We know that these Van Build Tech vids aren't everyone's cup of tea but we also know that these will help a lot of people get out on their own adventures, so we're sharing what we learnt to help the van life community. *We'll continue with our Around The World Travel Series VERY soon, thanks for your patience.* Learn more about Van Life - kombilife.com/van-life
Different tapes for propane fittings. Check with your local gas guys. States its white for water and green tape for gases like propane and CO2's, Nitro ect. The tape has different properties for gas.
As an FYI, I'm no techie, know nothing about cars, motors etc., but I still find these videos fascinating to see what all you have to do to get Boomerang ready. Happy travels!
I’m gonna watch this, I swear. I’m overwhelmed by the concept of designing, buying, and installing FIRE. 🔥 Thank you for always being so thorough with the installs, products and your good humor. 🌿✨
You guys continue to blow me away with your skill set and practical approach to everything. The video editing is great. Your English is great. Keep Going. The TOYBUS is coming togethre. We mounted the engine today. New front shocks, calipers, rotors, bearings, brakes and bushing tomorrow. its all coming together. propane can methane rules!!!!!!!!
LPG is surprisingly safe. You guys are taking all the right precautions and it will pay off in peace of mind. I spent years with a 5gal tank inside a home built wooden locker. Worked well, never leaked, always closed the tank before driving.
I second that. You are correct. Flare fittings don't use anything. For the use of Teflon tape on npt or straight thread, the regulations can vary from one country to another. In the US there is a gas rated yellow Teflon tape. Australia might be different.
He sells propane and propane acccesories doesnt he? Best time he said it was driving his dads cadillac and beating the crap out of a pimp over a hooker dispute without even knowing. " Im not a pimp, I sell propane and propane accessories" Oblivious to the meaning of propane in the bdsm circles :p
you guys are courageous to attempt to live in a van!!! I wish i have the nerves to leave everything behind and live peacefully in a van... through jungle and desert !!! good job :)
I just converted my Vanagon (Milo) to use the small propane cylinders. Getting the larger underbelly tank is my next toy to save up for. I really dig your setup. Thanks for sharing.
4:18 I’ve done 300k+ miles hauling 9k gal propane and other Hazmat gases in a propane assisted semi truck all over the US and Canada. Safety is in the engineering, if it’s built for the road your just fine. You’d be amazed at the beating those tanks can take.
The beginning of this searies is similar to me trying to leave the house on a Saturday morning to go out with the wife, I always need to wait an hour before she`s ready to go.
Nice job, you and Leah are great partners! Go westy's tank will be the replacement for my 1977 camper origional. A bit expensive, there are suppliers for a propex heater too. Or I use an Olympian Wave 3 catalitic for now. Your build is coming along nicely. ✌
Not tempted to install a Webasto? Running on the main fuel tank and a drier heat than burning propane. More pricey though. Installing the propex outside would resolve that issue
@@KombiLife A Propex is a forced air heater with totally separate combustion from blown air. It works on the same principle as the Webasto other than fuel source. Propane burns far cleaner.
I would think about adding some sort of skid plate below the propane tank, just in case. You never know how many times you may misjudge a rut or pothole an end up snagging the tank.
When I was a kid I helped my dad replumb the gas system in our mobile home. Dad also used flare fittings everywhere. I remember a couple times when he forgot to put the nut on before flaring the tubing. It's part of being human. That tank is hanging pretty low. It will get hit and be dented on your trip.
I did some of my own gas work on my bus in Australia and it's actually fine.. you just HAVE to get it certified by a pro after, so yeah a checkbox exercise (oh and some cash 😂) 😎 👍
For all your threaded gas fittings you must use yellow GAS teflon tape . It is much thicker and formulated to prevent gas from seeping thru the tape it's self.White teflon is for water applications only. CHEERS Steve h.
I must say I love your guy's build been following this journey since it started personally I would have added a single induction cooktop for those sunny days also I think it would be a good idea to put something around your tank to protect it from getting punctured cheers!
