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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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 Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:37 am Post subject: Propex installations - photos please |
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As many of you may know, since I brought the Propex heaters to the US market in 2003, the sales of them has increased greatly, and I now have four vendors selling them in addition to myself. One of the most often-asked questions I get is "where can I get this installed?" There are many individuals who I know have the skills to install them properly, but on the other hand I have seen some very poorly-done installations by supposed reputable shops, including one disastrous installation that was done by one of my vendors (who shall go un-named at this point).
What I would like is to assemble a list of reliable, talented, trustworthy installers who I can send people to around the country wherever the 'installer' question comes up. Please post your recommended installers here, along with a photo or two, and maybe a short description of how well you feel the job was done. Safe, proper installations are what we are striving for. Thanks. |
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j8
Samba Member
Joined: August 13, 2003
Posts: 575
Location: Minneapolis, MN
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| Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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Karl, I LOVE our propex. The RV guy who did our installation - I don't mess with propane - did a fine job with that section, but didn't follow through on the house-end of things. (vent etc) It wasn't according to your site layout and excellent instructions, and I was specific about wanting the exact install on your site. I couldn't recommend him for that reason.
Hope you'll assemble a good group though. It is my fave mod on the van.
-Julia
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Julia
'89 2WD Westy (No end to names...) |
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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:02 pm Post subject: |
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C'mon, I'm going somewhere with this, so puleeeeze post em if ya got em?  |
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madspaniard
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008
Posts: 3795
Location: Alameda, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 10:21 pm Post subject: |
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"floating" over the floor of the bench box with room underneath because intake/exhaust lines go out through the firewall, propane line routed inside the van. Room to the right of propex left for a third big battery to support future solar panel system.
Installed by Earl Mathiesen of Mathiesen Marine Services
Alameda, CA
_________________
1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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chimivee
Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2009
Posts: 741
Location: Orange, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:03 pm Post subject: |
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I'm not an "installer" by any stretch, but could offer a helping hand in exchange for a frosty beverage. My install under the rear bench:
Love this heater. Thanks, Karl!
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-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc |
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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:14 pm Post subject: |
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| madspaniard wrote: |
"floating" over the floor of the bench box with room underneath because intake/exhaust lines go out through the firewall, propane line routed inside the van. Room to the right of propex left for a third big battery to support future solar panel system.
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Any chance of getting a photo or two of the connections on the propane line? I am extremely worried when it comes to propane line connections, which I will reveal more about later in this topic - basically a well-known vendor almost gassed a customer because of their ineptitude in the installation.
There should be no cutting of lines to tee inside the van, unless the tee is firmly mounted on a wall and the connections are flare type. I'm curious how the installer did this one. |
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madspaniard
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008
Posts: 3795
Location: Alameda, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:24 pm Post subject: |
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no tee inside the van, one flared conection just before the line leaves the inside of the van at the bottom of the sink cabinet. Connection is in the air, meaning not secured to a wall or floor. Tested with soapy water for leaks, found a very very slow and teeny leak, tightened the connection and it is gone. CO detector installed inside the van. I will take pics this weekend.
_________________
1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:29 pm Post subject: |
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| chimivee wrote: |
I'm not an "installer" by any stretch, but could offer a helping hand in exchange for a frosty beverage. My install under the rear bench:
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Overall, a very clean install. A couple comments here, however, in hopes you'll take them constructively, as I want every customer to be safe:
I note that this is an EX1800, the first model heater I imported, and we've made some minor changes and offerings since that would 'clean up' my worries here. We now supply a 90-degree gas fitting as standard fitment with each heater. Ideally, in your case the copper line would have been carefully bent/curved where you installed the two lightweight 90-degree ells (this type is designed for plastic tubing). The heater connection area is probably going to leak eventually with the combination of fittings. I can supply a 90 for the heater, then you could run the line directly through the floor and into the fitting. Also, on the supply end of the line, at the regulator, the tee you used is also the lightweight type. It would be safer connection to have added a tee to the regulator and avoid cutting the line. I now sell a 4-way to replace the original tee at the regulator and supply the additional port for the heater supply.
Love the shelf idea! |
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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:31 pm Post subject: |
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| madspaniard wrote: |
| no tee inside the van, one flared connection just before the line leaves the inside of the van at the bottom of the sink cabinet. Connection is in the air, meaning not secured to a wall or floor. Tested with soapy water for leaks, found a very very slow and teeny leak, tightened the connection and it is gone. CO detector installed inside the van. I will take pics this weekend. |
So the fridge line was re-used for the heater supply, I'm thinking? |
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noganav
Samba Member
Joined: January 06, 2006
Posts: 1236
Location: San Diego CA
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:38 pm Post subject: |
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The connection into the Propex itself is a non-flare type. I assume that it's safe?
Some pics of my install can be found in this post. I do have a T mounted securely in the cabinet beside the fridge.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=155324 |
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madspaniard
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008
Posts: 3795
Location: Alameda, CA
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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I got a 12v/110v fridge and re-used the hole in the floor that was for the fridge line to pass the Propex line out to the regulator. Regulator setup is more complicated since I have 2 propane tanks with an autoregulator.
