Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Maintenance and Repair
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 09-19-2018, 07:44 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 31K
State: Florida
Posts: 145
THOR #3520
Auxiliary Propane

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I did not find it. I'm in Montana, it is getting colder and it is a couple of weeks before I can hit the road home and get propane enroute. I'm wondering if it is possible to use a portable grill sized propane tank and transfer into my built-in tank. Just trying to keep from having to pack up, unhook, drive to town and then set back up for just a couple more weeks.
I'm thinking two grill type connector hoses between the portable and my RV then hold the portable upside down to transfer. But if the pressures are near equal, will it flow?
Chuckles in Glacier NP

__________________
CasaLoca is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2018, 07:54 PM   #2
Site Team
 
16ACE27's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,122
THOR #7035
3 Words:

Extend-A-Stay

https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Connect...ane%2Bkit&th=1
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
16ACE27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2018, 08:26 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
I bought that and love it...use it with 30# bottles when stored at the house...make sure to do the leak test...and I really mean this. Everyone that has bought this has had a leak they had to go back and correct. Something quirky about it...but do the soapy water leak test. did I mention that before?
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-19-2018, 09:51 PM   #4
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tfryman View Post
I always wondered about this sort of thing: thanks!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2018, 01:34 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Tennessee
Posts: 297
THOR #7227
Were we not just talking about spending money on our rigs? Oh well another item on the ever expanding wish list.
__________________
JamJanTan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2018, 01:48 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
This one is a great investment. I do not winterize so I leave furnace going and place electric heaters inside for the very few "below freezing" days we have. Using the 30# bottles is easy and keeps from having to go fill the coach tank.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2018, 01:57 PM   #7
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamJanTan View Post
Were we not just talking about spending money on our rigs? Oh well another item on the ever expanding wish list.
Put it on your "Christmas Wish-List": perhaps Santa will help you out!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2018, 02:01 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
With an RV Santa works 24/7, 365. He shows up at my door weekly.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2018, 10:44 PM   #9
Member
 
Brad2018's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 26HE
State: Alabama
Posts: 80
THOR #12744
I completed this mod a few weeks ago. The only fitting that had a leak is the one that is tightened by the manufacturer. A socket will fit over the end. I had to break it loose because they applied a small amount of locktite but didn't actually tighten down enough. With all the complaints about leaks... I recommend doing it before installing it on the tank.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Screen Shot 2018-09-21 at 5.39.26 PM.png
Views:	122
Size:	412.6 KB
ID:	12986  
__________________
Brad2018 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-21-2018, 10:57 PM   #10
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
With an RV Santa works 24/7, 365. He shows up at my door weekly.
Mine too!
It turns out that he drives a UPS Truck!
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2018, 01:21 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
They recommend NOT using locktite or tape
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2018, 08:28 PM   #12
gmc
Senior Member
 
gmc's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 32A
State: Florida
Posts: 1,873
THOR #2829
Just to be clear - the Extend-A-Stay, and devices like it, allow you to RUN your RV off the auxiliary propane bottle. they do NOT allow you to transfer propane from portable bottle to on board bottle. Nothing I know of will do that. The portable bottles are designed so propane in liquid form cannot exit. Inverting the bottle will trip the safety mechanisms and stop the flow.


