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05-10-2012, 08:58 AM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 63
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Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
I posted this under gadgets but thought I'd get a better response here:
I use one of these lite cylinders, 10gal model, for my Camp Chef stove, latern, heater, and soon shower.
http://www.litecylinder.com/Products/Details.aspx?id=1
I got it from amazon for $80, 1 fill will last me at least a year.
I carry this in the back of my van, held still with bungie cords. I take it out when parked at camp or home, is it dangerous to carry tanks in the van while traveling? I have stock bumpers so no good way to carry it outside the van, maybe a mount on the roof?!?!?
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05-10-2012, 09:33 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,407
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Re: Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
Depends. If you're trapped in a wreck and the tank is compromised somehow it might not be good. Super high heat can force a venting. The specific gravity is more than 1 so propane will pool in low areas but any light breeze should disperse it enough that you would smell the gas. I've always carried those small propane and butane canisters inside without problems but keep my big tanks in the outside box.
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer
Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures.......... On and off road adventures
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05-10-2012, 09:59 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,177
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Re: Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
Practicality tells me I can carry a tank inside, paranoia tells me it's a dumb idea. I'd be even more paranoid if I were sleeping in the van with a tank of propane (or any bottled gas).
If you do carry it inside, I'd recommend something more substantial than a bungee. Some good bumps and the bungee will stretch and your tank could come loose, and then you have a world of other problems.
I have eyed those Lite cylinders. Interesting.
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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05-10-2012, 10:26 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Turlock Ca
Posts: 10,407
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Re: Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BroncoHauler
I have eyed those Lite cylinders. Interesting.
Herb
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At least they won't hurt so bad when you slam on the brakes and the tank comes flying towards your head
__________________
2006 Ford 6.0PSD EB-50/E-PH SMB 4X4 Rock Crawler Trailer
Sportsmobile 4X4 Adventures.......... On and off road adventures
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05-10-2012, 10:39 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Taylor, Mississippi
Posts: 1,648
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Re: Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
Now y'all got me eyeing the big fat propane bomb right behind and under my seat. It is protected from a T-bone by that flap of sheet metal and nothing else...
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'95 SMB E350 Quigley 7.3
https://www.taylorarts.com
... If you have to ask, you'll never understand...
"... torpedo'd, because we don't generally cotton to bullshit around here." -jage
"... do they ooch apart in the night?" -Dia
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05-10-2012, 11:29 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,220
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Re: Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
I have carried 2-3 of the 1# bottles in my van on occasion but prefer to store them outside. Anything bigger really makes me shudder. If having a 10#er inside is a "requirement" I think I would design a dedicated compartment with outside venting.
__________________
Len & Joanne
The Green TARDIS
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05-10-2012, 01:19 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 63
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Re: Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
Well you guys got me scared now!!! There is a cubby whole under the slider cabinet next to the sofa (EB50) that is big enough to hold this tank, I currently stuff our bed pillows in there. There is a hole that had been drilled thru the floor in this cubby hole for some reason. I think they drilled the hole (about 5/8") in it at the factory and then realized there wasn't to be a stove/propane installed and just left the hole. I have since added insulation but I could open it back up. Do you think this would be enough of a vent? Would be a target for a t-bone though!!!
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05-10-2012, 02:55 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 205
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Re: Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
I just got one of those lite 10 gallon tanks last week. I bought for the same reason of weight and adequate capacity for probably a year for the Vawlkayno* II and outdoor stove. The tanks are DOT certified for transport so i am not worried about vehicle accident impact as long as it is well secured. But, I do worry about valve leakage so will not leave it in the van for storage. While I am in the van, my propane detector and the odor should get my attention. Having driven 20+ YO VW vans with propane systems I was always more worried about piping leaks or the crappy refer valve failing so I would keep the propane system turned off when not in use.
BTW: Regarding the Lite tank I am disappointed with plastic enclosure carry handle/enclosure of the fiberglass Lite tank when it arrived. The product photos never showed the crude gaps in the seams and the cheesy rivets that look like they will not take much abuse. Seems to me they could do a better job for the price
*eubonics spelling for Jage
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Spenard
1991 VW Westy (N8IV) aka Vanna, of Ashland, OR
2012 Sprinter RB SMB PT (ALCES2) aka Moose, chill'n in Anchorage, AK
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05-10-2012, 06:22 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Livermore, Ca
Posts: 356
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Re: Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
Everyone knows that the short answer is, No.
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Peace, Regis
2011 Express 1500
I'm a camper not a glamper
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05-10-2012, 08:33 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Oregon Ciry Oregon
Posts: 2,843
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Carrying a propane tank inside the van while traveling.
It all depends on how much fear you want to deal with. I have carried my trust/rusty 3-1/2 gallon tank both inside and outside my vehicles with no problems since he mid 70s. The tanks are designed to take a beating and not fail. Put in a propane sensor and carry it where you are comfortable carrying it. Just make sure it is securely tied down.
Larrie
89 Ford 2WD penthouse
__________________
Larrie
Read detailed trip reports, see photos and videos on my travel blog, luinil.com.
Current van: 2002 Ford E350 extended body camper with Colorado Camper Van pop top and Agile Offroad 4WD conversion.
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