100# Propane Cylinder Transport

aruba5er wrote:
You could buy horz tanks like they use for towmotors, but they are expensive. Nice things, easy to handle easy on/off. Good guage built in. Lot of money for n big advantage. I have a long hose feeding my changeover valve and when we get where we winter, I call the propane guy. He comes over, sets a 100# disconnects my 30#,hooks up his 100#. If the 100 goes dry I just move the hose back to my 30 until he could come again with a new tank. When I leave in spring he comes gets the 100, figures roughly how much gas is in it and credits me. My out of pocket, just the gas I used.

I'm buying three 30# horizontal tanks and will be mounting them behind the hitch.

You could buy horz tanks like they use for towmotors, but they are expensive. Nice things, easy to handle easy on/off. Good guage built in. Lot of money for n big advantage. I have a long hose feeding my changeover valve and when we get where we winter, I call the propane guy. He comes over, sets a 100# disconnects my 30#,hooks up his 100#. If the 100 goes dry I just move the hose back to my 30 until he could come again with a new tank. When I leave in spring he comes gets the 100, figures roughly how much gas is in it and credits me. My out of pocket, just the gas I used.

SoundGuy wrote:

time2roll wrote:
Get three 40#

I believe bottles need to be off the truck for filling so consider that. Lots of options to mount smaller bottles.

jshupe wrote:
Yeah, I think I'm going to go the multiple smaller tank route. I just need to figure out whether to go with 3x40#, 4x30#, or 5-6x 20#.

Since you already have two 30 pounders wouldn't it make the most sense to go with three more 30 pounders for a total additional capacity of 90 lbs? ... that way, they're all still reasonably easy to lift when full and all interchangeable for whatever you may want to use them for. :)

I agree just get 2 to 4 30# with proper mounting for ease of use and easy swap with the originals.

What would be the best way to connect all six at the same time?
Regulators have but two input. I would want to make sure the bottles were completely empty before refill.

I have two 100# tanks for the gas fireplace at home. The filled weight is around 170 lbs which I'm not going to try and wrestle with. That kills it for me regardless of having to transport them upright or vertical - though was told by the installer that transport must be upright due to valve damage - freezing was mentioned. Truck that delivered them had them all upright.

samsontdog, sent you a PM

CampingN.C. wrote:
I've also hauled them to and from the refill place laying down. I have one at home for our gas logs.
I did have a store owner once tell me he couldn't let me leave if it was laying down in the truck. He was actually going to call the cops on me. :S

Seems to me :S applies perfectly to your decision to lay those tanks down when it's clearly not recommended. :S :S It's all about liability ... had that store owner not objected and an incident with those tanks later occurred he'd have been considered just as libel as you. :R

I've also hauled them to and from the refill place laying down. I have one at home for our gas logs.
I did have a store owner once tell me he couldn't let me leave if it was laying down in the truck. He was actually going to call the cops on me. :S

Good propane safety info here.



http://pioneerrentalsinc.com/propanesafety.htm

Here are some propane safety guidelines

Propane has a broad range of applications, from barbecue grills to alternative-fuel vehicles. When handled correctly, it is a safe, convenient energy source. However, being a flammable gas, it can be dangerous if not handled properly. In order to protect yourself, your family and others, you need to be aware of the everyday hazards around you. Propane is no exception.

•Never use or inspect a propane cylinder indoors.
•Check your propane cylinder for leaks before you fire up the grill. Discharge of propane can create a flammable environment.
•To check your propane cylinder for leaks, apply a solution of soapy water to valves and connections. A leak will cause bubbles to form.
•The distinct odor of rotten eggs is an indicator of a propane leak. Remove any source of flame from the area, determine the source of the leak and repair or replace any defective parts.
•Any any cylinder over 12 years old must be re-certified before it can be filled.
•If you have a new grill or a new propane tank, before filling, remember all new cylinders must be purged of the inert gas before filling.
•Always store and transport a propane cylinder in an upright position.
•Never store a propane cylinder in a garage, basement or shed. Heat may cause the pressure relief valve to open and release propane.
•In storage or in transit, always secure your propane cylinder in an upright position. Secure it in this position to avoid shifting or tipping.
•Be aware of regulations regarding safe transportation of propane cylinders. It is illegal to transport propane cylinders in the trunk of a car.
•When having your cylinder serviced make sure your supplier employs trained, certified personnel to refill propane cylinders.
•Always keep cylinder secured in an upright position with cylinder valve turned off.
•Do not transport cylinder in an unvented space or anywhere it could be exposed to high temperatures.
•Do not leave a propane cylinder inside a closed/parked vehicle. The heat buildup inside the vehicle will cause the gas to expand and set off the relief valve releasing flammable propane.

Chris Bryant wrote:

malexander wrote:
I have 3 100# tanks. I fill them myself from my 500 gal home tank. It won't hurt anything to haul them lying down, I do it all the time, just try to keep them from rolling around.

Really, really bad advice. Layed down, the relief valve is under the liquid, and will not work correctly.

Just don't do it, period.

Let me clarify. I just haul them from point A to point B, usually less than 15-20 miles. They are stored upright.

nineoaks2004 wrote:
It is against the law (and common sense due to the danger should anything happen) to haul any LP tank laying down It must be upright and also secured, larger tanks are usually installed, filled and maintained by the company that will supply the LP gas.

If you are going to give legal advice you should at least use the correct terminology. The first things you refer to are vertical DOT cylinders. BTW, there are also horizontal DOT cylinders.