100# Propane Cylinder Transport

bobsallyh wrote:
If you come to Yuma, AZ. for the winter, the "100 pounders" arrive at any pump station laying down in either a trailer or the bed of a pickup. They are slid off of either, stood up to fill, then tilted and reloaded laying down. They are very popular with park model owners and permanently placed RV's.

I had 3 100 pound tanks filled last week here in the Foothills and the
guy filling the tanks said they would not fill the tanks nor allow you to pull up to the tanks to refill unless they were up right. I had to get my cargo trailer to haul the tanks to be refilled. This was at the propane place on the North side of Freeway

I have rentals is the reason I have 8 100 pd tanks

I've hauled 2 100# bottles at a time laying down in the bed of my truck with no problems at all, but only to the propane refill station and back.

I dont think I would consider hauling them around for camping because they are so heavy.

Your probably on the right track for using multiple bottles. It will be much easier on the back.

If you come to Yuma, AZ. for the winter, the "100 pounders" arrive at any pump station laying down in either a trailer or the bed of a pickup. They are slid off of either, stood up to fill, then tilted and reloaded laying down. They are very popular with park model owners and permanently placed RV's.

I'm opting to go with three horizontal (so they can be transported that way) 30# tanks, behind the hitch. At 12.5" tall, there will be no clearance issues since I used to have a 13" tall toolbox there. That will give me a about of 35 gallons of propane for the generator including the two tanks on the RV.

I have been using the 100 pound 30 gallon tanks for years for the gas logs in our houses. As I am getting older and the boys are not at home anymore to help me move them I am gradually as the tanks age out replacing them with smaller tanks that I can move myself and not need a trip to the chiropractor afterwards. The cost is the same per gallon, a few extra minutes to fill multiple small tanks over 1 large one but my back is all the better for it.
I looked into having the propane company put a tank and deliver, they charge about 1.40 more per gallon than it costs to fill at Tractor Supply, for that much difference I can haul myself.

You can probably do it, IF you transport the tank standing up on end, and IF you can lift it. They are heavy when full, or even half-full.

I think you are much better off getting smaller tanks (30 - 40 pounders) instead. Now, IF you are permanently located and not moving, then use a propane company and have them set it up and fill it on location. Otherwise, I suggest smaller tanks you can easily handle and get filled yourself.

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 have a 100lb tank I used for my camp. When full, that thing is a major PITA to move around. Still have it, but it hasn't been filled in yrs.

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.

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.