Forum Discussion

onemilmhz's avatar
onemilmhz
Explorer
Apr 13, 2015

Outside the box ideas for tank covers and tongue storage

Pun intended! A recent thread on another site got me thinking, anyone build a homemade/custom tank cover for their LP's? If so, what material did you decide to use and why? The factory/industry available options just don't impress me much. They're either super cheap and flimsy, like the thin plastic white ones that don't work very well and look terrible; or they cost a fortune. $200+ for a piece of plastic with a door? No thanks. I don't have a garage or other covered space to store my pup, and I have had bad luck with tanks rusting and looking horrible. I'm thinking of building a sealed box of some type around them for protection and a little extra storage, maybe even incorporate the battery. I know there are some redneck engineers out there (or even some legit ones) that have done this, so let's see them!
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2015
    Way back in our popup days I needed a bit more storage for hoses, cables, etc so I built a custom storage box that I mounted at the rear of the trailer. I built it with plywood, designed a locking capped lid for it, and finished it in black vehicle rock guard textured spray paint. I towed that trailer over tens of thousands of miles for several years in just about every type of weather imaginable and it proved to be completely watertight. There's no reason you couldn't do the same to build a tongue mounted box to the exact dimensions you want, my only caution being that I personally wouldn't put a battery (or batteries) in the same compartment as the propane tank(s).
  • robsouth's avatar
    robsouth
    Explorer II
    Apr 13, 2015
    Not sure a "sealed box" for LP tanks is a good idea. Check further on it before proceeding.
  • Muddydogs's avatar
    Muddydogs
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2015
    robsouth wrote:
    Not sure a "sealed box" for LP tanks is a good idea. Check further on it before proceeding.


    This is true, when propane tanks get hot especially when they are full the valve is designed to vent a little pressure off. Propane tanks in the same box as battery's isn't a good idea also since a spark from the battery's could cause a problem when the propane takes release a little pressure.
  • onemilmhz's avatar
    onemilmhz
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2015
    robsouth wrote:
    Not sure a "sealed box" for LP tanks is a good idea. Check further on it before proceeding.
    I should clarify, not sealed as in airtight but weatherproof and lockable. Lots of battery thieves around here. Sealed being bad when it comes to batteries as well. ;)

About DIY Maintenance

RV projects you can tackle on your own with a few friendly pointers.4,351 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025