I use the Extend-A-Stay - works very well to both allow running off an aux bottle, or to use a high pressure grill off the existing RV tank.
Got it initially to run the grill - but after paying for 'onsite delivery' of propane once during an extended stay, started carrying an empty bottle on the longer trips - and had occasion to fill locally and use.
__________________
Greg
Not yet retired...
Florida (Michigan transplant)
2014 Hurricane 32A
2000 Infinity (previous)
gmc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2018, 09:44 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29M
State: Texas
Posts: 2,672
THOR #11781
Go to your local propane shop and have them make you one of these. The big end hooks to the fill nozzle of the coach's tank and the little end goes to the portable bottle. You can have the hose as long as you like. You don't have to tap into your RV's propane system and if you buy a new coach, this one goes with you. The cost is minimal, mine cost $30.00 three or four years ago.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Hose.jpg
Views:	107
Size:	33.6 KB
ID:	13045  
__________________
Lt Keefer
2018 Hurricane 29M
CHF, Saf-T-Plus, SumoSprings
Lt Keefer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-24-2018, 10:09 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
The Gritz Carlton's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: THOR Chateua 35SF
State: Florida
Posts: 5,850
THOR #11130
Never seen the likes of such!! Does this allow propane to go into the house tank and thus, supply the house needs from a 20 or 30# bottle? Pls send a close up of both ends...I'm heading there tomorrow if this is what I think.
__________________
Now an SOB
Traded Thor for Melbourne Prestige 24NP
2018 THOR Chateau 35SF
Two Labs, Bugsie & Blondie
Blondie passed in 2020 at 5 to Leukemia
The Gritz Carlton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-25-2018, 12:07 AM   #15
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 29M
State: Texas
Posts: 2,672
THOR #11781
"Vapor" flows from the portable bottle to the coach tank and system. No "fluid" is transferred. I was going to order one of those Camco things and asked my buddy at the propane store if he would inspect my work after I was done. He said no, but that he would hook me up with something cheaper. The left hand fitting screws onto the coach tank. Right hand fitting propane bottle. Make sure propane bottle is closed before hooking up.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Hose closeup.jpg
Views:	94
Size:	36.2 KB
ID:	13046  
__________________
Lt Keefer
2018 Hurricane 29M
CHF, Saf-T-Plus, SumoSprings
Lt Keefer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-29-2018, 07:25 PM   #16
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Colorado
Posts: 17
THOR #13002
I was also initially looking for ways to fuel up my internal propane tank and was looking at hoses, examing available connectors, figuring out how to fill it, balancing pressure out, elevating the other tank, and I realized that it was turning into an overcomplicated mess that may not have been reliable.

My conclusion, after much gnashing, was to have the dealer install a propane tee prior to my regulator. I can then utilize a quick connect hose running between portable or stationary tank and the tee for long-term stays without worrying about messing with my internal propane tank at all.

I will run the internal tank to empty and simply close the valve when I'm done with it. I then connect a 20 or 30 lbs portable tank (or larger if staying a while) to the tee and leverage that external source(s) until it is time to go or swap portable tanks or whatever. I'll fuel up the onboard tank prior to driving to my destination or just starting to leave from where I stayed in case I need to run the fridge to keep my leftovers cool. I'll probably have some ice packs with me in case I can't find a local propane filling station.

I went this route due to space constraints in my setup between valve and regulator causing the need to create a somewhat custom solution. I wanted it all done and tested properly the first time (if I mess up propane fittings there may not be a second chance to get it right ). I also selected this as the logical choice for me because it offers me more flexibility when it comes to both heating and power generation needs.

I am looking at external propane/dual fuel generators as a backup to onboard generation when I venture out on BLM land but most of my winter camping will involve having 30 amp power where I stay and using my onboard generator as a backup to that.

I hope that sharing some of my thought processes helped you out.
__________________
m@tt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-29-2018, 11:04 PM   #17
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Palazzo
State: Florida
Posts: 32
THOR #7569
Why do you not just take the RV tank in? They aren’t hard to take out and reinstall.
__________________
vmyoung61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2018, 12:21 AM   #18
Site Team
 
16ACE27's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: ACE 27.1
State: Florida
Posts: 14,122
THOR #7035
Quote:
Originally Posted by vmyoung61 View Post
Why do you not just take the RV tank in? They aren’t hard to take out and reinstall.
Because they aren't PORTABLE TANKS?
__________________
Ted & Melinda
2016 ACE 27.1
2016 Chevy Sonic Toad - Selling
2020 Chevy Colorado Z71 Trail Runner Toad
2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS - Soon 2B TOAD
16ACE27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-30-2018, 12:26 AM   #19
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Palazzo
State: Florida
Posts: 32
THOR #7569
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tfryman View Post
Because they aren't PORTABLE TANKS?
😂 OMG! I’m a member of another forum for fifth-wheels. I thought that was the one I was on. 😂 Guess I should pay better attention.
__________________
vmyoung61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-02-2018, 01:52 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
Cason61's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 34F
State: Oklahoma
Posts: 628
THOR #8432
Quote:
Originally Posted by vmyoung61 View Post
[emoji23] OMG! I’m a member of another forum for fifth-wheels. I thought that was the one I was on. [emoji23] Guess I should pay better attention.
Umm. Those Little electric heaters (750/ 1500watts) you can get for about 20 bucks might work. The little propane small heater, about 40 bucks and if worse comes to worse, the Coleman lanterns also put out heat. Oh yeah, for the lanterns? Those handles can get hot if you use them for hangers. You'll do that one time and no more.
__________________
Cason61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 10:04 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2