I'm not an expert on lpg. And it maybe different and your country than the US. But I have been informed by others that the use of flexible gas line should be very limited and only used when absolutely needed to connect a few feet at the most usually in a protected environment. I would expect that it has something to do with the flexible line like shown on your build being less durable because of its ability to flex and susceptible 2 outside intrusions such as Road debris. I know that the US RV manufacturers use very thick LPG rubber lines secured to the frames of the RV or even hard iron gas pipe. From those Main pipes they then use a short flexible line to the Appliance they are trying to feed. I only mention this as it seems that at least 10 times a year in the u.s. we hear about RVs Catching Fire. Thanks for sharing your build. :-)
In the US all RVs have the gas detector near the floor. I just added one to a 40 year old trailer and 2 days later it went off. I found I forgot to turn the pilot in the oven off, went and got propane which let the pilot to go off then when the gas was turned on there was no pilot flame. It worked just as it was suppose to, it sensed the gas though I couldn't smell it.
You should add a light to the dashboard and also the area where you sleep that would lit on when the solenoid has power so you would know without checking everything if you shut down the gas or not.
Electricians and Plumbers are Licensed trades in Australia. Many cars run on LPG / Unleaded. Your best bet is to get a road worthy certificate once you're here! It might pay to get it certified by British Standards. As far as Standards go, the law states that they meet the safety minimum or above!! I hope this helps!
LPG is pretty safe when done properly. I think all states here have laws covering correct installation by authorised fitters so expect it to be checked here before you can use it. Some taxis in Victoria blew up years ago because kits were being fitted to engines years ago without inspection. Every taxi in Australia until recently ran on lpg.
What a hench gas tank, just create a way to harness bens gas and you’ll be set for ever 😂 great video guys, this is a great format and reminds my of the old mighty car mods episodes (an Aussie TH-cam series) love the information and the delivery 👍👍
be advised while the propane solenoid is a good safety feature, it is a BIG battery drain as it's drawing power whenever you are using propane. Be sure to shut it off when not using to conserve your batteries...
One of the advantages of doing things your self, is you have the time to put the love in and do it to a higher standard than if you were paying someone 'who is on the clock'. How are you going to get Australian certification before being in Australia? You need to make friends with an Aussie Gas plumber and meet them in your travels.
@@KombiLife, not what is shown in the video though (11:50).... Also, the threaded fittings you had issues with - are you sure they are tapered threads rather than parallel? Seeing how far you have managed to screw them together would indicate that they are parallel and should be sealed with a gasket instead.
We got endless cups of tea from 12v kettle boiling from the alternator and holding boiled water the whole day in a thermos. We still carry small gas canisters and use no more than a kilo in 3-4 months.
How do you get started with this? I would love to save up some money, buy a van or something I can convert into a mobile home, and hit the road. I want to travel the world and fulfill my wonderlust, and honestly don't need much to do it. I want to see, experience. I love my job, but I just hate being apart of the system and there are really are days when it feels like the only reason I'm in it so I have the money to travel.
Hey Marcie, we have a bunch of info to help people get into van life and nomadic living, including making money on the road. Kombi life.com/van-life/ Also our book has everything you need to know to get started into this lifestyle. Https://Kombilife.com/van-life-book/
In my experience, Teflon tape is pure garbage. I do not recall making a joint that would not leak on first try ever. I moved to Teflon THREAD (also called "sealer in thread") instead, and boy isn't it marvelous. I have never had a leak since. And it is certified for pretty much all types of threaded connections - gas, water, heating, whatever. I was just wondering, have you considered - even briefly - having an induction stove top? I believe there are ways to power those even from low voltage system. Would probably need larger battery bank, but might eventually turn out to pay for itself (no cost for refuelling and no hassle looking for a station). I guess it makes sense for you to still use LPG cause you have the shower as well and it would not be really possible to power both stove and shower from batteries. But I am still curious if you thought about that at all? And I would not trust the gas detector too much. Yes, it will detect sleeping gas. But once it sounds the alarm, you will be under the influence of the sleeping gas already, in most cases. Alaska may turn out to be a better deterrent (as dogs usually figure out when someone acts suspicious around you and start barking). But most importantly, if sleeping in a risky spot (like a stop along some motorway, a gas station, or some other location like that) its best to just mechanically block all the doors from the inside. That is how truck drivers solve the issue, they basically tie both door handles together tightly with a rope, making it impossible to open from the outside.
Would really recomend installing a webasto/eberspacher diesel or petrol heater (maybe option to connect to electrical grid) for your van having a varm camper in winter without having to turn on the main engine would be invaluable in coldest months i think!
