Date:         Thu, 26 Feb 2004 21:54:07 -0600
Reply-To:     Christensen <populuxe@QWICS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Christensen <populuxe@QWICS.COM>
Subject:      Re: TracPipe, anyone used it?
Comments: To: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

"trac-pipe","gas-tite" and "ward-flex" are all the same type corrugated
stainless steel tubing (ccst) but have different termination fittings.  The
fittings are expensive (about $12 ea)and the trac-pipe fittings are rather
unforgiving once they are torqued (compared to regular copper/brass).  It
can be difficult to get a good cut with a tubing cutter.  You don't need any
special tools.  The tubing is super strong; you can drive over it and it
wont crush.  I was not aware it was available to the public.  I had to be
certified to be able to install it 4 years ago.  The yellow covering is only
to aid installation through joists, floors etc; it is not to protect it.
The big benefit of using csst is the time saved to install.  Even if it
costs more than black pipe, you can be done quicker and move on to the next
job.  Same amount of profit--but twice the number of jobs.
It could be used for a RV but I would rather use copper.
I also cut my hand last time I tried to coil the stuff back onto the spool.
Ouch.

Chris C.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gerald Masar" <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>

> Has anyone used this product (http://www.omegaflex.com/trac/whatis.htm)?
> It's a flexible, stainless steel pipe for natural gas and propane. Uses
autoflare
> fittings, so no special tools. Smallest size is 3/8". Could it be used as
a substitute
> for the copper propane lines on a Westy? I didn't do a very good job of
"adjusting"
> them when I replaced the regulator with the newer style. I just discovered
this stuff
> and maybe it has other uses around the Vanagon.
> Jerry
>