How to Identify and Replace the Correct Propane Pigtail Hose

[CharlesinGA]

When I had a pull trailer I turned the regulator and tanks around so they were on the tongue "backwards" with the tank valves. hoses and regulator/changeover facing the trailer instead of forward to give the vulnerable components more protection against road debris, etc. Maybe it was just whistling in the wind but it didn't affect the usability - everything was still visible and accessible.

 

[Lou Schneider]

View attachment 2423997

Yeah, the trailer had one of those covers but I ditched it. Made it too hard to check the sight gauge on the changeover switch (I couldn't just glance at it as I walked by) and it was a pain to remove and replace every time I needed to fill a tank.

 

[gwinger]

View attachment 2423997

That was a great cover. But, they no longer make one for dual tanks.
The only one I could find was this one. Doesn't fit as nice.

 

[gwinger]

That was a great cover. But, they no longer make one for dual tanks.
The only one I could find was this one. Doesn't fit as nice.

Yeah, the trailer had one of those covers but I ditched it. Made it too hard to check the sight gauge on the changeover switch (I couldn't just glance at it as I walked by) and it was a pain to remove and replace every time I needed to fill a tank.

Whne I had mine, before the sun destroyed it. I cut a hole just in front of the regulator. Covered it with a piece of plexiglass.
I could see the gauge with no problem. The new one does not have a flat front.

 

[tanglemoose]

Well, we finally after 4 stops went into a propane place here on Globe, AZ and found a pigtail. She had adapters for what we needed. So here is the installed. Think we will go in town and get another one for left. It is also 5 plus years old. They were nice to work with and had 2.89 propane! I like giving little companies business... here are pics...new is pretty green, we turned tank a bit... thanks everyone!

 

[gwinger]

Well, we finally after 4 stops went into a propane place here on Globe, AZ and found a pigtail. She had adapters for what we needed. So here is the installed. Think we will go in town and get another one for left. It is also 5 plus years old. They were nice to work with and had 2.89 propane! I like giving little companies business... here are pics...new is pretty green, we turned tank a bit... thanks everyone!

Glad everything worked out. And no more worries about the cover rubbing the hose.

 

[tanglemoose]

Looking at your pic

View attachment 2423520

You DO NOT have the inverse flare, but rather have the 1/4 male pipe thread, and yes, you need the tape for that.

The 15 inch pigtail will allow you to install the tanks with the fittings facing outward, and use the round hole in the handle for the hold down. That is the way it is usually done.

Charles

Question for you. We ended up with a inversed flare with a male adapter. Do we need tape anywhere? Thanks...

 

[CharlesinGA]

The adapter needs to be thread taped where it screws into the regulator, but not where the pigtail joins the adapter.

 

[tanglemoose]

The adapter needs to be thread taped where it screws into the regulator, but not where the pigtail joins the adapter.

OK, shoot, all I have in rv is white plumbers tape and 30 miles from store, one way...

 

[TonyL]

I hardly ever used ptfe tape on gas pipework, preferring gas paste instead. It's non setting, unlike plumbers paste.

 

[CharlesinGA]

Google AI says this.
Yellow Teflon (PTFE) tape is thicker and denser, specifically designed for gas lines (natural gas, propane). White Teflon tape is thinner, standard-density, and intended for water lines and general plumbing. Yellow tape provides a tighter seal, while white tape may break down under gas exposure

A discussion forum that came up in the search yields the following....
The colors mean something, but the meaning has changed over the years so some info may be old. The CURRENT standard is:

White = single density tape and is ONLY good for small fittings up to 3/8 in. pipe. Most people are unaware of this. "Double Density" tape used to come in white as well, but because that could be used for larger pipes, it was impossible for inspectors to know if the white tape used on 1/2" and larger pipe was in fact double density, so they stopped making it.

Yellow = double density, required for natural gas (methane) piping 1/2" to 2" dia. pipe. In many jurisdictions you MUST use double density tape on gas piping, so inspectors will look for yellow.

Pink = triple density, required for NPT threads 1/2" to 2". Again, most people are unaware of this change and hardware stores rarely sell it for the DIY market, but if you are going to get an inspection, this is what you must use now. This is also good for gasoline and propane lines.

There is also green for medical gasses (oil free tape) and gray / silver for use with stainless steel and aluminum pipe (has anti-seizing compounds embedded in the tape).

Over 2" you must use sealing compounds.

My feeling is that you should go ahead and use what you have. It is all pure teflon, so basically its the thickness

Charles

 

[Rene T]

Make sure when you wrap it, looking at the end of the fitting, wrap it clockwise. This prevents it from unraveling when you screw in the fitting.
Do not put any on the very 1st thread. This is so if you do wrap it and a piece breaks off, it could end up in the regulator.
Only wrap it with 2 1/2 to 3 turns

 

[tanglemoose]

So, we can get some yellow gas tape on sunday.. OK to wait? Or we should put white on tomorrow, Friday, while waiting for our best stop that has Home Depot.. ??? Thanks!

 

[tanglemoose]

I hardly ever used ptfe tape on gas pipework, preferring gas paste instead. It's non setting, unlike plumbers paste.

Home depot has tape and paste.. is this what you were talking about..

 

[TonyL]

Home depot has tape and paste.. is this what you were talking about..

From what i've read it says suitable for natural gas and lpg so that would be fine. No need for tape, smear on threads, assemble and wipe away excess.
ALWAYS test joints with proper leak detection fluid or if none available, a little diluted washing up liquid applied by brush will do.
Pigtails in the UK do not require sealant as they come with a sealing washer.

 

[Edd505]

most propane companies will build what you need. Pulled in they look and made replacement no more issues.

 

[CharlesinGA]

It says on the tube "Formulated for potable water, natural gas and a wide variety of fluids and gasses"

It is suitable but if you have the thread tape on hand, I would not make a 60 mile drive to get the sealant.

Charles