Adding quick connect LP port

[Bangback]

On our Freedom Express 257BHS, there is an available port on the LP control manifold (upper left connector in picture) that is stated as "LP Port for Gas Grill hookup" in the Coachmen Freedom Express brochure.

Is there a kit that can convert this connector to a quick connect port? Also, this manifold is underneath the trailer in a bad spot, so if there's a hose to extend the quick connect port to the side of the trailer, it would make it much easier to use.

Ultimately, I'd like to use it with the Coleman grill they included with the unit. The grill takes the small propane bottles and is a small standalone unit that is not connected to the outdoor kitchen or slideout tray on this model.

Thanks.

[bitNine]

I've had this same idea in my head for quite some time, but haven't looked into the difficulty of it. Now I'll have to go look for a manifold somewhere.

What about this? You'd need a male-male adapter: quick connector

[Bangback]

Originally Posted by bitNine

I've had this same idea in my head for quite some time, but haven't looked into the difficulty of it. Now I'll have to go look for a manifold somewhere.

What about this? You'd need a male-male adapter: quick connector

That could work, but that would place the quick connect port underneath my trailer towards the middle. Maybe a female 1/4" connector to a hose, then the hose to a male 1/4" connector, then the quick connect?

[bitNine]

Originally Posted by Bangback

That could work, but that would place the quick connect port underneath my trailer towards the middle. Maybe a female 1/4" connector to a hose, then the hose to a male 1/4" connector, then the quick connect?

I looked a bit for a female connector, but didn't see anything right away. However, a male-male hose in place of a male-male adapter would be another good way.

[nomad297]

That looks like a flared adapter to me. If I am right, you would need to run Type "L" soft copper from there to your termination where you would use another flared adapter to connect to your quick connect fitting.

Bruce

[Bangback]

Originally Posted by bitNine

I looked a bit for a female connector, but didn't see anything right away. However, a male-male hose in place of a male-male adapter would be another good way.

Right. They probably have gender changers at the local Lowe's or Home Depot? Just get the right adapters, the hose, and the link for your quick connect, and maybe some hose support clamps with some screws?

[Bangback]

Originally Posted by nomad297

That looks like a flared adapter to me. If I am right, you would need to run Type "L" soft copper from there to your termination where you would use another flared adapter to connect to your quick connect fitting.

Bruce

Hi Bruce,

So maybe another hose wouldn't work then? I'm asking because I see 4 other hoses coming off of the manifold. Maybe its only the connector that's capped that's flared?

[Bangback]

Originally Posted by nomad297

That looks like a flared adapter to me. If I am right, you would need to run Type "L" soft copper from there to your termination where you would use another flared adapter to connect to your quick connect fitting.

Bruce

I think the flare that you see is just the top of the cap that they used to terminate that port? It's not currently hooked up to anything. Here's a better picture:

[Bangback]

Originally Posted by Bangback

I think the flare that you see is just the top of the cap that they used to terminate that port? It's not currently hooked up to anything. Here's a better picture:

Or if the cap is actually covering a flared portion of the connector, could i unscrew the entire flared portion and place a new male connector into the body of the manifold itself? It looks like you could turn the bottom part of that flared connector and entirely take it out of the manifold?

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by Bangback

Or if the cap is actually covering a flared portion of the connector, could i unscrew the entire flared portion and place a new male connector into the body of the manifold itself? It looks like you could turn the bottom part of that flared connector and entirely take it out of the manifold?

The threads under that cap are not NPT, but the threads on the bottom, where it screws into the manifold will be NPT. You could remove the flare adapter and use whatever you feel safe with that has NPT threads.

Bruce

[nomad297]

Take the cap off and take another picture and post it and I will tell you for sure what it is.

Bruce

[Bangback]

Originally Posted by nomad297

The threads under that cap are not NPT, but the threads on the bottom, where it screws into the manifold will be NPT. You could remove the flare adapter and use whatever you feel safe with that has NPT threads.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce. Any idea what the red compound they use on the threads is? Would I need to apply more? Or could I use the teflon tape made for gas?

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by Bangback

Thanks Bruce. Any idea what the red compound they use on the threads is? Would I need to apply more? Or could I use the teflon tape made for gas?

Teflon tape is not such a good idea because people tend to wrap it incorrectly or use too much and tiny strands can let loose into your gas line. I would use Rectorseal No.5 pipe dope.

Bruce

[DreiHunde]

I agree that if you take the cap off you may find a flare fitting. The manifold on mine just had a plug,, so I removed it and bought a 5' hose along and a QD shutoff. Then I was able to run the hose out to the side of my camper where I wanted it. They sell the hoses in various lengths so I'm sure you can find one to get it where you want.

[5picker]

RectorSeal No.5... good stuff... as is their BLUE+.
Highly recommended.

[Bangback]

Originally Posted by 5picker

RectorSeal No.5... good stuff... as is their BLUE+.
Highly recommended.

Thanks everyone. When I get a chance to climb back underneath and take it off, I'll post more pictures.

[rockfordroo]

Here's an 8 ft hose:

RV connection hose

Here's a 12 ft hose:

12' Quick Connect Propane Assembly Hose - Mr. Heater F271117 - Propane Hoses and Adapters - Camping World

Just google RV gas hose for more.

[hbillsmith]

I went thru this process trying to run my WeberQ 1200 off my previous TT on board gas line. Got all the right parts, saw a youtube on how to set it up,and everything worked perfect. After a few trips we just went back to the little green bottles. Its so much more convenient to be able to just put the little grill where ever you want, like a group pavillion or on the beach etc. Basically the hose was more trouble than it was worth to me. Im sure there are many who feel the opposite.

[DRiveWell]

If your manifold is connected through a regulator at the propane tank and you plan on connecting the grill through its small tank attachment point, this will not work properly. You will be regulating the tank pressure twice which will not allow sufficient fuel to the grill. I would attach directly to the propane tank with a high pressure hose and then into the small tank attachment point on the grill (or conversely, eliminate the regulator on the grill).

[gasman6674]

If that manifold is after the change over regulator it is low pressure (11"wc/6.35oz)
If your coleman grill uses throw away bottles it might be high pressure. If the temp control is on the "regulator" the bottle connects to its high pressure. If you have flame/temp controls on the front of the grill it might be low pressure. As for the manifold you should be able to remove the flare cap and add a flare extension hose or soft copper line to where you want the quick connect. Be sure to leak check your work with soapy water after you are done. There are a bunch of threads on here on adding quick disconnects and modifying grills you can review if you like. I was able to purchase a low pressure grill from home depot for mine and it works great, Lowes also carries one. Good luck