We ran an a T splitter to the gas over/stove and Aus certified gas hose (about 2 meters long) to copper pipe to gas on/off to gas heater, and the gas bottle is in the cupboard with no box yet. I think we need to upgrade… ? At least with the gas box with a bottom exit.
White or 'water' teflon tape is never to be used on propane fittings, nor should it be applied on any flare fitting - only yellow propane tape and only on tapered pipe threads. The regulator already has a POL - which, if the reg gets broken off, shuts off the flow. And on the subject of regulator - get rid of that POS Cavagna regulator now, replace with one that's not going to fail within a year - or less. I've binned over ten of those crap regulators from customer vans this year alone. Marshall (US) or another regulator like those sold by Propex Leisure in UK are far and away better. BTW, flared aka 'stretched' copper joints are no more superior than proper compression fittings which are the industry standard in many parts of the world. The lines are running less than a half psi. YorLok or Parker double-compression fittings beat flares in every way.
Thanks for another great video. I really enjoyed it. I'm fascinated by all this technical stuff. I'm bummed/concerned that that external propane tank is slung so low under the Kombi. Please take it easy over rough terrain. Wishing you well, and Safe Travels! Onward
If you haven't already installed one. I would get a carbon monoxide alarm, just in case. And of course fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout the van for added insurance. 😁
I see so many self builds that have gas onboard yet don't have gas drops and for the sake of pretty much just drilling a hole in the floor it's madness.
I would argue for a single-ring induction plate in lieu of gas. Should be able to find one that will run off a 1500 watt inverter from a half-decent lithium band topped up from solar PV. You probably use it for less than 10 mins at a time which is equivalent to a 250w/hr draw. And maybe a small microwave - again
Watching while wearing (by accident) my Kombi Life tee shirt (Capito)lol Propane should be fine and dangerous noxious gas ohh err missies lol smells like cabbage the gas not a fart on purpose for order detection!Greetings to you three!!
Propane at high altitudes usually means in the cold. Propane remains liquid and refuses to become gas up to some 40f, 5c, (at sea level; lower air pressure will help you at heights but not much) and the usual equipment is meant for gas not liquid. So you can expect your external propane tank to "be empty" by the time it reaches zero centigrade. There are ways to heat it, insulate it, or set up a liquid system, but you'll really need to scrap your setup for cold weather use. You may also find that vehicles with propane are banned from some bridges and tunnels, as they are in the US.
When working on the system when you have fuel onboard, using a brass or aluminum wrench is safer than a wrench out of metal capable of creating a spark...
Wait a minute, that last part where you were showing a fitting that was leaking, Please tell me that is for your water and not a fitting you are using for propane ???
Don't forget some vehicle insurer's insist on knowing that you have gas installed and will require seeing an instalation and safety crtificate before you get cover which meansa professional certifide instalation firm and engineer has to inspect it before issuing the certificate also unless changed some countries used to insist on seeing the same certificate's signed by an engineer. Still wondering about your change of direction Morroco instead of europe, possibly a Syncro or 4x4 wouls have been a better choice of vehicle as roads are a lot less forgiving for your camper.
Guys.....I would seriously consider stone/gravel protection for your gas set up....not a lot of ground clearance there....Outback Australian roads can be brutal..... and nip up all those fittings occasionally ,especially after enduring 500ks of corrugated dirt road.
Yes, but what if a giant beaver comes out of the woods in the middle of the night and trips over a stray twig and accidentally falls onto a spanner you may have inadvertently left out and the spanner some how flips up and amazingly attaches itself to to one of the gas joints loosening it slightly but not enough to notice and as the giant beaver runs away it's spotted by a half man half Wolf who throws a stone at it which bounces off your metal bumper causing a spark and small flame ignites melting your melting your satnav which you may not have put away properly and you get lost and drive into a tree.... Have you thought about that??? Everyone's an expert...
i think induction stove consumes to much power for campervan. Typical instalation has around 200-500W. Even if u have 500W panels and full Sun, stove has like 4000W.
@@OskarCwiekaa there are lots of 12v appliances that consume under 100W and pretty good ones we tested in years of vanlife. Still puzzled why people would bother with propane tanks in a van. Better to get a decent lithium battery for that weight.
