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Topic: Extend A Stay (Read 513 times) previous topic - next topic

Extend A Stay

My other improvement project is rigging up the propane system to use gas from a portable tank.  In looking at my set-up...I'm wondering if some PO didn't already do this.  In the photograph, above the blue regulator it looks like there is a connection that has a hose attached to a tee just off the vapor valve.  Has anyone added the Extend A Stay?  Does it look like this?
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Extend A Stay

Reply #1 –
Dwayne,

Upper valve on tank vapor
Lower valve on tank liquid-- currently blocked off.

Is the blue regulator for your generator?  If so, where does it connect to the tank?
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Extend A Stay

Reply #2 –
The small hose going into the top of the blue regulator goes over to the T off the vapor valve.  The hose on the bottom must go to the gen set.  I'm assuming I need a new T off the vapor valve so that I can connect a portable tank.  I guess I'll need a shut off above that to isolate the portable tank.  Doesn't look like much room for all that...
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Extend A Stay

Reply #3 –
We've stayed a a few parks that were dicey to get in and out for propane, a lot of propane suppliers will fill the bottles, but not the main tank. We put this in, had enough room to get a ball valve in front of the regulator (Thanks Brett!) , works great!  Only lag, which is no big deal, once you know about it, is the aux bottle will NOT fire the gen set. Otherwise, a great idea! We've found the little bottle will last us a month, with normal cooking and hwh heating for showers, dishes. Once it gets cool in the morning, and you lean on the furnace, I'd say three weeks.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Extend A Stay

Reply #4 –
Dwayne,

Never used an extended stay, but I know others have.

Generator of high pressure vapor to the blue regulator is perfect.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Extend A Stay

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Dwayne –
In the photograph, above the blue regulator it looks like there is a connection that has a hose attached to a tee just off the vapor valve.
Has anyone added the Extend A Stay? 
Does it look like this?

Dwayne,
To get back on track with your basic question.
1. That is the connection where you can add a high pressure hose to so you can run a grill, fire pit, or other device off the coach tank.
2. Yes, have had them on 3 different coaches.
3. Refer to response # 1 or  simply No.

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Extend A Stay

Reply #6 –
On our old coach (SOB) I just ran a 2 stage regulator system  from a 120 gal permanently set tank (on keep full by Suburban).
spun out the POL from the coach tank and used the coach regulator as the low pressure regulator for house service. btw did not have a propane gennie. and used shore power for lights.
'02 40' U320t  4010WTFS Build 6036 1 slide
Motorcade # 17841
SKP 151920
Retired truck driver
 5 million miler
Still have itchy feet for travel

Re: Extend A Stay

Reply #7 –
I built my own extend-a-stay that backfeeds my system thru the teed connector used to hook up an external grill, fire pit, etc. i bought the corresponding screw on fitting from amazon, along with an acme hose assembly and a 1/4" NPT ball valve. Hook everything up with the valve closed and the rv tank valve closed. Open the ball valve and portable tank valve and it works great. Keeping this in the basement along with a 20lb tank because I am trying to run my propane totally empty so I can remove it to clean up rust, repaint and also replace diesel engine fuel lines. mine looks somewhat different with a diesel generator but my concept should still work to power your propane appliances, minus your genset.
95 U300SE

Re: Extend A Stay

Reply #8 –
Buy the Marshall Brass extend a stay, and NOT the Mr Heater extend a stay.

I tired Mr Heater, it is not only bigger (longer) ,it had bad seals from the factory.  I talked to a propane expert, he highly recommended the Marshall Brass Version.  10 years later still works great.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide