Trying to understand the difference between high pressure and low pressure

JayArras · 07-28-2018, 02:38 PM

Did a search of this forum and just got more confused. Correct me if my following observations are wrong:

Propane tanks, whether they be the 20 - 30 lb tanks on your trailer or the small disposable bottles are considered to be high-pressure.
In order for either to be used for an appliance, they need a regulator.
Most small grills and stoves come with a regulator that attaches to the smaller bottles to convert usage to low pressure.
All camping trailers have regulators at the tanks, converting the gas going into the unit to low pressure.
Therefore, the outside quick connect hoses that are now coming with trailers are low pressure.

Do I have that right so far?

Okay, so I have a Coleman gas grill that comes with the connector below. What do I have to do to connect it to my low pressure hose? Are there specialty connectors for this purpose or will I have to remove the regulator and gerry-rig something? Or ditch the stove and just buy something low pressure ready? Any clarifications would be most appreciated.

Mtelkman · 07-28-2018, 02:55 PM

A quick search would show multiple posts regarding this that might help you. Just modify the Coleman to run on low pressure by removing the regulator. I did this with my Coleman Roadtrip. There are also YouTube videos showing the process.

JayArras · 07-28-2018, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mtelkman

A quick search would show multiple posts regarding this that might help you. Just modify the Coleman to run on low pressure by removing the regulator. I did this with my Coleman Roadtrip. There are also YouTube videos showing the process.

So is it as simple as unscrewing the regulator from the wand and finding a part that will connect it to the quick-connect? Where would one find such a part? Does Coleman sell them?

I also realized that since the regulator functions as the heat setting for the grill, I will need to find a replacement for that too. Not as easy as you make it sound.

Sistahazel · 07-28-2018, 04:13 PM

I ordered this kit and its perfect

JayArras · 07-28-2018, 08:32 PM

Except my grill is not a Roadtrip, it's an Instastart table top model.

rsdata · 07-28-2018, 08:58 PM

It appears to me that you need to cut the long thin tube. Find a hose and a couple of small clamps. You can use the hose and clamps to mend the break if something does not work.

From the hose end find a fitting that will adapt from the hose to one of these...

take the hose and propane end to an ACE hardware store and run through the isle and ask for help to find the correct fitting and a small ball valve for regulation of flame height

Skip12 · 07-28-2018, 10:23 PM

I bought this and it seems to work well so far. I fired it up tonight for a quick test. I'll make breakfast with it in the morning.

Sturgi-Safe Roadtrip RV Conversion Kit (10 Feet) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BN1XFZB..._eltxBbD80BB74

JayArras · 07-29-2018, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip12

I bought this and it seems to work well so far. I fired it up tonight for a quick test. I'll make breakfast with it in the morning.

Sturgi-Safe Roadtrip RV Conversion Kit (10 Feet) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BN1XFZB..._eltxBbD80BB74

Alas, the first sentence of the product description states (in all caps no less):
THIS ADAPTER WILL ONLY WORK ON THE COLEMAN ROADTRIP LXE GRILL. IT WILL NOT WORK ON ANY OTHER TYPE OF COLEMAN STOVE OR GRILL.

@rsdata, I'll have to give your idea a shot. Thanks!

doc73 · 07-29-2018, 08:44 AM

If the regulator is also the flame adjustment part then it is not so easy for you. Otherwise it is a simple process to make a conversion.

You will need to find a way to add a valve for heat adjustment. Maybe by adding a 1/4 turn valve but it would probably make a very crude adjustment.

Ida Ratherbe Camping · 07-29-2018, 09:12 AM

IMO it would be easier and or cheaper just to buy another grill or continue to use the throw away cylinders. By the time you buy the things listed that MIGHT work, plus figuring out how to adjust flame. How many of the cylinder could you buy?

**Flybob** · 07-29-2018, 09:19 AM

Another option is to add a "T" between the 20/30lb tank and your RV regulator and get an extenda-a-hose to connect the grill/stove to the high pressure side of the RV system.

rsdata · 07-29-2018, 09:46 AM

Using Floybob's idea...

just buy this hose and hook to one of your 20 or 30# propane tanks and screw it right to the original burner...

Johnfort · 07-29-2018, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

Another option is to add a "T" between the 20/30lb tank and your RV regulator and get an extenda-a-hose to connect the grill/stove to the high pressure side of the RV system.

Flybob has the right answer. Check amazon or Home Depot for the "T" adapter that will have an additional high pressure fitting. Buy a 10+ foot hose that connects from that high pressure fitting to the regulator for your grill. The grill ending will look just like the fitting on a disposable bottle. Works great. Had one on a previous camper.

You are correct in your understanding and recap of high and low pressure in the LP system.

MR.M · 07-29-2018, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayArras

Did a search of this forum and just got more confused. Correct me if my following observations are wrong:

Propane tanks, whether they be the 20 - 30 lb tanks on your trailer or the small disposable bottles are considered to be high-pressure.
In order for either to be used for an appliance, they need a regulator.
Most small grills and stoves come with a regulator that attaches to the smaller bottles to convert usage to low pressure.
All camping trailers have regulators at the tanks, converting the gas going into the unit to low pressure.
Therefore, the outside quick connect hoses that are now coming with trailers are low pressure.

Do I have that right so far?

Okay, so I have a Coleman gas grill that comes with the connector below. What do I have to do to connect it to my low pressure hose? Are there specialty connectors for this purpose or will I have to remove the regulator and gerry-rig something? Or ditch the stove and just buy something low pressure ready? Any clarifications would be most appreciated.

yes you are correct . if you use the line for the grill on your unit no extra regulator is needed

Johnfort · 07-29-2018, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR.M

yes you are correct . if you use the line for the grill on your unit no extra regulator is needed

Jay, the high pressure regulator on his Coleman is also the temp control, and won't work with the low pressure gas from the grill connector.

CHICKDOE · 07-29-2018, 10:27 AM

it has been mentioned a couple of times above. buy a hose that terminates with a fitting that is the same as the top of a throw away bottle. i bought one at home depot. screw your grill regulator onto this hose fitting and it is the same as having a small bottle attached. you can either unscrew your rv hoses from your rv cylinder and attach the new hose directly to the rv cylinder, or get a tee and put that on the rv cylinder. i had one of those coleman table top grills also.

Johnfort · 07-29-2018, 10:28 AM

Correct!

Oaklevel · 07-29-2018, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flybob

Another option is to add a "T" between the 20/30lb tank and your RV regulator and get an extenda-a-hose to connect the grill/stove to the high pressure side of the RV system.

What he said ...................... Normally two regulators is line will not work properly.

The T is before the campers regulator.

JayArras · 07-29-2018, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnfort

You are correct in your understanding and recap of high and low pressure in the LP system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR.M

yes you are correct . if you use the line for the grill on your unit no extra regulator is needed

Finally! Thank you!

...and thank you all for your suggestions. In the end, given my situation, I think this is the best idea, given that I might use it maybe 5 times a season:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ida Ratherbe Camping

IMO it would be easier and or cheaper just to buy another grill or continue to use the throw away cylinders. By the time you buy the things listed that MIGHT work, plus figuring out how to adjust flame. How many of the cylinder could you buy?

Johnfort · 07-29-2018, 11:28 AM

Jay. This suggested approach will work well, especially if you like your current Coleman. The regulator/temp control looks pretty new.

Down the road, when it's time for a new grill, you have the choice of going high pressure or low pressure. Had both, both worked well. It's nice not to have to mess with the LP bottles, but it's not that big of a deal.

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