@@OskarCwiekaa there is 1.8kw stove & 2Kwh Lithium ion battery. i remember capito have battery and solar panel from jehu garcia when kombi crew visit california, in jehu new video he make 2kwh briefcase battery to charge a tesla,also we can charge it using electricity from power outlet. but it might be too expesinve for now.
it's a good point and we're glad you brought it up. We mount our shower on the GoWesty swing-away bumper system when in use. It only lives inside under storage.
As an Australian, I can honestly say that I have NEVER heard anyone say "The safest way possible, The Australian Way!" About anything! (Maybe the danger is actually me!?)
We know that these Van Build Tech vids aren't everyone's cup of tea but we also know that these will help a lot of people get out on their own adventures, so we're sharing what we learnt to help the van life community.
*We'll continue with our Around The World Travel Series VERY soon, thanks for your patience.*
Learn more about Van Life - kombilife.com/van-life
Different tapes for propane fittings. Check with your local gas guys. States its white for water and green tape for gases like propane and CO2's, Nitro ect. The tape has different properties for gas.
Yep you need the yellow tape for gas, which is what we used
They are very interesting to me but just a little slow.. ie. would like to see more accomplished and faster editing but hey we’ll take what we can get
I actually like them the most lol
are you kidding me I love these! also love the down to earth videos and back stories keep it up guys
wait, 2 videos in a week?! i feel blessed!
Surprise!
What’s the catch?
As an FYI, I'm no techie, know nothing about cars, motors etc., but I still find these videos fascinating to see what all you have to do to get Boomerang ready. Happy travels!
I’m gonna watch this, I swear. I’m overwhelmed by the concept of designing, buying, and installing FIRE. 🔥 Thank you for always being so thorough with the installs, products and your good humor. 🌿✨
You guys continue to blow me away with your skill set and practical approach to everything. The video editing is great. Your English is great. Keep Going. The TOYBUS is coming togethre. We mounted the engine today. New front shocks, calipers, rotors, bearings, brakes and bushing tomorrow. its all coming together. propane can methane rules!!!!!!!!
LPG is surprisingly safe. You guys are taking all the right precautions and it will pay off in peace of mind. I spent years with a 5gal tank inside a home built wooden locker. Worked well, never leaked, always closed the tank before driving.
We never use tape or dope on flared fittings, only use it on pipe thread fittings.
correct
I second that. You are correct. Flare fittings don't use anything. For the use of Teflon tape on npt or straight thread, the regulations can vary from one country to another. In the US there is a gas rated yellow Teflon tape. Australia might be different.
any tape on a flared fitting will cause leaks because the threaded cap cannot apply enough clamping pressure to the flare.
Correct, nothing used on flare fittings
Hank Hill loves this.
He sells propane and propane acccesories doesnt he? Best time he said it was driving his dads cadillac and beating the crap out of a pimp over a hooker dispute without even knowing. " Im not a pimp, I sell propane and propane accessories" Oblivious to the meaning of propane in the bdsm circles :p
wow, im so happy everything is going fine for the van build up. Cheers from Mexico.
Saludos
👋
Peace and love from Saudi Arabia. You guys are amazing, wish you nothing but the best.
you guys are courageous to attempt to live in a van!!! I wish i have the nerves to leave everything behind and live peacefully in a van... through jungle and desert !!! good job :)
I just converted my Vanagon (Milo) to use the small propane cylinders. Getting the larger underbelly tank is my next toy to save up for. I really dig your setup. Thanks for sharing.
thanks for watching Thomas
Fantastic EFFORT....and progress. You two are rockin' it; can't wait for the actual (road) adventures to begin.
4:18 I’ve done 300k+ miles hauling 9k gal propane and other Hazmat gases in a propane assisted semi truck all over the US and Canada. Safety is in the engineering, if it’s built for the road your just fine. You’d be amazed at the beating those tanks can take.
This is the best TH-cam channel
I can't wait for the trip OMFG!
I knew this would be way way WAY over my head, but I watched it anyway. I will just think of it as the 500k sub special. Congrats. :D
Yayy! Another video!!! (more boomerang and you guys = happy)
The beginning of this searies is similar to me trying to leave the house on a Saturday morning to go out with the wife, I always need to wait an hour before she`s ready to go.
