Rigid fuel line

[Tbone]

For those that have fabricated their FWF fuel lines out of stainless tubing, how has it worked in service? I like the simplicity and the compactness of the pictures I have seen on this forum and also have read the "concerns" of such. Any issues? I see that there are different types on Spruce. If I were to "experiment", what tubing should I order and what are the lessons learned on trying this? Thanks.

[Toobuilder]

I have used .035 wall seamless tube from Spruce with great success. This stuff is far stronger than required, but still significantly lighter than the firesleeved braided steel hose normally found.

Lessons learned:

You only get one shot at bending it, so make a model out of welding rod or the 3003 junk provided by Van first.

Wherever possible, keep the bends to cardinal angles such as 45 and 90 degrees. It makes the math much easier and the results look more professional.

Add some lubrication to the tube where the bender "slides" across the surface when bending. The stainless tube is much stiffer than aluminum, but a bunch of the effort is due to surface friction. Lube helps a lot.

[Kahuna]

My first RV went 2k hours with all stainless behind the firewall. Never had any issues.

[TS Flightlines]

Stainless is neat looking, very strong. BUT---it does take practice bending. Like Michael said, you only get one shot. Measure 3 times, then bend. Make a pattern in aluminum, then duplicate it.
Tom

[N427EF]

or the 3003 junk provided by Van first.

You are certainly free to make your own choices when it comes to fuel lines
but calling Van's supplied fuel lines "junk" is way off the mark.
It is used in thousands of RVs including Van's fleet and shows no signs of being "junk" unless you make junk of it.

Most of the downsides to Stainless steel fuel lines are in properly fabricating them. 3003 tube provided by Vans is super easy to fabricate and very cheap compared to stainless steel.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by N427EF

You are certainly free to make your own choices when it comes to fuel lines
but calling Van's supplied fuel lines "junk" is way off the mark.
It is used in thousands of RVs including Van's fleet and shows no signs of being "junk" unless you make junk of it.

Most of the downsides to Stainless steel fuel lines are in properly fabricating them. 3003 tube provided by Vans is super easy to fabricate and very cheap compared to stainless steel.

The 3003 tubing is a great choice for installation by amateurs, which in reality, most RV's are built by.....

[Maxrate]

Scott,

Will most high duty flairing 37deg tool work flairing the 3003 tubing? I know I would have to purchase a new flairing tool for stainless. Thanks

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by Maxrate

Scott,

Will most high duty flairing 37deg tool work flairing the 3003 tubing? I know I would have to purchase a new flairing tool for stainless. Thanks

I have used 3 different tools over the years with no problem, so I think you probably could use any 37 deg tool. Just make sure the forming die has a nicely polished surface so it puts a nice finish on the inside of the flair.

[TS Flightlines]

Mark----Ive used the same flaring tool (RFT37 from GAHCO---shameless plug to my friend Tom Brink) for 3003, 5052, 6061T6 aluminum, as well as 304 and 316 Stainless.
Yep, 3003 is perfectly fine for the applications intended. 3003 has been used for years with great results. Its all in the care in which you use it.
Tom

[Scott Hersha]

OK, I'm confused. Some are saying you use SS FWF, Kahuna says it works great aft of the the firewall. Where are you using SS lines in place of flexible lines, and why?