Bringing old LP system and fridge to life again

[richard5933]

The 'new' bus we're bringing home soon has an LP tank and it appears a 3-way fridge.

I don't yet know the make/model of the fridge, but from the information I've gathered it is a 3-way which was installed in 1974. There is an LP tank system on board which I assume can power the furnace, the fridge, and possibly the hot water heater. This is based on the external venting visible.

So, my question is this...

In general terms, what would be the process for checking the LP system over to ensure that 1) It's safe, 2) It's compatible with current reg's for filling tanks, and 3) That the fridge is not one of the explosive/flame throwing varieties?

I already know to check for visible leaks. That's self evident. What I'm looking for is some general information from someone who has actually brought back to life an older LP system which has not been used for some time. If nothing else, I'd appreciate being pointed to some good resources on the subject.

Our previous coach was electric and diesel only. No LP. I have no experience with LP other than the stuff that comes in small metal bottles.

Other than ensuring that the current tank is firmly closed (or removed if there is a doubt), I wasn't planning to take any action before getting the bus home. My plan till then was to spend some time getting together a game plan and picking up some facts on the subject.

Richard

[Lifes2short4nofun]

In my bus they have it set up to take 2 30 lb bottles, so if that is the case they will tell you when you refill them if they are outdated and needing replaced. 

I manage an RV dealership, and when my guys check LP system they use a manometer do a pressure drop test to see if there is a leak anywhere.  Keep pressure for three minutes. 

When I replaced my fridge recently I debated extensively over switching to residential electric or three way.  My experienced techs told me a lot of the flame issues are due to improper ventilation on the fridges.  They installed a 12 volt power fan to help vent my new fridge.     

[luvrbus]

1st the 1974 fridge will be all manual none of electronics stuff on 1 ,the tank (DOT) if frame mounted requires no new certification like bottles only thing it requires is the OPD valve which if it has been filled in the last 20 some odd years will have it.
Any good propane dealer can test for leaks most charge around 25 bucks ,about the only place they will show a leak is at the regulator from age, if you see oily spots at fittings or on the regulator you have a leak.
On a old system I make sure there is no flame and turn it on for about 1 hr if you have a leak you can smell the Captan they add to propane for smell.
The old systems were about bullet proof the newer stuff is different with the cheap stuff they use now.If the fridge has been sitting a long time it may not work till you drive it for a while and the Ammonia starts to circulate        

[kyle4501]

If it is a 120vac / 12vdc / propane fridge, it will use a LOT of amps at 12vdc. So, if you need to run it on 12vdc, keep a close watch on the batteries. . . .

[luvrbus]

Running on 12v they just cool it will never get down to 40 degrees or less

[richard5933]

Replacing the fridge is high on my list. I like being able to keep things cool without using the batteries, but it sounds like a replacement with a Novakool 12vda/120vac unit.

Richard

[bevans6]

Old LP systems I just assume that nothing is OK, and replace everything.  Iron pipes I might keep, anything rubber is gone. appliances I would probably change out for new.  The only old thing I kept is our fridge, and it I pulled and completely inspected.  Everything else I replaced.

Brian

[kyle4501]

Old LP systems I just assume that nothing is OK, and replace everything.  Iron pipes I might keep, anything rubber is gone. appliances I would probably change out for new.  The only old thing I kept is our fridge, and it I pulled and completely inspected.  Everything else I replaced.

Brian

What goes bad on the heaters & cook top ?

[sledhead]

I like propane for the fridge and cook top and water heater and the Biggest thing the BBQ !

when I installed the 3 way fridge on the mci I used a 2nd outside vent up high above the regular vent on the outside at the fridge so you could clean out the chimney every year 

I found if you use the fridge on propane it would always keep it colder and when not on the pole and not using the genne it never used much propane

never liked the idea of having the genne running all the time when traveling and hated the guys that would run it ( genne ) all night

if propane is done right and kept up it is a good use of power

dave

[TomC]

I don't like 3 way fridges. I have a 9cu/ft Nova Kool and am pleased with it. Has bottom compressor and vents out the front-so you can plug up both the wall and roof vents. Good Luck, TomC

[luvrbus]

I never have a problem with a propane fridge the 12 v option on 1 is not good,people are using the house type more everyday due to the cost of propane fridges 200 bucks vs the 1000 bucks for propane fridges.
I am like
Dave though I do not like to camp close to people running the generator 5 or 6 hrs a day to keep their battery bank charged to run the house type lol Quartszite is a good example.If you are looking for a good DC fridge buy a Sunfrost   

[TomC]

Sunfrost makes thee most efficient refrigerator/freezers. The main problem though, unless you build the bus to accept them, they are all 34.5" wide and 27.75" deep-and really expensive.
If you want an apartment sized refrigerator, Summit refrigerators have many sizes closer to what will fit in the bus. Good Luck, TomC

[windtrader]

My comments are related the 3-way Norcold frig. The manual states not to use the DC except for some temporary use, like while travelling to next destination. AC works fine on shore. Propane is the choice for boondock mode. A 5 gallon tank runs the frig for two weeks. It is a bit of pain to switch tanks then have to refill them.

Far more convenient is solar which is being planned now and going to run the frig on AC all the time. If solar system is sized properly, energy to frig will be free and convenient.

[sledhead]

when it is hot out I found that the propane would keep the fridge colder then on electric

dave

[bevans6]

What goes bad on the heaters & cook top ?

What I saw was corrosion at the burners, and any plated steel parts, furnace cracking of the heat chamber, ditto water heater.  Just normal age related stuff, same as you need to get old propane/oil burner furnaces inspected for corrosion and cracking.  The main byproduct of the flame is water vapor, after all.  We are talking a 1974 install, 45 years old...