Sell the car. Buy a horse & Buggy. She will catch up to you at a steady walk lol
Nice job, you and Leah are great partners! Go westy's tank will be the replacement for my 1977 camper origional. A bit expensive, there are suppliers for a propex heater too. Or I use an Olympian Wave 3 catalitic for now. Your build is coming along nicely. ✌
Not tempted to install a Webasto? Running on the main fuel tank and a drier heat than burning propane. More pricey though. Installing the propex outside would resolve that issue
@@KombiLife The propex mounted w exhaust out is my next plan to go w my 200 watt solar system. Is your hot water plumbed in too? ✌
@@KombiLife A Propex is a forced air heater with totally separate combustion from blown air. It works on the same principle as the Webasto other than fuel source. Propane burns far cleaner.
Add automotive heater hose over the pipe that's exposed under the van or go to hydraulic parts supply and get hydraulic line protection wrap.
I would think about adding some sort of skid plate below the propane tank, just in case. You never know how many times you may misjudge a rut or pothole an end up snagging the tank.
When I was a kid I helped my dad replumb the gas system in our mobile home. Dad also used flare fittings everywhere. I remember a couple times when he forgot to put the nut on before flaring the tubing. It's part of being human.
That tank is hanging pretty low. It will get hit and be dented on your trip.
I did some of my own gas work on my bus in Australia and it's actually fine.. you just HAVE to get it certified by a pro after, so yeah a checkbox exercise (oh and some cash 😂) 😎 👍
..hot food and water are a necessity when trekking..lol.. happy trails..great vid...
Wow 2 vids in one week.. This is why I sub to your channel awesome content.. Keep up the good work
Cheers mate
@@KombiLife dude and dudette, just keep living the dream so I can live it thought with you both on TH-cam... Peace
Thanks for the reply :)
In the States, PTFE tape for gas is YELLOW, higher density, required by codes. There are also other colors for specific purposes, like oxygen lines.
as a guy that works with AC. i laughed so much when you forgot the Nut before flareing xD
I'm sure you've done it too 😁
For all your threaded gas fittings you must use yellow GAS teflon tape . It is much thicker and formulated to prevent gas from seeping thru the tape it's self.White teflon is for water applications only. CHEERS Steve h.
I must say I love your guy's build been following this journey since it started personally I would have added a single induction cooktop for those sunny days also I think it would be a good idea to put something around your tank to protect it from getting punctured cheers!
Yeah, I think Induction would be nice. Maybe someday we will
When using teflon tape on brass fittings ruff up the threads with a saw blade so the tape will not slide up
2 videos ina week Yesssss
500,000 good job guys
thanks
I'm not an expert on lpg. And it maybe different and your country than the US. But I have been informed by others that the use of flexible gas line should be very limited and only used when absolutely needed to connect a few feet at the most usually in a protected environment. I would expect that it has something to do with the flexible line like shown on your build being less durable because of its ability to flex and susceptible 2 outside intrusions such as Road debris. I know that the US RV manufacturers use very thick LPG rubber lines secured to the frames of the RV or even hard iron gas pipe. From those Main pipes they then use a short flexible line to the Appliance they are trying to feed. I only mention this as it seems that at least 10 times a year in the u.s. we hear about RVs Catching Fire. Thanks for sharing your build. :-)
would love to meet you guys when you arrive in sydney i have a yellow 1975 kombi
In the US all RVs have the gas detector near the floor. I just added one to a 40 year old trailer and 2 days later it went off. I found I forgot to turn the pilot in the oven off, went and got propane which let the pilot to go off then when the gas was turned on there was no pilot flame. It worked just as it was suppose to, it sensed the gas though I couldn't smell it.
You should add a light to the dashboard and also the area where you sleep that would lit on when the solenoid has power so you would know without checking everything if you shut down the gas or not.
Yep we have that.
Electricians and Plumbers are Licensed trades in Australia. Many cars run on LPG / Unleaded. Your best bet is to get a road worthy certificate once you're here! It might pay to get it certified by British Standards. As far as Standards go, the law states that they meet the safety minimum or above!! I hope this helps!
LPG is pretty safe when done properly. I think all states here have laws covering correct installation by authorised fitters so expect it to be checked here before you can use it. Some taxis in Victoria blew up years ago because kits were being fitted to engines years ago without inspection. Every taxi in Australia until recently ran on lpg.
