I've been exposed to RV's since my parents got their first one in 1978. They
owned three and I am already on my third one. I have also worked on a number
of them over the years. In general the propane is plumbed the same as the
methods are governed under NFPA and RVIA and the materials need to be UL
listed for the application.

From the tank, if single and mounted the regulator is usually on the tank
and a hose will connect to a 1/2" or 3/4" black pipe manifold for
distribution. Connections to each appliance is dome with copper tube, always
using flare fittings, never compression except for some specialties and they
will be listed for propane or gas use. My current RV has a slide out room
with the stove and refrigerator moving with the room. The flexible hose is
in the "basement" and has a bonding wire attached at both ends.

For RV's with dual removable tanks there are usually hoses from each tank to
a "changeover" valve or valve regulator combination. The change over valve
system includes checks so the gas cannot flow from one thank to the other.
Many have the provision the switch over automatically and have an indicator
to let you know tank is in use. This also allows for the empty to be
disconnected for refill without interrupting service.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Robert Stevens
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2012 6:28 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Propane Pipelines

On May 4, 2012, at 3:51 PM, Bill Witz wrote:

> A QUESTION- When I installed my new propane tank i had to cut the
> copper lines in order to mate with new tank. I was in a hurry and I
> used hose for the output to stove and refer. No leaks but I am wondering
about static danger.
> So far my westy has not gone up in smoke. Please advise.

Bill, a lot of RV's use gas "hose" rather than copper tubing for propane.
I have some hose I'm going to be using to connect my 2 tanks, with brass
fittings, etc. The hoses were put together by a very good shop where I live
so I'm sure there is not risk there. Since it is an "outside"
run of hose, perhaps the rish of rupture is higher from road debris damage.
Be sure that any place the hose runs through a metal sheet/wall, that you
have a good rubber grommet fitting.

bob