Forum Discussion

qtla9111's avatar
Jan 09, 2016

TT With Horizontal Mount LP Tanks?

I am assuming this isn't very common but I was thinking about moving them from the hitch to mount other items.

The tanks are easily found at rv supply and are sold for use on vans. The distance from TT to the ground is higher than that of a van.

Is there a reason why tanks aren't hidden underneath or side-mounted?
  • I would suspect that they are permanently mounted and that means the trailer has to go to the station to be refilled. Not very good for seasonal types.
  • At least for motor vehicles (and I assume they apply for trailers), there are some DOT regulations regarding where propane tanks may be mounted. As I recall, it basically boiled down to the idea that they have to be within the outline of the framework of the vehicle—they cannot be on top of the roof, or strapped on the back bumper, or hanging down underneath below the vehicle structure. They do, of course, also have to be well vented on the underside (so that any propane that leaks or escapes through the safety pressure relief valve can dissipate).

    If you can mount a permanent tank such that these requirements are met, I don't see any reason why it would not be acceptable for a travel trailer. Likewise, if you can safely mount a portable cylinder someplace other than the tongue, be it a horizontal or a more common vertical one, that would also be OK.

    Bear in mind that a permanent ASME tank will be heavier than portable DOT cylinder(s) of the same capacity. That may or may not be of any concern in your particular situation.
  • qtla9111 wrote:
    I am assuming this isn't very common but I was thinking about moving them from the hitch to mount other items.

    The tanks are easily found at rv supply and are sold for use on vans. The distance from TT to the ground is higher than that of a van.

    Is there a reason why tanks aren't hidden underneath or side-mounted?

    My inlaws have a 2016 trailer that has 2 5 gal. Tanks side mounted in a side compartment and it is well ventilated. Do it right and it should not matter.
  • 5 gal? I would assume for the trouble the OP would go with 2x 20 gallon.
    Even a propane generator might be tolerable with that much fuel. ;)
  • smkettner wrote:
    5 gal? I would assume for the trouble the OP would go with 2x 20 gallon.
    Even a propane generator might be tolerable with that much fuel. ;)


    I would think that is for op to decide dont you? I was simpley stating what came stock on there rig from the factory.
  • grizzzman wrote:
    qtla9111 wrote:
    I am assuming this isn't very common but I was thinking about moving them from the hitch to mount other items.

    The tanks are easily found at rv supply and are sold for use on vans. The distance from TT to the ground is higher than that of a van.

    Is there a reason why tanks aren't hidden underneath or side-mounted?

    My inlaws have a 2016 trailer that has 2 5 gal. Tanks side mounted in a side compartment and it is well ventilated. Do it right and it should not matter.


    I would imagine that those are 20# horizontal 'portable' cylinders that are removed from trailer to be refilled.

    OP........

    Permanently mounting horizontal cylinders in a trailer may run into issues getting them refilled......not due to any regulations or such but due to getting truck/trailer into area of propane dispensing equipment.
    Simple Logistics. So you may be limiting your refill options.

    BUT if you are talking about portable horizontal cylinders......just pull them out and go get refilled just like truck campers do