What a hench gas tank, just create a way to harness bens gas and you’ll be set for ever 😂 great video guys, this is a great format and reminds my of the old mighty car mods episodes (an Aussie TH-cam series) love the information and the delivery 👍👍
glad you enjoyed it mate, thanks for supporting the channel
Wish I was heading round the world with you well I am via TH-cam have great fun guys
be advised while the propane solenoid is a good safety feature, it is a BIG battery drain as it's drawing power whenever you are using propane. Be sure to shut it off when not using to conserve your batteries...
Hahah I know the feeling not putting the nut on before the flair! Hahaha done that so many times installing brake lines! Hahah
One of the advantages of doing things your self, is you have the time to put the love in and do it to a higher standard than if you were paying someone 'who is on the clock'. How are you going to get Australian certification before being in Australia? You need to make friends with an Aussie Gas plumber and meet them in your travels.
Yep we will definitely need to do that Karl
Flare fittings should NOT use Teflon tape. The threaded section done not provide any seal.
correct
@@KombiLife, not what is shown in the video though (11:50).... Also, the threaded fittings you had issues with - are you sure they are tapered threads rather than parallel? Seeing how far you have managed to screw them together would indicate that they are parallel and should be sealed with a gasket instead.
Binge watching your videos❤️
Yet another banger!
I really reccomend adding an aluminium sheet under the rank and valves, just in case
We got endless cups of tea from 12v kettle boiling from the alternator and holding boiled water the whole day in a thermos. We still carry small gas canisters and use no more than a kilo in 3-4 months.
you had me at endless cups of tea
Off topic have u changed the air filter system on the bus? That performance filter will let fine dust in to the engine and that kills it!!!
Not yet
@@KombiLife Try to get a Donaldson system or a standard T3 air box and get the intake up high for clean air with a pre-cleaner system
I believe tape is only used on NPT or BSPT threads, not flared fittings. That's why you had problems with leaking.
You are correct about needing tape on the flared part of the nuts but it is needed on the threads.
Love your green hat that’s what I’m wearing right now.here In spudville GREEN TEAM!congrats to you guys!on everything xoxoxo
Congrats on half a mil that's crazy.
Thanks Brendon
How do you get started with this? I would love to save up some money, buy a van or something I can convert into a mobile home, and hit the road. I want to travel the world and fulfill my wonderlust, and honestly don't need much to do it. I want to see, experience. I love my job, but I just hate being apart of the system and there are really are days when it feels like the only reason I'm in it so I have the money to travel.
Hey Marcie, we have a bunch of info to help people get into van life and nomadic living, including making money on the road. Kombi life.com/van-life/
Also our book has everything you need to know to get started into this lifestyle.
Https://Kombilife.com/van-life-book/
In my experience, Teflon tape is pure garbage. I do not recall making a joint that would not leak on first try ever. I moved to Teflon THREAD (also called "sealer in thread") instead, and boy isn't it marvelous. I have never had a leak since. And it is certified for pretty much all types of threaded connections - gas, water, heating, whatever.
I was just wondering, have you considered - even briefly - having an induction stove top? I believe there are ways to power those even from low voltage system. Would probably need larger battery bank, but might eventually turn out to pay for itself (no cost for refuelling and no hassle looking for a station). I guess it makes sense for you to still use LPG cause you have the shower as well and it would not be really possible to power both stove and shower from batteries. But I am still curious if you thought about that at all?
And I would not trust the gas detector too much. Yes, it will detect sleeping gas. But once it sounds the alarm, you will be under the influence of the sleeping gas already, in most cases. Alaska may turn out to be a better deterrent (as dogs usually figure out when someone acts suspicious around you and start barking). But most importantly, if sleeping in a risky spot (like a stop along some motorway, a gas station, or some other location like that) its best to just mechanically block all the doors from the inside. That is how truck drivers solve the issue, they basically tie both door handles together tightly with a rope, making it impossible to open from the outside.
Would really recomend installing a webasto/eberspacher diesel or petrol heater (maybe option to connect to electrical grid) for your van having a varm camper in winter without having to turn on the main engine would be invaluable in coldest months i think!
The Webasto is currently warming my feet as I type 😎
We ran an a T splitter to the gas over/stove and Aus certified gas hose (about 2 meters long) to copper pipe to gas on/off to gas heater, and the gas bottle is in the cupboard with no box yet. I think we need to upgrade… ? At least with the gas box with a bottom exit.
