Pigtails:
Pigtails are the pipes (either copper, flexible tubing or sometimes stainless steel) that connect the cylinder to the LPG regulator. LPG in these pipes (before the regulator) is at a much higher pressure than after the regulator, and as such needs to be in good condition.
All pigtails available from ‘Caravan Gas Shop’ are approved and fit for
purpose.
Personally, in a Caravan, RV, Camper Trailer etc,… that is moving around and having cylinders being changed over regularly for filling, I would prefer flexible pigtails with hand wheels and O rings. Sure, you may need to replace them every so often, but they won’t kink easily like copper, you won’t have trouble lining the thread up to screw it in to the cylinder, and you also won’t need any tools. (Except your trusty soapy water – see soapy water notes)
Special Note: When tightening pigtails that have an O ring, please don’t over tighten. As the LPG is released from the cylinder it gets around and expands the O ring and allows it to make the seal. 2 fingers are all that is needed, over tightening will only squash the o ring to the point of eventually becoming ineffective.
Pigtails in more detail
Flexible tubing –
With a protective stainless steel outer braiding.
These are the most common in the caravan and boating world, older versions did have some longevity issues when lead was no longer allowed in the manufacture of the inner rubber lining. This led to the polymers being leeched from the rubber by the LPG and as a result the rubber would lose its elasticity and harden, the crimp fittings could then no longer seal. That leeching process can also contribute to the premature failure of regulators and contaminants in the pipework.
The flexible pigtails available from ‘Caravan Gas Shop’ contain a lining of a ‘No extractables’ material that will help combat these issues.
All flexible pigtails from ‘Caravan Gas Shop’ have a hand wheel for spanner free use, and to help prevent over tightening.
S Core –
These are the most robust pigtail available. This is a very flexible corrugated stainless steel inner tube covered with stainless steel braiding and a protective yellow and clear plastic outer covering.
They are very flexible with a “small minimum bend radius”, which means you can bend
it reasonably tightly, so will not kink under normal use.
There is no rubber to be leeched into the regulator and pipework.
All flexible pigtails from ‘Caravan Gas Shop’ have a hand wheel for spanner free use, and to help prevent over tightening.
Copper pipe / Stainless pipe –
These could last as long as your van, if you are very careful and minimise bending and vibration. However, an RV is not the ideal place for this, and continued bending and vibration will cause the pipe to work harden and fatigue , to the point where a kink is probable, and a leak inevitable.
DID YOU KNOW?
The current Australian Standard AS5601.2-2020 allows Flexible Pigtails to be no more than 600mm long and include an excess flow valve. Copper or Stainless Steel should be as short as practicable and no more than 1000mm.
