many friends we are Visiting in Temecula, as well! I will check locally for one either here in Santa Barbara County, on our way South, or get it in Temecula! I may also be staying either at a Good Friends place in Rural Vista, near SR 76, or On one of the Two Campgrounds aboard Camp Pendleton!
Tom & Barb Root
'95, 40' U-320C SE, bought from Dave Head, 8/2017  FT Motorcade # 18196 Coach Build# 4663 October '94
2015 VW Golf Sportwagen, 1991 Suzuki Samurai, Off-Road Custom Build-Up, W/Toyota 22re mill, and a 2005 Chevy 2500HD, Duramax/Allison TOADS Will also pull a MacGregor 26X Powersailor 2001 Model, owned since new!

Retired SR Rocket Mechanic, FT Sales Associate @  FT of California, Escondido CA.!  and Retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant (Hence Retired Guns! ) Avionics Tech, on A6E Intruder & OV-10 Bronco Aircraft!  V/N Era Vet, and Desert Storm Participant.  Happily Retired now!