Propane tanks do leak so a sealed and vented box would be best. At least a vent though
Ben, I presume that seat your sitting on in the back , folds down for your bed ?. Can you really sleep two on that.
Loving your work BTW.
They’ve discussed that previously in the series, watch back and you’ll see they chose the bed size and are happy with it
We'll soon find out 😃
nicole calvert yes I saw when they chose the bed. Perhaps it’s the camera angle,but Ben looks like he’s taking up the majority of the seat on his own.
White or 'water' teflon tape is never to be used on propane fittings, nor should it be applied on any flare fitting - only yellow propane tape and only on tapered pipe threads. The regulator already has a POL - which, if the reg gets broken off, shuts off the flow. And on the subject of regulator - get rid of that POS Cavagna regulator now, replace with one that's not going to fail within a year - or less. I've binned over ten of those crap regulators from customer vans this year alone. Marshall (US) or another regulator like those sold by Propex Leisure in UK are far and away better. BTW, flared aka 'stretched' copper joints are no more superior than proper compression fittings which are the industry standard in many parts of the world. The lines are running less than a half psi. YorLok or Parker double-compression fittings beat flares in every way.
Hope to meet you on the road one day
Thanks for another great video. I really enjoyed it.
I'm fascinated by all this technical stuff.
I'm bummed/concerned that that external propane tank is slung so low under the Kombi.
Please take it easy over rough terrain.
Wishing you well, and Safe Travels!
Onward
On propane or natural gas and gasoline use the yellow PTFE tape. Not the white.
can you add a link to the 12v multi gas alarm you used or provide the make/model thanks
I've been told by a propane technician that tape isn't even really all that great on house installs. Pipe dope all the way.
If you haven't already installed one. I would get a carbon monoxide alarm, just in case. And of course fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout the van for added insurance. 😁
Have y'all thought about putting a metal shield under the propane tank & pipes?
Also best wishes from Texas!
I did not see a mud flap behind the front wheel? otherwise your tank and fittings will be stoned to death. ( Been there.)
Great video Thank you.
Thank's for al the tips
You’re welcome Rob.
Excellent guys :-)
Thanks for watching :)
Wish u add a piece of diamond steel to cover the tank.a rock can pierce it in the process create a spark and booom
I know this is an off topic question from the video, but what dog breed is Alaska?
Alaska is a Working English Cocker Spaniel / Peruvian Street Mix
Golden retriever l think
pitbull of course
Great video - where do you guys get the pipe cover from?
this is what I used. amzn.to/3puZnQg
Why not have electric hot plates for food?
I see so many self builds that have gas onboard yet don't have gas drops and for the sake of pretty much just drilling a hole in the floor it's madness.
I would argue for a single-ring induction plate in lieu of gas. Should be able to find one that will run off a 1500 watt inverter from a half-decent lithium band topped up from solar PV. You probably use it for less than 10 mins at a time which is equivalent to a 250w/hr draw. And maybe a small microwave - again
You have to put gas detector near the floor, propane heavier then air.
the instructions say to install it level with the sleeping area. Not all noxious gases are heavier than air I guess
ALWAYS use pipe dope on gas fitting never ever tape
Vince when I did gas fitting work we used both, more efficient in the long run
Propane tape - yellow - is fine.
Dope then tape
@@jameswoods1105 and don't over tighten! That can mess up the tape!
I used Dope in my Camper & 2 Days Later ...woke up on the Floor. !
Of u could choose a van or an RV what would u pick
Van. Easy.
Yesssss
Watching while wearing (by accident) my Kombi Life tee shirt (Capito)lol
Propane should be fine and dangerous noxious gas ohh err missies lol smells like cabbage the gas not a fart on purpose for order detection!Greetings to you three!!
Propane at high altitudes usually means in the cold. Propane remains liquid and refuses to become gas up to some 40f, 5c, (at sea level; lower air pressure will help you at heights but not much) and the usual equipment is meant for gas not liquid. So you can expect your external propane tank to "be empty" by the time it reaches zero centigrade. There are ways to heat it, insulate it, or set up a liquid system, but you'll really need to scrap your setup for cold weather use. You may also find that vehicles with propane are banned from some bridges and tunnels, as they are in the US.
