(solved) -- LP cyls on a hitch rack

[mlts22]

I am looking to buy a hitch mounted cargo rack with high sides, then bolt (using Loctite Red) onto it a propane rack, and a padlock for the handle, so it doesn't work loose. This would be useful for storing an extra pair of 20 pound propane cylinders on the back of a trailer, or a motorhome.

The bottles will be well anchored, but my biggest worry about rear-enders. Would I be going too far into Ford Pinto territory with this setup, especially behind a motorhome?

Edited -- bad idea, confirmed... won't happen.

[azrving]

Lynnmor wrote:

RV daytrader wrote:
well, you see folks with a gas can on their rear mounted cargo carriers....seems worse than propane to me!

I think it would be a great idea to have a large, empty gas can strapped on the rear with loose bungee cords. Might keep a few proctologists off your rear.

Great idea but with as close as some people get they would probably get even closer just so they could read the fine print warning label on the can. Unbelievable how close some truck drivers get.

[Chris_Bryant]

It's actually against the NFPA codes- now who would be enforcing those, idk.

[Lynnmor]

RV daytrader wrote:
well, you see folks with a gas can on their rear mounted cargo carriers....seems worse than propane to me!

I think it would be a great idea to have a large, empty gas can strapped on the rear with loose bungee cords. Might keep a few proctologists off your rear.

[pitch]

I don't see what the problem would be. Hot trucks drive all over with 100lb bottles on the rear. Gas supply trucks drive all over with a virtual potpourri of pressurizes bottles loosely chained to the truck.
Could something happen sure,but not very likely. Just do a good professional quality job of installation and go on your way without worry.

What a bunch of Nancies on here, Sheesh!

[RV_daytrader]

well, you see folks with a gas can on their rear mounted cargo carriers....seems worse than propane to me!

[wanderingbob]

Put the propane on the back bumper . pull a trailer full of mattresses to soften the blow of a rear ender , that ought to ease every ones fears !

[mlts22]

mowermech wrote:
How many times have you been rear-ended over the past five years?
How about the past ten years?
Yes, it CAN happen. However, what are the chances it WILL happen?
Yes, I have heard all about "It is just good insurance!" Unless, of course, whoever makes the statement doesn't agree with what you want to do, then "good insurance" has nothing to do with it (whatever "it" is...)
Then again, those who wonder why anybody would need that much propane have a point, too.
Of course, the bottom line is: It is YOUR rig, do what YOU want with it. If I see a rig that worries me, it behooves me to stay as far from it as I can!
Good luck.

Oh, yeah, the base question: While it might cause a huge ball of fire, I doubt if it would be a "mushroom cloud".

I was using a bit of hyperbole on the topic line, but it did get the point across. Since I do boondocking in the winter, having additional propane is a good thing to have. My current rig is easy -- I put a couple cylinders in the truck bed. However, when I go for a motorhome, and most of them have a fairly small tank, it would be nice to have a cylinder or two for supplemental reserves via an Extend-A-Stay kit.

This is definitely going to get filed under the "bad idea" section, just because a good number of intelligent people confirmed that this isn't exactly the brightest idea to be mentioned on here.

Looks like my best bet would be to see about a small trailer, carry the propane on the nose section. That way, an impact has to go through a lot more before it affects the cylinders.

[azrving]

It's probably not the best place for propane or gasoline but a gopro camera would sure make a nice Youtube video if someone does hit you. Even the look on their faces would be priceless as they realize they are about to hit propane tanks.

[DownTheAvenue]

I am thinking Ford Pinto with rear mounted gas tank bombs, Chevrolet with side mounted gas tank bombs, Firestone tires on Ford SUV blowout rollover bombs. Stuff very bad happens. Why take the risk?

There is a reason propane tanks are mounted in the front of trailers and not in the very back on motorhomes.

[mowermech]

How many times have you been rear-ended over the past five years?
How about the past ten years?
Yes, it CAN happen. However, what are the chances it WILL happen?
Yes, I have heard all about "It is just good insurance!" Unless, of course, whoever makes the statement doesn't agree with what you want to do, then "good insurance" has nothing to do with it (whatever "it" is...)
Then again, those who wonder why anybody would need that much propane have a point, too.
Of course, the bottom line is: It is YOUR rig, do what YOU want with it. If I see a rig that worries me, it behooves me to stay as far from it as I can!
Good luck.

Oh, yeah, the base question: While it might cause a huge ball of fire, I doubt if it would be a "mushroom cloud".

[GMandJM]

Put a DOT 1075(2) placard on it so the potential rear-enders will at least be put on notice.

[TenOC]

I have replaced my 20# tanks with 30# tanks to give me the extra amount of propane. Equal to three 20# tanks.

[Jerrybo66]

With so many places that sell propane I would wonder if it's worth the cost, trouble and chance of a mushroom cloud to carry extra tanks..??????

[LynnandCarol]

Sounds dangerous to me! We used to carry an extra 30 lb. in the bed of truck that anchored down with a ratchet strap.