Perhaps no other system on an expedition vehicle is as wrapped in mystery or inspires as much outright fear as the propane system.
With its inherently explosive nature and its bewildering variety of connectors, it is easy to understand why the typical overlander avoids the design and implementation of a propane system if at all possible.
Once the propane system is designed and installed the challenges do not evaporate. Instead, the overlander who ventures overseas is faced with the daunting task of refilling their propane tank(s) or bottle(s). To refill, they must decipher a highly regulated supply chain and communicate complex concepts and schedules in the local language.
And, if the refilling quest fails, they must do the task on their own, using materials at hand.
All of this adds up to a lot of motivation to avoid a propane system in your expedition vehicle if at all possible. Unfortunately, the alternatives all present significant challenges and/or downsides of their own, so most of us end up with a propane system in our expedition vehicles.
However, all is not lost. Propane need not be a mystery, propane systems need not be arcane, and refilling overseas need not be daunting.
This document attempts to:
- Explain the basics of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG / LP), commonly known in the U.S.A. as propane
- Define the elements of a typical expedition vehicle propane system
- Document the types of materials and connectors used in a typical expedition vehicle propane system
- De-mystify the utilization and refilling of a propane system while overseas
See the entire document here: http://www.hackneys.com/travel/docs/…4xvehicles.pdf
I welcome feedback, improvements and corrections, especially from propane/LPG/LP professionals.