Propane works just fine at 40F. And all the way down to below zero. Maybe you're thinking of butane.
intersting point. I just made a tea and the outside of the Kombi is freezing (5000ft today) it will be interesting to see how it holds up
When working on the system when you have fuel onboard, using a brass or aluminum wrench is safer than a wrench out of metal capable of creating a spark...
Did you guys ever think about living in something else than a kombi example box truck school bus or another van. Big fan btw
Yep we sure did next option after a Kombi was a boat. Still thinking about it 🤔
How do you satisfy the Australian requirement for importation of right hand drive vehicles only with a left hand drive vehicle?
Long story... but it is possible
@@KombiLife Is there a grandfather clause because of the age of your kombi?
They do make a solnoid that wires in to your leak detector that automatically shuts the gas of when there is a leak
Have a good day
THE GRUMPY BUS
Wait a minute, that last part where you were showing a fitting that was leaking, Please tell me that is for your water and not a fitting you are using for propane ???
Yes that was a water fitting in the video - but also one of the propane fittings needed to be disassembled and redone with pipe dope
Did you test the lines with soapy water??
yes and again after a few hundred miles to make sure nothing worked loose
Yehhhh
Don't forget some vehicle insurer's insist on knowing that you have gas installed and will require seeing an instalation and safety crtificate before you get cover which meansa professional certifide instalation firm and engineer has to inspect it before issuing the certificate also unless changed some countries used to insist on seeing the same certificate's signed by an engineer.
Still wondering about your change of direction Morroco instead of europe, possibly a Syncro or 4x4 wouls have been a better choice of vehicle as roads are a lot less forgiving for your camper.
So far so good - it's a heck of an adventure :)
Guys.....I would seriously consider stone/gravel protection for your gas set up....not a lot of ground clearance there....Outback Australian roads can be brutal..... and nip up all those fittings occasionally ,especially after enduring 500ks of corrugated dirt road.
I see a 1/8" steel guard under the regulator and fittings.
Yes, but what if a giant beaver comes out of the woods in the middle of the night and trips over a stray twig and accidentally falls onto a spanner you may have inadvertently left out and the spanner some how flips up and amazingly attaches itself to to one of the gas joints loosening it slightly but not enough to notice and as the giant beaver runs away it's spotted by a half man half Wolf who throws a stone at it which bounces off your metal bumper causing a spark and small flame ignites melting your melting your satnav which you may not have put away properly and you get lost and drive into a tree....
Have you thought about that???
Everyone's an expert...
Yes we have a plan for that exact situation also. 🤥
Just checking.....
🙏🏽
If you have a leak inside the bus and you're going to press an electrical switch?
that is sealed. In other words, explosion proof.
@@e-curb there are electrical connections with exposure to atmosphere that could generate a spark
@@jamesgilbertuk817 .. Explosion proof electrical switches exist. The oil and gas industry use them all the time.
@@e-curb Yes that's my point, this isn't a switch that's certified to be used in a hazardous area.
how about solar panel and induction stove?
Our electrical system is REALLY cool (it's the next vid) we may go induction in the future.
@@KombiLife cool
i think induction stove consumes to much power for campervan. Typical instalation has around 200-500W.
Even if u have 500W panels and full Sun, stove has like 4000W.
@@OskarCwiekaa there are lots of 12v appliances that consume under 100W and pretty good ones we tested in years of vanlife. Still puzzled why people would bother with propane tanks in a van. Better to get a decent lithium battery for that weight.
@@OskarCwiekaa there is 1.8kw stove & 2Kwh Lithium ion battery. i remember capito have battery and solar panel from jehu garcia
when kombi crew visit california, in jehu new video he make 2kwh briefcase battery to charge a tesla,also we can charge it using electricity from power outlet. but it might be too expesinve for now.
YAY
Iam more worried about your gas water heater, it does not appear to have a flue and is probably not designed to be used indoors, let alone in a van,
it's a good point and we're glad you brought it up. We mount our shower on the GoWesty swing-away bumper system when in use. It only lives inside under storage.
Correct
Are you not worried about having all those items UNDER the van. With the bumpy roads you’re likely to encounter this could be an issue.
As an Australian, I can honestly say that I have NEVER heard anyone say "The safest way possible, The Australian Way!" About anything!
(Maybe the danger is actually me!?)
😂
😊
“Pardon me a wrench love”
Threadlock
tephlon tape leaks, use hemp with green pasta