Safe Transport/Storage of Aux LP Tanks?

I wondered this myself. My current ride, I put the cylinders in the back, strap them down so they stay vertical, and that works well. However, if I go for a "B" or a one ton truck + truck camper, I will need to find another spot for the cylinders. I have thought of putting them on a hitch mounted cargo holder or even in the front of the vehicle, but I feel that is asking for trouble.

As an alternative, I've minimized my propane use, so I carry as little as possible. For example, a Buddy heater and some Coleman 16 ounce bottles (which are easily stored in more places), and an electric fan forced heater allow me to run the generator or use the Buddy heater and have about four hours of decent heat in the rig per pair of the small propane bottles, without drawing down the main cylinders.

Come a truck camper or class "B", it would be even more so. I'd probably carry a bunch of the little bottles, just so the furnace is supplemented by the Buddy heater for most of the night.

buta4 wrote:
20 lb tanks fit nicely into plastic milk crates.:)

I use this method too. 30 lb tanks fit too. I put them in the back and strap them all down.

"I carry one in the back seat in the cab. I'm sure I'll be blown up any day now."

I'll miss you, 2oldman.

buta4 wrote:
20 lb tanks fit nicely into plastic milk crates.:)

X2

Federal DOT regulations prohibit at least permanent LP tanks from extending in front of, behind, below, or above the structure of the vehicle. (As I recall extending beyond it to the side was not specifically prohibited, I suppose because just about nobody was crazy enough to attempt that permutation.) I am not sure whether or not those DOT regulations extend to cylinders that are "temporarily" mounted on a vehicle, but common sense would suggest that it's still a good idea in as much as the basic danger in a collision still exists.

If there's room on the trailer tongue, that would be a much better place than hanging off the back of the trailer, in my humble opinion.

Yup, welding a 3-bottle rack on the tongue is my likely course of action(3x40lbs)for deep winter boondocking. FWIW, what does the law say about transport on the back of the trailer (WA, OR, CA)?

While supposedly it is safe at least buy a base holder made for car transport. Always transport upright so it will vent vapor not liquid.

Honestly I would have a welder make up a holder to put in the hitch receiver.
I searched but could not find one.
https://www.etrailer.com/search/Propane+Tank+Holder

I am nervous if I transport a cylinder in my vehicle and mostly pull up with the trailer or it is in the back of the truck.

I've posted this before but it's a good warning: Years ago, I was transporting freshly filled 20 lb cylinders in the back of a conventional 1/2 ton van. The kid at the pump overfilled them. I was driving on a stretch of two-lane, straight roadway. When the pressure relief valve opened, within milliseconds, I could not see my hands on the wheel. Luckily, it was Summer and I had the driver's side window open. I glided onto the shoulder and exited the vehicle. Had there been a spark or source of ignition, you would not have read this post.

Later, at our camping spot, another cylinder did the same thing. We then, evacuated some gas off each cylinder. Be careful out there!

WNYBob wrote:
Here is what I was thinking of

Cylinder Stabilizer

Those things are really flimsy and a milk crate works better if available.

We bring a 20lb tank with us when we go camping for our Weber Q1200 and 2 burner stove. We just put the propane tank in a milk crate and put the hoses in the open spaces. In the thousands of miles we've traveled with it in the milk crate, it's never been an issue. No problems no matter how much propane is in the tanks.

-Michael