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Topic: On board propane tank valves (Read 648 times) previous topic - next topic

On board propane tank valves

I'm switching out my coach propane tank fittings and the regulators (vertical vent) along with a "Extend a stay" fitting.
The tank valves are wheeled valves, can these be replaced by full flow ball valves?
I read that a sudden opening of the valve can "upset"the regulators, will a ball valve open too fast?
I also plan on removing the electric safety solenoid valve and NOT having one. Apparently these safety valves are no longer installed and I could use a few extra inches to work with.
I have Gas thread sealant, would there be a preference to use Gas Teflon tape instead?
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #1 –
I prefer gas thread sealant on the pipe and the fitting, brush the compound across the male threads to get a good seal
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #2 –
Are you sure that type of valve is legal for a propane tank. You need to make sure that all valves and fittings are up approved for propane.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #3 –
If they are legal for the propane ball valves will work,just get a quality valve and open it slowly.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #4 –
Yes, keep it legal. Some places ( Uhaul ) are just looking for a reason not to fill you.  Once in Phoenix a dealer refused to fill our onboard tank because it didn't have a current inspection date.  As we were leaving i overheard an employee mention that she was a new supervisor.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
Yes, keep it legal. Some places ( Uhaul ) are just looking for a reason not to fill you.  Once in Phoenix a dealer refused to fill our onboard tank because it didn't have a current inspection date.  As we were leaving i overheard an employee mention that she was a new supervisor.

Then, she was an idiot and certainly should not be in a supervisory position.  There is no inspection required for built in tanks.  Portable tanks-- yes.
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: On board propane tank valves

Reply #6 –
Lon, it has been a few years since I had a propane license, so what you are planning on doing, I would seek a qualified person to advise you on what you are wanting to accomplish.  Propane will kill you and it's not to be trifled with!  Never heard of a ball valve on Propane, but codes do change.  Again, seek professional advise!  Grab a NFPA 58 Code book.
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #7 –
Locate a National Oil Well store anywhere there is oil and gas,they have all the ball valves you want,ball valves are used in the natural gas industry almost exclusively,best brands are Apollo and Marpac.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #8 –
Thanks John.
Not many Oil well supply businesses around these parts but Menards and Home Depot are.
When I browsed through the Menards Gas valve section all I saw were ball valves. I will always pick a ball valve if I have the option.
I also prefer the Gas paste for the threads.
Not being a plumber or trades person, I found many years ago, that its ALWAYS better to ask for advice in advance than to guess.
 
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #9 –
The test I took to get my propane license was an open book test of either 5 or 6 books. It took me nearly 7 hours to complete the test. There were 10 of us taking the test. I was the last one done and thought that I must really be dumb. I had studied all of the books for weeks. I was the only one who passed and got my license. Lots to know about propane as it can be very dangerous if not treated properly.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #10 –
FWIW, I have replaced a good number of regulators on travel trailers and fifth wheels.  The only troublesome ones, and by troublesome I mean difficult in having to redo a couple times to eliminate  leaking, were the ones I replaced with teflon tape (yellow or blue).  The ones done with the sealant paste were always without leaks on the first go.  Use the sealant. nix the tape.

I have used ball valves as a shut-off on propane lines but only downstream, or after, the regulator, not before it and I would prob not be inclined to try it. 


Bill
95 36' U295  CAI, build #4757
—>formerly homed in the midwest, now mobile again,
      mid-atlantic for the present.

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
I'm switching out my coach propane tank fittings and the regulators (vertical vent) along with a "Extend a stay" fitting.
The tank valves are wheeled valves, can these be replaced by full flow ball valves?
I read that a sudden opening of the valve can "upset"the regulators, will a ball valve open too fast?
I also plan on removing the electric safety solenoid valve and NOT having one. Apparently these safety valves are no longer installed and I could use a few extra inches to work with.
I have Gas thread sealant, would there be a preference to use Gas Teflon tape instead?

I'd stick with the wheeled valve, the propane tank valves are back seating to eliminate the possibility of a leak from the valve stem seal.

I installed a 1/4 turn gas cock on the high pressure side of the regulator so that I can back feed for my generator.  The jury is still out whether or not a single 40# tank will boil enough propane to feed the generator's engine.  I'm waiting for a cold day.

I removed my propane detector.  I'm not an idiot and I shut off every thing if I smell the propane odorant.

I use yellow teflon tape.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: On board propane tank valves

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
I'd stick with the wheeled valve, the propane tank valves are back seating to eliminate the possibility of a leak from the valve stem seal.

I installed a 1/4 turn gas cock on the high pressure side of the regulator so that I can back feed for my generator.  The jury is still out whether or not a single 40# tank will boil enough propane to feed the generator's engine.  I'm waiting for a cold day.

I removed my propane detector.  I'm not an idiot and I shut off every thing if I smell the propane odorant.

I use yellow teflon tape.


Absolutely... the backseating function of the wheel valve is worth highlighting.

Bill
95 36' U295  CAI, build #4757
—>formerly homed in the midwest, now mobile again,
      mid-atlantic for the present.