Adding propane to FWC shell - ideas?

[Stereo]

I'm interested in getting an Eagle or Fleet FWC shell for my Tacoma. I will likely be parting out my Skamper so I already have a furnace and stove top to install in the shell. Based on the FWC website, it appears the only way to get the propane tank storage is to order the furnace and stove top. I don't want to have to do that 'cause I want to control where these fixtures are located. I also only need a 5 gal tank. The standard size lasts us years.

From my reading around the web, there are propane "lockers" boaters typically use, but they run over $800. I believe safety rules prohibit mounting canisters on the back of an "RV" and if mounted underneath the truck bed, they should be between and above the bottom of the axles. In my initial research, I've seen some builds that put the tank inside the camper in a compartment, but others say that's a huge safety concern and I agree if it's not properly sealed.

I'd appreciate any ideas about creating an accessible-from-the-inside, vented-to-the-outside compartment for a smaller 5# tank rather than the more typical 15# tank. Ideally, I would like to access it from inside the camper so I only have to punch venting through the sidewall, rather than putting in a door from the outside. That would give me more flexibility on where I could put the tank within the camper. As noted, any interior access hatch/door would have to be airtight.

 

[coguzzi]

i believe FWC will build a shell with just the propane box for future expansion (not incliuding the heater), ask the dealer. its the way i would do it

 

[Stereo]

Thank you, but I hope to buy used, so I'm wondering about options if I find a shell without a propane locker.

 

[brian90744]

I also only need a 5 gal tank. The standard size lasts us years. The standard tank you can exchange =like for bar b q is 5 gal, maybe you want a 2.5 gal tank, check camping world for size and price. If you are parting out a unit why not take the LP compartment? just FYI=brian

 

[LuckyDan]

I own an old, (89) Grandby. The compartment for the propane on it is little more than a sheet metal box with a standard RV compartment door. I don't think they are super sealed to start with.

All the best in whatever direction you go.

 

[cchoc]

I also only need a 5 gal tank. The standard size lasts us years. The standard tank you can exchange =like for bar b q is 5 gal, maybe you want a 2.5 gal tank, check camping world for size and price. If you are parting out a unit why not take the LP compartment? just FYI=brian

I believe he's talking about a 5# tank, not a 5 gal one. A 5 gal tank holds 20# of propane.

 

[Stereo]

Interior access?

I appreciate the feedback so far. I'm still hoping for ideas for designing a box that I can access from the interior and thus it needs a sealed hatch. Maybe I'm overthinking it.

 

[quickfarms]

Contact ATC they are more receptive to custom work that FWC is not interested in doing.

 

[bill harr]

This build of a ATC shell is the only inside propane box I have seen. Did see one where they put the tank inside without a box.

 

[Stereo]

Thank you for the link, Bill. That's a beautiful build. The owner mentions that the locker will be sealed but gave no details. However, the camper is local to me so I'll see if I can get a tour.

 

[bill harr]

He had put up a picture of the door and I could not find it. He had a heavy foam seal around the door, do not remember if he had a sheet metal on it or not.

Edit here they are, post #47 in his thread.:


Not latch top and bottom.

Not sheet metal inside, I am not sure I like access inside. If you do this I would add sheet metal to inside of door.

 

[Scoutman]

That's a really nice build. Good read and top notch work.

I too am interested in adding propane to a shell when we get our shell ordered. I was either going to have FWC add the compartment or mount the tanks externally on a bracket on the rear wall. Interested to see what internal options come up. It would seem that sealing it off well, giving it plenty of vents to the outside (down low in the compartment), and installing a detector in the living space would be the answer. They sell tank lockers for the marine industry which may also be a good starting point.

 

[ripperj]

I don't know if it's just fear, or there is real data, but I just don't see propane seeping thru the plywood walls of a well constructed, well vented compartment. This is the thought process I used when I made mine. I do have enough room to add an aluminum lining, but I don't think it's needed. I will caulk the wood seams and maybe slap a coat of paint on the inside

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