The MB Sturgis 100868-15-MBS is a heavy-duty propane pigtail hose designed for dual-tank RV systems where a high-capacity, protected connection between the propane cylinder and an automatic changeover regulator is required. Stainless steel overbraid armor and built-in safety features make this a reliable, long-service upgrade over standard rubber hoses.
This pigtail bridges your Type 1 (POL-style ACME) propane tank valve to a regulator or manifold with a 1/4" female NPT inlet. At 15 inches long, it provides just enough flexibility to connect the tank without kinking, while staying compact enough for standard RV propane compartments.
The stainless steel overbraid jacket protects the inner hose from rodent damage, UV degradation, chafing against compartment walls, and general abrasion -- a significant durability upgrade over unprotected rubber pigtails that can crack or be gnawed through during extended storage.
High-flow rating handles the full demand of dual-appliance RV systems including furnaces, ranges, and water heaters simultaneously.
Automatic thermal shut-off activates at 260 deg F, stopping gas flow if fire or extreme heat is detected near the connection point.
Built-in back check valve prevents propane from flowing back toward the tank if downstream pressure drops or a hose is disconnected.
Woven stainless jacket resists rodent chewing, UV exposure, and mechanical abrasion -- keeps the inner hose protected in any storage environment.
The "RV Type 1" designation refers to the large-diameter ACME-thread hand-tight connector (also called a QCC1 or Type 1 outlet) found on nearly all standard 20 lb and larger DOT propane cylinders sold in North America since 1998. This is the flat-faced, left-hand-thread fitting you hand-tighten directly onto the tank valve -- no wrench needed on the tank side.
The Type 1 connector on this pigtail includes the integral reverse-flow check valve and thermal shut-off device housed in the connector body itself. These are passive safety features that require no user activation.
This pigtail is specifically designed to connect a propane cylinder to an automatic changeover regulator -- the type with two hose inlets (one per tank) that automatically switches to the reserve tank when the primary runs out. The 1/4" male pipe thread outlet connects directly to the female 1/4" NPT inlet ports found on most two-stage and automatic changeover regulators used in RV applications.
In a typical dual-tank RV setup, two pigtail hoses run from the propane cylinders to the left and right inlets of an automatic changeover regulator. The regulator then delivers reduced, stable pressure downstream to your appliances. This hose handles the high-pressure side of that connection -- from tank pressure (up to 250 PSI at high ambient temperatures) down to the regulator inlet.
The Type 1 ACME connector threads onto the tank valve by hand (left-hand thread -- turn clockwise to loosen, counter-clockwise to tighten). The 1/4" male pipe thread outlet at the regulator end requires a wrench and thread sealant (use yellow PTFE tape rated for gas service, not standard white plumbing tape).
MB Sturgis and the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) recommend inspecting propane hoses annually and replacing them on a maximum 10-year schedule regardless of visible condition. Check the date code stamped on the hose body. Stainless overbraid hoses may hide inner hose deterioration that is not visible externally -- do not rely on appearance alone to assess condition.