Carrying Aux propane tank

TXDego wrote:

I hope that by talking about what happen to my family, that maybe others will not have to endure what our family did as a result of a propane accident.

TXDego is very accurate. If a container inadvertently leaks you risk and explosion and that is why you are not suppose to store them in an enclosed container like a bay.

It sounds like the possibility of static electricity as stated or the possibly of a rather minor spark when the tail gate was moved was sufficient to cause the propane to explode.

I decided not to try a T-connection in the house LP system for the Weber Q grill. I bought a "squatty" 10-pound tank that has the same base ring as the 20-pounder. I got a "base stabilizer ring" from CW and bolted it to the floor in one of my stowbins. I drilled a few holes underneath for venting (like the bins are so perfectly sealed!) I keep about 5 ponds of propane in it so it's not too hard to lift.

It snaps into the base ring very snugly and I've always had to work at the job to get it out when I want to use the grill.

OPD valves are present in 20#, 30#, and 40# bottles. Not sure on tanks.

I thought there were safety floats? inside the tank that would prevent over filling the tanks. 80% I believe is where they are supposed to limit the fill. I know I had an older bottle several years ago that they would not refill till they replaced this device. Larry

Can you mount a tank holder in the compartment with the existing tank.. Likely no, due to space considerations, but that's not to say that ALL RV's are that tight.

The problem with the back bumper is... IF you get rear ended that is where it hits.

It needs to be in a vented compartment.

I do not fill mine, I put no more than 80 percent of what the tank is supposed to hold in propane (That is if it can safely hold 5 gallons I put in 4) Or if it's on a scale I have 'em fill it 4 pounds "light" . Kind of like Blue Rino does.

Valve placement and the use of dip tubes vary with the intended use of the particular tank. Liquid or vapor withdrawl as needed.

The constant factor is that the relief valve is designed to be in communication with the vapor only. In the case of small (4-30# is usual for us RV'ers) tanks with vapor use valves, the relief valve is built into the gas use valve on the side opposite the connection for use.

Portable motorfuel tanks, like those used on forklifts are designed to be used either upright or horizontally. The relief valve is a seperate fitting and will be in the vapor space if vertical orientation is used as well as being in the vapor space when the tank is properly oriented on the forklift in the horizontal position.

I carry 2, 20 lb tanks in the storage compartments in milk crates to use for the grill and Camp fire in a can.

Horizontal propane tanks like those used on RV's have a dip tube that is positioned so it's opening is in the vapor space of the tank. Horizontal or standup propane tanks used for Motor Fuel will usually have a dip tube to supply liquid propane to the engines converter. Some exceptions would be small engines designed to use vapor.

My valve is on the side, and my tank is a horizontal tank.
The tank on my boat was also a horizontal tank, with the valve at what WOULD be the top if you stood it upright.

My understanding is that horizontal tanks need a special valve, which is why they are more expensive.

Jim

Canadian Rainbirds wrote:

B's Bunch wrote:
I am also sorry for your loss . I have to question tho as to how is a forklift tank any safer? They lay on their side instead of upright. I also carry the 20 lb tank in my basement and it is secure but after this Maybe not. Again sorry for this to happen Larry

The tank in most motorhomes are mounted horizontally as well, but the valve is on the top.

The reason these tanks, which feed propane gas (vapour) to the device, must be kept with the valve on top is so that vapour and not liquid propane will vent if necessary. Liquid propane venting will expand many thousands of times in volume and very quickly become a huge explosive cloud.

Many vehicles that use propane for engine power use LIQUID propane to the engine intake. Therefore the valve is usually on the side with the internal pickup near the bottom of the tank.

B's Bunch wrote:
I am also sorry for your loss . I have to question tho as to how is a forklift tank any safer? They lay on their side instead of upright. I also carry the 20 lb tank in my basement and it is secure but after this Maybe not. Again sorry for this to happen Larry

The tank in most motorhomes are mounted horizontally as well, but the valve is on the top.

The reason these tanks, which feed propane gas (vapour) to the device, must be kept with the valve on top is so that vapour and not liquid propane will vent if necessary. Liquid propane venting will expand many thousands of times in volume and very quickly become a huge explosive cloud.

Many vehicles that use propane for engine power use LIQUID propane to the engine intake. Therefore the valve is usually on the side with the internal pickup near the bottom of the tank.

I am also sorry for your loss . I have to question tho as to how is a forklift tank any safer? They lay on their side instead of upright. I also carry the 20 lb tank in my basement and it is secure but after this Maybe not. Again sorry for this to happen Larry