Propane Routing Master Plan
The Propane Routing Master Plan defines how propane is stored, regulated, and distributed in the CTC build.
This plan intentionally separates the propane system into two distinct subsystems: a “house” propane system for core loads and a dedicated “grill-only” system.
The design also preserves flexibility for a future on-demand gas water heater in the garage while keeping the option open for an electric water heater instead.
System Overview
The propane system is built around two tongue-mounted tanks, each with a clear, dedicated purpose:
- Tank 1 – House System: Supplies regulated propane to any interior loads and a future gas water heater in the garage.
- Tank 2 – Grill System: Supplies propane exclusively to the front passenger-side grill quick-connect.
This separation ensures that heavy grill use does not impact the propane reserved for core systems and future hot water needs.
House Propane System (Tank 1)
Tank 1, mounted on the tongue on the driver side, is dedicated to the main “house” propane system.
- Tank 1 Location: Driver side of the tongue.
- House Regulator: Mounted near Tank 1 to provide low-pressure output.
- Main House Supply Line: Routed along the frame or underbelly in a protected path.
- Branch to Garage: Future-ready line for an on-demand gas water heater.
If an electric water heater (10–20 gallon) is chosen instead of gas, the branch to the garage will remain capped and unused, but the infrastructure will already be in place for a future change.
Grill Propane System (Tank 2)
Tank 2, mounted on the tongue on the passenger side, is dedicated solely to the grill system.
- Tank 2 Location: Passenger side of the tongue.
- Grill Regulator: Dedicated regulator for the grill circuit.
- Grill Supply Line: Routed from Tank 2 to the front passenger-side exterior outlet.
- Quick-Connect Grill Outlet: Exterior connection for a grill or portable appliance.
This design keeps the grill on its own fuel supply, making it easy to manage usage and swap tanks without affecting the house system.
Propane System Architecture (ASCII Overview)
Front - Trailer Tongue (Exterior)
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ [ Tank 1 - House System ] [ Tank 2 - Grill Only ] │
│ │ │ │
│ ▼ ▼ │
│ 1. House Regulator 2. Grill Regulator │
│ │ Regulated Low-Pressure │ Regulated Low-Pressure
└─────────────┼───────────────────────────────────┼─────────────┘
│ │
│ 3. House Main Supply Line │ 6. Grill Supply Line
▼ ▼
Underbelly / Frame Rail Routing
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ HOUSE PROPANE SYSTEM (TANK 1) │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ 4. Branch to Garage (Future Gas Water Heater) │────►│
│ │ - Capped if Electric Water Heater is used │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Passenger Side - Front Exterior
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ GRILL PROPANE SYSTEM (TANK 2) │
│ │
│ 5. Quick-Connect Propane Outlet for Grill │
│ - Supplied only by Tank 2 via Line 6 │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Garage Area (Future Option - House System)
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 7. On-Demand Gas Water Heater (Optional) │
│ - Connected to Branch 4 if gas is chosen │
│ - If electric water heater is used, Branch 4 remains │
│ capped and unused │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Routing Strategy
The routing strategy prioritizes safety, clarity, and future flexibility.
- Dedicated subsystems: House and grill systems are physically and logically separated.
- Protected routing: All lines run along the frame or underbelly with clamps and abrasion protection.
- Accessible junctions: Tees, caps, and regulators are placed where they can be inspected and serviced.
- Future-ready branch: The garage line is installed now, even if capped, to avoid rework later.
- Clear labeling: Tanks, regulators, and lines should be labeled “House” and “Grill” for quick identification.
Installation Notes
- Regulator Mounting: Secure both regulators to solid structure near their respective tanks.
- Line Material: Use approved propane-rated tubing or hose with proper fittings.
- Support & Protection: Clamp lines at regular intervals and protect where they pass near edges or moving parts.
- Isolation & Shutoff: Consider adding shutoff valves at key points (e.g., before the garage branch).
- Leak Testing: Perform a full leak test on both systems (house and grill) after installation and after any changes.
Related Pages
How This Plan Will Evolve
As the build progresses and the final water heater type is chosen, this master plan will be updated with specific component models, BTU ratings, regulator specs, valve locations, and installation photos.
The core philosophy—Tank 1 for the house system and Tank 2 for the grill—will remain the foundation of the propane design.