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10-28-2020, 11:50 PM
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#1
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Bronze Member
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Washington
Posts: 48
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LP Fill Adapter?
Hi-
During out first long trip with our Era, we discovered a significant problem with the LP tank - it is mounted such that the fill port is canted downwards at about a 30 degree angle. This made it impossible for the service station we stopped at to get there fill nozzle on it. We ended up having to put all the leveling blocks we had on one side of the vehicle to literally jack it up on that side to the point where he could get the fill nozzle on it. So now I am looking around for some kind of 45 to 90 degree elbow, or simply a short hose with 1.75 inch ACME connectors on either end so that we don't have this problem again. Attached is a picture of the LP fill port. Has anyone else run into this problem and found a solution?
Thanks
dm
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10-29-2020, 01:13 AM
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#2
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: western New York State
Posts: 223
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KitsapEra
Hi-
During out first long trip with our Era, we discovered a significant problem with the LP tank - it is mounted such that the fill port is canted downwards at about a 30 degree angle. This made it impossible for the service station we stopped at to get there fill nozzle on it. We ended up having to put all the leveling blocks we had on one side of the vehicle to literally jack it up on that side to the point where he could get the fill nozzle on it. So now I am looking around for some kind of 45 to 90 degree elbow, or simply a short hose with 1.75 inch ACME connectors on either end so that we don't have this problem again. Attached is a picture of the LP fill port. Has anyone else run into this problem and found a solution?
Thanks
dm
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You could try a "remote propane fill". Do a Google search for that. Here is just one hit I got on that search: https://www.ebay.com/i/180371195154?...QaAp0jEALw_wcB
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10-29-2020, 10:06 AM
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#3
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 8,828
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A portable fill extension adapter is an option: https://www.ebay.com/itm/45-Degree-P...r/171980929641
That's just one example. As it will have liquid propane in the extension when used for filling the tank, a bleeder valve would be a nice addition as it would permit controlled release of what's in the extension. The bleeder valve becomes more important to have with longer extensions (larger volume).
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11-05-2020, 06:07 PM
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#4
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Silver Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: California
Posts: 65
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Similar problem with a PW Lexor. I went to my local propane company and they made me an extension for about $50. Works fantastic, you don't need a bleed valve. When they fill the tank they have a bleed valve that releases the propane from their hose as well as the extension.
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11-05-2020, 06:25 PM
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#5
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 8,828
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Asphalt Addict
Similar problem with a PW Lexor. I went to my local propane company and they made me an extension for about $50. Works fantastic, you don't need a bleed valve. When they fill the tank they have a bleed valve that releases the propane from their hose as well as the extension.
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Is your LP fill extension portable or is it permanently installed?
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11-05-2020, 06:49 PM
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#7
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Herndon, Virginia
Posts: 506
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Frankly, this is sloppy engineering and there is absolutely no excuse for it. The engineering department should have tested the design before releasing it to production and either relocated the tank or had the tank redesigned. At this point the only ethical response on the part of the manufacturer would be to retrofit for units already sold, or failing that, at least provide an adapter to solve the problem.
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11-05-2020, 07:58 PM
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#8
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Silver Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: California
Posts: 65
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markopolo
Is your LP fill extension portable or is it permanently installed?
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Portable. I keep it behind my seat. I usually put it on and take it off and the fill guys love it. It makes their job very easy. It is about a foot long. For my rig it is just a straight piece. Op may need to put an angle on it.
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11-05-2020, 08:33 PM
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#9
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New Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Washington
Posts: 12
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Go to a full service LP gas dealer. They will have what you need. Not just a place that only sells LP gas with no service .... such as a gasoline station.
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11-05-2020, 08:53 PM
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#10
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Brunswick, Canada
Posts: 8,828
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Thanks Asphalt Addict. From this photo:
It looks like any liquid propane between the nozzle & male thread ACME fill extension or the valve on the tank would automatically vent out when the nozzle handle is released so I can see why straight through extensions would automatically vent if using that type fill nozzle. If the extension uses a male thread fill check valve instead of a straight through fitting then there would be liquid propane trapped in the extension between the two valves and that type likely has the bleeder valve.
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11-05-2020, 10:02 PM
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#11
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New Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KitsapEra
Hi-
During out first long trip with our Era, we discovered a significant problem with the LP tank - it is mounted such that the fill port is canted downwards at about a 30 degree angle. This made it impossible for the service station we stopped at to get there fill nozzle on it. We ended up having to put all the leveling blocks we had on one side of the vehicle to literally jack it up on that side to the point where he could get the fill nozzle on it. So now I am looking around for some kind of 45 to 90 degree elbow, or simply a short hose with 1.75 inch ACME connectors on either end so that we don't have this problem again. Attached is a picture of the LP fill port. Has anyone else run into this problem and found a solution?
Thanks
dm
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The fill nozzles on the propane hose come in long and short lengths. The short length nozzle will accommodate the port.
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11-06-2020, 05:30 AM
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#12
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Silver Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Illinois
Posts: 54
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Our Era has the fill connector tilted down as well. 30 degrees may be more than what I would say but at least 20 degrees and probably more. We have filled multiple times at a Ferrelgas, a Menards and once at a McGas in Custer, SD. Only people at the Menards that weren’t familiar with their own equipment have had any problems connecting to the fill port. I suspect part of your problem is lack of experience on the part of the people trying to make the connection. The experienced people do it in a few seconds without comment. Also the LP suppliers tend to be a little less expensive.
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11-07-2020, 05:00 PM
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#13
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New Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: ID - Idaho
Posts: 11
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I can't really tell from the picture but unless that tank is only 6" off the ground there should be no problem getting the LP nozzle on it. I suspect that when you go to a real LP dealer/ store to get your adapter you will be told that the attendant didn't know what they were doing.
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