Does Running High Pressure Propane Over Long Distances Cause Oil Buildup?

Updated 06/07/2018 | Published 06/05/2018

Question:

I want to connect my portable propane grill with built-in 11 WC regulator to the 30 pound tank on my travel trailer by running a hose directly from the tank since I dont have a low pressure line/port on the trailer. Ive read that an oily buildup will result in the hose and grill regulator if you try to run high pressure propane over too long of a distance. So, my question is ... If I want to avoid the oil buildup in the line, what is the maximum length of hose that can be used to run between a 30 pound tank and portable grill?

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

I reached out to a representative of MB Sturgis, one of our propane vendors, to clarify if an oily build-up will occur if you run high pressure propane over too long of a distance.

He kindly replied that this is a situation that will only occur if you use a poor-quality plastic hose connected to a propane cylinder for weeks or months and explained, "when a plastic hose is pressurized for a long period of time, the plasticizers that keep the hose flexible will leech out of the wall of the hose into the inner tube in the form of an oil and will sit inside the hose tube."

So your hose only needs to be disconnected when you are doing camping for the weekend or week and the oil build-up you are referring to will not occur.

I've added a link to our selection of propane hoses for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S