Cooker installation

Discussion in 'Camper Conversions' started by wizrod, Mar 25, 2016.

  1. Good morning all,

    I've just taken delivery of a shiny new twin burner hob with grill, which I was intending to fit into the camper this weekend.

    However, on reading the instructions, the manufacturer (Thetford) seems to require (they used bold text) that it must not be plumbed in with rubber hose, rather that copper pipe be used.

    While copper pipe (8mm) is easily available, 8mm fittings are a little thin on the ground (having scoured B&Q, Screwfix & Wickes...and assuming plastic push or push-fit won't do).

    So, how much of their requirement not to use rubber just legal ass-covering, on the assumption people would leave the rubber hose flapping about as a trip hazard or to rub on something, or is there a genuine 'technical' reason for them to specify the use of a 'hard' connection?

    Could I safely get away with copper for the majority of the length between the cooker and the gas bottle, while just using rubber pipe (with jubilee clips) as the couplings?

    Cheers

    Paul
     
  2. I guess it's because the rubber breaks down over time and lazy owners won't replace it. I think using majority copper with just a bit of rubber to attach to the coupling will be fine, that's how I did my propex, not a cooker I know but same principal. Have you tried your local caravan shop for the fittings? Failing that I bought mine off eBay. :thumbsup:
     
  3. I should say that I don't object to fitting hard lines in the long-term.

    It's just that the plan for this summer was to try out (and tweak as necessary) the custom interior I've built. As such, I'd prefer to postpone any 'hard' installation until I have design of the interior finalised...so the end of the summer at the latest.

    Cheers

    P.
     
  4. Given the way rubber fuel hose perishes...that sounds reasonable..!!

    I think EBay/Amazon may be the solution...I can probably get the parts without any form of 'scene tax' that might be associated with a caravan/camper shop...
     
  5. Oh sorry, I've just seen it says "MUST NOT", not "MUST".

    Ignore me :)
     
  6. The Propex also says you must not use rubber hose.

    But again, doesn't tell you why!!!
     
  7. Surely I'd need to use rubber at the regulator end, at the very least, to give the flexibility needed to swap bottles...?
     
  8. Yes.

    I don't think there's a way you could do it 100% without rubber hose.
     
  9. Try your friendly local plumbing shop for 8mm connectors .
    I thought about re plumbing with 8mm copper but just renewed the gas pipe this time as I'm hoping to fit an interior in the next couple of years - maybe I'll get around to it then .
    Nothing wrong with gas pipe if you keep an eye on the dates ..

    :hattip:
     
  10. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    ***** to that. Flexi is allowed so flexi all the way for me. My eber is also fed by flexible fuel pipe. Am I going to die?
     
    Willsta, Lasty and AndyC like this.
  11. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    My flexi has 2 connections, one at the cooker and one at the regulator.
    Why would I want to introduce more fail points and fix down solid pipe to a vibrating base? Is it just me that finds this a bit crazy?
     
  12. the connection from the bottle to the hard line is rubber (proper gas hose)....calor heaters use gas hose.....blow torches use gas hose.....some domestic cookers use gas hose....
    ideally, you'd run hard line, but this isn't always practical....the cooker itself should have a length of hard line as it enters the manifold, presumably due to the heat....

    I'm not a gas engineer, but I'd say Thetford's insructions are a disclaimer....as mentioned above, hose perishes, so needs inspecting/replacing regularly
     
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2016
  13. Isn't copper a little more resistant to being cut/drilled, squashed etc etc. But lots of things use flexible hose.
    @zedders I suspect laphroaig is a greater threat than gas.
     
    Zed and vanorak like this.
  14. My boat is subject to specific requirements (Boat Safety Certificate needed). Gas pipes mainly solid but rubber OK for connections. Has to be surveyed every four years.
     
  15. I
    sound like you have the same one i fitted. It comes with an 8mm steel inlet pipe. If you want to go to flexi then best to fit a barbed fitting to it. Ive fitted mine by cutting the inlet down a littel as it sticks out quite a way. Ive then fitted a 90 degree elbow and nozzle so that it doesnt sick out to far at the back. The cooker is manufactured for boats and meant to be permanently fixed i reckon but it isnt sold as that.

    Good unit as its same width as the old fellows one as fitted to devons.

    Incidentally ive fitted a quick release barb so i can actually remove it and use it outside although it would be better with a windshield which also helps with splashes and spatter. Pics below. Bit mucky but havent cleaned from last weekends camping.



    image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg image.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2016
  16. Yup. That's the one...good idea on the 90deg fitting...

    Ty :)
     
    Dicky likes this.
  17. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

    Yes - we all are, just some sooner than others.

    Solid pipe on mine from the isolation valves to the Hob and Propex, just a short piece of hose from the regulator to the valves.
     
  18. This place seems to be reasonable for fittings..... found it while looking for a bubble tester. Half the price of eBay...

    http://gasproducts.co.uk
     
  19. Thats where i get my stuff!
     
    CandyCamper likes this.

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