Big Buddy ?

[KC612]

I have the 12' black hose w/ regulator that connects to a 20# tank. Do I still need a fuel filter? I didn't think so, but I want to avoid any potential problems if I'm wrong.

[topcat3820]

Definitely not, you're good to go .

[McGurk]

How does it connect to your BB? There are 2 ways to do it.

***the following may be incorrect as there may be new hoses and packaging as of Fall 2010, but is correct for older products***

If this is a black hose with a regulator already built in and mounted at the tank, then as stated you are good to go.

IF this is the BLACK rubber hose the SCREWS into the fitting that the 1 lber would normally go into and does not have any sort of regulator at the tank, than YES you do need a filter. Also, it needs to be mounted between the hose and the BB fitting. This will remove any oil that leeches out of the rubber hose due to the high pressured gas running through it. That oil will plug orifices and make your BB heater run awful.

IF this is the GREEN hose that uses a RV style quick connect (no screwing necessary) you do not need the filter as that hose will not leech the oils. ***These may now be black also, but read the package to make sure, the connection style is the key***

If you don't use the filter (around $10) with the unregulated black rubber hoses and replace it every year or two, you may not have a reliable heater or one that works at all. (some will say you already don't have a reliable one by using a BB, but I've been happy with mine and it hasn't let me down yet)

[dmpalm]

I believe they are no longer making the green hoses. I just picked up a new oil free hose (no filter required) and it was black. It will state right on the package if a filter is needed or not. If your hose is a couple years old and is black, it likely needs a filter. If you aren't sure, your best bet would be just to pick one up and use it. Beats having to replace your heater if you do get oil in there...

[topcat3820]

Quote:

IF this is the GREEN hose that uses a RV style quick connect (no screwing necessary) you do not need the filter as that hose will not leech the oils.

Yes, that's the one I thought the OP meant... should've clarified that . Does the other one even come with the regulator, McGurk ?

Also, my hose with QD fitting & regulator (couple years old) is BLACK, not GREEN... never seen a GREEN one . They still are BLACK at Cabelas here, as of yesterday, anyway. Mine also stated that no filter was required... never had a problem, .

[KC612]

It doesn't screw into the spot for the 1 lb.ers. It has the quick connect. I didn't think I needed a fuel filter, but just wanted to make sure. Thanks for the help!

[MuskieJunkie]

Whoa, I didn't realize it was such a puzzle putting these together, I just walked into Northern, grabed a hose filter and heater and walked out. I never knew you needed to replace that filter every few years.

Is there anyway to know if your hose has the oil issue once the packaging is gone?

[McGurk]

If it looks like a typical flat-black rubber hose, and doesn't have any sort of regulation AT THE TANK (I've never seen a setup like this), I'd guess it would need a filter. If it is shiny and glossy and uses the quick-connect RV style connection, you wouldn't need a filter.

[topcat3820]

Quote:

you wouldn't need a hose

You meant filter, I take it . If I could post a link to it, I'd show it...

[Surreal Deal]

Are a pressure regulator and a filter the same thing? wouldn't you need both?

[McGurk]

They are not the same thing, but the result is the same; the elimination of any contaminents or oils into your BB. The regulator lowers the gas pressure into the hose right at the tank, stopping the "leeching" of oil from the rubber hose from occuring in the first place. The filter is used when there isn't a regulator at the tank, allowing high pressure gas into the hose and causing the "leeching" to occur, and it filters the oil at the BB (you need to mount the filter at the BB).