How do I choose a propane regulator?

[Stereo]

I've been repairing/renovating/customizing my old second-hand Skamper for 3 years now, largely on the back of all the helpful folk on this forum. I just keep on discovering new things I don't know but should. My latest need for an education revolves around my propane regulator. When I bought the Skamper, it had the old kind of propane bottle. I got a new one and consequently had to buy a new regulator + hose so everything fit together. Not knowing any better, I went to the store-that-shall-not-be-named and bought a regulator out of the grill accessories department. Seemed to work fine.

I've now learned that I should have a 2-stage regulator (by law) and since I often camp at high altitude, it would be best to have an adjustable one so I can drop the pressure. In starting to shop for a new regulator, I'm overwhelmed by the choices. What do I need to know to get an appropriate regulator? Does it matter if it's vertical or horizontal or is the configuration just whatever fits my storage area? I only use one bottle so I don't need auto changeover. Do you have any recommendations?

The connector hose I was using was just what was fixed to the regulator at purchase, a flexible, hard rubber (?) black hose. New regulators don't generally come with a hose it appears. I know that I need a hose that is meant for propane use. Is there anything more specific I should know (other than matching fitting sizes)?

The current barbecue regulator/hose assembly screws to a yellow, corrugated flex hose that then attaches to a larger diameter rigid pipe that then branches into two copper lines that feed my 2-burner stove top and my (currently non-functioning) furnace. Hopefully, all that's kosher. Previous owners did their own fix-ups and based on some of their other work, I don't have much confidence that what they've done is safe/appropriate.

I know that propane is potentially deadly and I'm sure some will say to leave it to authorized technicians, but knowledge is power. I'm capable, just ignorant until educated. (I plumbed and wired my house.) And yes, I do know how to test the connections for leaks.

Thanks for your advice in advance.

 

[shanz3n5]

just up for work and headed out the door, but i am curious to what other with experience will say. Pics are a great tool for us to look at at. If it were me...... I would have make and model and pressure required for each appliance you want to supply with propane. ie... stove, furnace, and fridge etc. Call an RV supply or repair tell them each pressure and total, as u may at times use all appliance simultaneously. There maybe a step down regulator on each appliance (probably). Hence no need for a 2 stage. But if one or any do not i believe you will need a 2 stage. These should be off the shelf. To the rv dealer..."I would like to buy a new regulator for my camper, not sure which type i will need. Im running XYZ appliance that require XYZ pressure. There is / or isnt a step down regulator on each. I am supplying them with a VERTICAL standard propane bottle. Can you assist me the proper purchase of a regulator"? Get there price and part make & model number then shop around if you feel their price is to high. The plumbing is basic but probably does require a certain size feed line to each. If you feel the work is shoty from previous owner, replace it. I would stay away from black or galvanized pipe and use copper or propane supply hose with propane/gas fittings. keep us posted ...

 

[kerry]

Why did you need a new regulator? I thought the new style bottles still had the old style internal threads. Was your original tank a horizontal or vertical tank? I have a horizontal tank from the 90's and it is still legal. It has a fill gauge on it and from what I read, these don't have to swapped over to the new style tank with external threads on the valve assembly.

 

[BillTex]

It's not a bad idea to replace lp regulators as they age. They can (do) seize up. May take a while...but it may happen at a bad time. So you are doing the right thing...for $50 or so...it's a good idea. I have used a couple of different brands over the years. If you buy from a reputable RV parts supplier they will sell you one that is RVIA rated. Some are a little better than others...you get what you pay for.
IOW; if they carry a $30 regulator and a $50 regulator...I would opt for the $50 auto change over and call it a day.

It ain't rocket science...just do your leak check after. Assume you repalce all hoses too? Now is the time...

Bill

This is pretty standard; http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/propane-auto-changeover-two-stage-regulator/24030

 

[Stereo]

Marshall Excelsior's advice

I took shanz3n5's advice (thanks!) one step further and called Marshall Excelsior's tech service. They manufacture regulators. I only gave the tech the btu input of the two small appliances I have or will have, an Atwood 8012-2 furnace (12,000 btu input) and a Suburban 2937AST 2-burner cooktop (6500 btu). He didn't ask about step-down regulators or pressure requirements so I'm assuming that information wasn't needed in my case. The associated literature didn't specify, but I'm guessing neither has a step-down regulator, and I'm pretty sure they're both designed to run at 11 wc, at least at sea level. I don't need an auto changeover 'cause I only have 1 bottle. I also said space was tight.

The tech suggested the Marshall compact 2-stage regulator MEGR-298. http://www.marshallexcelsior.com/sites/default/files/MEGR_861.pdf. It appears to be pretty common at RV supply houses for $25 to $35 online. (I'm trying to check availability locally first, but neither RV place in my vicinity answered their phone during business hours. They are both known for being quite indifferent, even hostile, to their customers providing more incentive to be a do-it-yourselfer) The tech wasn't able to tell me how long the regulator is so we discussed an alternate set-up in case I don't have room in my propane box to screw the fixture directly into the bottle. I wondered about hooking a flex hose directly to the bottle, then attaching the regulator to that. He cautioned me that the first section of hose would have to be rated for up to 250 psi.

The alternative is going to be to thread a POL fitting into the bottle, add an elbow, and then screw on the regulator. He wasn't too worried about where the regulator vent would be pointing since the propane bottle is in an enclosed box. If it were exposed to the weather/rain, it would need to point downward.

The tech also said that you can adjust the pressure on the second stage which, if lowered, might help my appliances work better at high altitude.

Thanks again for your advice everyone.