Propane storage

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

...A few years back, when I was a bit more concerned about this, I made a little angle iron rack to store 1 lb. cylinders under my van. Larrie, who bought that van, has the rack and the van now. Maybe if he has it mounted he could post a pic. If not it's buried in my pics somewhere...

Did some digging:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ew-8851-9.html

[larrie]

The post that has the photos of the bracket that Eric was referring to and BroncoHauler found is number 85. I have not reinstalled it yet.

Have carried different size propane tanks in lots of different locations, on the roof, in the back seat, mounted to the side frame rail and inside the van with no issues.

The real question is how much fear do you want to have in your life. As said below, very few of the millions of propane tanks in the world vent or blow up. As Eric said, don't over think it.

[arctictraveller]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

I've already learned a lot here, but I saw one thing coming when you first posted. It's happened on this topic more than a few times. Every solution will have it's naysayers.

I'm in total agreement with you, but the best decisions are informed decisions. The more information you have the better. I personally have NEVER heard of a propane tank exploding in a Sportsmobile, or any other RV. I might have seen a news story about an RV or two burning to the frame along the freeway, but I have no idea of the cause. I've also never heard of a gas tank exploding. Does that mean that no matter what we do were safe? Not by a long shot, everything we do has some element of risk, the question is, what is our risk tolerance? There is a saying in the aircraft industry, "If you want a completely safe plane, don't leave the ground" I'd say, learn as much as possible, make an informed decision and go out and have a great adventure. Still, I would never store a propane tank inside a hot van, but that's just me, your results may vary.

[pmcypress]

Thanks guys, I now know that I was way over thinking this. I just needed to here it from someone.

[1der]

Great thread! One thing I did not see mentioned was the importance of storing the tank in an upright position so the pressure relief valve can work properly. Vertical tanks store vertically for this reason, and horizontal tanks have PRV's located for horizontal mounting.

[86Scotty]

Yes it is. Lots of good info here and I forgot to mention that.

Arctictraveller, just FYI I wasn't calling anyone out as a naysayer except myself for poopooing on the rooftop box storage idea. This is all good stuff and dealing with propane is definitely a weighed risk.

[Pntyrmvr]

You would be choking on the smell of the propane additive in your van before you ever reached the lower threshold of the fuel/air ratio required to ignite it. A gasoline tank or portable can is infinitely more like to explode than a propane tank or cylinder.

Worry more about the idiot in the lane next to you texting.


"Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money."

[dhally]

Reviving an old thread here. We have a tiny 5 lb propane tank for outdoor cooking, and carry it in our Aluminess box. It seems there is always a faint but noticeable propane odor when I open the box. Should I be looking to have the tank inspected?

Which a whole other question, since the local propane company is no longer open to the public.

[bigriver]

If you've closed the valve as far as it will go and still smell it then replace the tank immediately... they do wear out.

[Marcel Huijser]

If it gets too hot, the pressure release valve may activate. So, it is a good idea to not store it in a closed black box in the sun, and when it is stored in a box, you should have holes in bottom to allow the heavier propane to escape. Check on whether it is a storage problem rather than a tank problem.