Propane hose replacement?

Hello!  I need to replace the propane hose.  It looks like the rubber on the hose is cracking -- haven't had any propane smell but don't like the look of the hose.  Anyone using the stainless steel ones?  Are they better/ last longer?
2018 Tab 400
2016 Nissan Frontier SV 4x4 Crew Cab

Comments

  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,609
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
  • lkc001
    lkc001 Member Posts: 877
    Yes I understand the proper fitting— that’s a good thread but I was asking if the stainless steel braided ones are better than the rubber?  Thanks 
    2018 Tab 400
    2016 Nissan Frontier SV 4x4 Crew Cab
  • DaveAnna
    DaveAnna Member Posts: 66
    The SS braid just covers the rubber hose. Helps with abrasion
  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,678
    edited September 2023
    That was my thought @DaveAnna. While the steel braid may help with abrasion (not really a problem in the T@B application) it also might prevent proper inspection of the hose for cracks or other damage. FWIW, I've replaced mine a few times. At minimum, I inspect mine with soapy water at the start of each season, and I carry a spare. I almost consider these a normal wear item. 
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,609
    Sorry, @lkc001 I didn't catch the question properly.  I've had the braided and non-braided, and they seem to fail at the same rate.
    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
  • RTWCTS
    RTWCTS Member Posts: 203
    edited September 2023
    The idea of braided line is that it helps prevent bursts from fluid pulsing through the hose (like a washing machine water line) in addition to the previously mentioned abrasion resistance (like the hose on a sink sprayer).
    Edit to add: Gases are considered a fluid.

    2023 T@B 400 (former T@B 320 owners)
    Relentlessly Pursuing a Silverado EV
    'Racing the Wind and Chasing the Sun'
    Virginia Beach, VA

  • lkc001
    lkc001 Member Posts: 877
    @ScottG  thanks for that info--that was my second thought--so if you get one of those with the SS it is not any better nor will last any longer than just the rubber with no shielding and you cannot visually inspect the rubber hose.  
    2018 Tab 400
    2016 Nissan Frontier SV 4x4 Crew Cab
  • lkc001
    lkc001 Member Posts: 877
    @pthomas745 Thanks!  So it appears that the SS is not any better as far as longevity of the rubber hose itself. unless it is close enough to be rubbing on something.  I have had to replace my hose every year it seems as it gets tiny hairline cracks and I'm concerned that they will all of a sudden open up?  Or are the hairline cracks just normal?
    2018 Tab 400
    2016 Nissan Frontier SV 4x4 Crew Cab
  • rcarlson1957
    rcarlson1957 Member Posts: 265
    I tried a SS hose for my portable gas fire pit. In no time at all the SS covering started coming apart and that SS weave material will stick you pretty good. Went back to the plain hoses. Easier to inspect too. 

    2018 TAB 320S
    2020 Honda Ridgeline RTL
    North Texas
    Trips - 50 Mileage - @67k
    "Our favorite trip will always be our next one"

  • jimcenname
    jimcenname Member Posts: 346
    FYI, my factory hose brass-colored fitting started leaking at the pressure regulator after four years of full-time use. I replaced it with something similar. I admit occasionally bumping the fitting and regulator when I wash my T@B (twice a month.)

    2019 T@B400
    TV: 2017 Nissan Frontier SV 4X4
    Southern California
    Full-timer since 2019