_________________
1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali
Last edited by madspaniard on Fri Jan 08, 2010 12:09 am; edited 1 time in total |
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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2010 11:46 pm Post subject: |
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| noganav wrote: |
The connection into the Propex itself is a non-flare type. I assume that it's safe?
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Yes, the Propex-supplied fittings are a bit different and stronger. Normally a home supply store will only carry the lightweight type meant for plastic tube or thinwall water tubing for ice makers. |
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chimivee
Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2009
Posts: 741
Location: Orange, CA
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| Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 12:22 am Post subject: |
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| westyventures wrote: |
Overall, a very clean install. A couple comments here, however, in hopes you'll take them constructively, as I want every customer to be safe:
I note that this is an EX1800, the first model heater I imported, and we've made some minor changes and offerings since that would 'clean up' my worries here. We now supply a 90-degree gas fitting as standard fitment with each heater. Ideally, in your case the copper line would have been carefully bent/curved where you installed the two lightweight 90-degree ells (this type is designed for plastic tubing). The heater connection area is probably going to leak eventually with the combination of fittings. I can supply a 90 for the heater, then you could run the line directly through the floor and into the fitting. Also, on the supply end of the line, at the regulator, the tee you used is also the lightweight type. It would be safer connection to have added a tee to the regulator and avoid cutting the line. I now sell a 4-way to replace the original tee at the regulator and supply the additional port for the heater supply.
Love the shelf idea! |
Really? Those fittings are not suitable for copper tubing?! I had no idea. What's unnerving is that - I don't remember where - but I'm sure I gathered info from the internet prior to the install. So there's some misinformation floating around out there.
The tee at the regulator was already there from the P.O. (I just replace with a new one).
Anyway, thanks for the feedback - this is very good info to know. I've actually uninstalled the Propex from that van to put it in another, so it will be nice to do it right this next time. Not to take sales away from you, but perhaps you can post the exact type of fittings that should be used.
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-James
86 Syncro Westy, etc |
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madspaniard
Samba Member
Joined: August 18, 2008
Posts: 3795
Location: Alameda, CA
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| Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 12:39 am Post subject: |
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Karl,
a CO detector is more suited for combustion issues, are there propane detectors that could be used inside the van to indicate a leak in a line? I'm thinking about installing the CO detector near the Propex and a propane detector inside the stove/sink cabinet.
Edit: I found this online
LP Gas Detectors are required on RVs . . .
ANSI A119.2 - Fire & Life Safety
3-4.8 LP Gas Detectors
"An LP gas detector must be installed in any RV that contains an LP gas appliance and an electrical system. The LP gas detector must be listed as suitable for use in recreational vehicles under the requirements of UL 1484 Residential Gas Detectors, and be installed according to the terms of its listing.
RVIA Effective Date 9/96, Revised 9/99."
http://www.safe-t-alert.com/re1.htm
_________________
1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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1621
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2006
Posts: 2174
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| Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 2:01 am Post subject: |
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| madspaniard wrote: |
Karl,
a CO detector is more suited for combustion issues, are there propane detectors that could be used inside the van to indicate a leak in a line? I'm thinking about installing the CO detector near the Propex and a propane detector inside the stove/sink cabinet.
Edit: I found this online
LP Gas Detectors are required on RVs . . .
ANSI A119.2 - Fire & Life Safety
3-4.8 LP Gas Detectors
"An LP gas detector must be installed in any RV that contains an LP gas appliance and an electrical system. The LP gas detector must be listed as suitable for use in recreational vehicles under the requirements of UL 1484 Residential Gas Detectors, and be installed according to the terms of its listing.
RVIA Effective Date 9/96, Revised 9/99."
http://www.safe-t-alert.com/re1.htm |
IF you're concerned about leaks, you could use a combination unit CO/LP to limit the number of detectors you're wiring up. Also, per the directions, the location near the floor allows both detectors to operate properly. Sorry for the OT post.
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'85 Westy |
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ftp2leta
Samba Member
Joined: October 11, 2004
Posts: 3271
Location: Montreal
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wildenbeast
Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2008
Posts: 680
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 9:54 am Post subject: |
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My propex was installed by a previous owner. I had the lines re-done by an RV service center near my house last year. I am not sure why they made a loop with the new line but it has worked great so far...
my propex is located directly above the propane tank. the heat outlet points towards the back seat and the vent points toward the sliding door
Bill
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- Bill, '93 Eurovan Syncro Weekender (2.5 manual ACU) |
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ftp2leta
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Joined: October 11, 2004
Posts: 3271
Location: Montreal
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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:14 am Post subject: |
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| chimivee wrote: |
Not to take sales away from you, but perhaps you can post the exact type of fittings that should be used. |
The fitting set I sell comes from www.mcmaster.com:
4-way: 50785K234
1" nipple: 50785K153
90 degree ell: 50915K716
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westyventures
Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2004
Posts: 2306
Location: Oregon Outback
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| Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:17 am Post subject: |
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| ftp2leta wrote: |
If you need more just tel me.
Ben |
Looks good, Ben, except that tee is another of the lightweight tees that don't work so well with the heavier propane tubing. The best connection method is as I posted in the last reply, and doesn't require cutting any lines. |
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