Transport 20 lbs propane tank to camp

[net4n6]

How do you transport 20 lbs propane tank to camp? I have a SUV (4runner). I don't know it is safe to transport it inside the SUV or on top of the roof rack (tightly secured of course). I afraid the roof rack location is too high and it exposes to the sun (heat) and accident. For inside, I afraid of the propane leak. Is there a better way to transport it?
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Updated: I used 5 lbs tank. Added picture

 

[SigNewt]

Spend a few bucks and get a smaller tank. U don't need a 20lb for most expo trips.

 

[net4n6]

I am thinking about getting the 5 lbs tank. Can I transport the 5 lbs on top of the roof rack (securely tight down) since it is small?

 

[SmoothLC]

Yes, and a 5# tank works great.

 

[Lucky j]

Hey, people transport them in cars all the time. If it leaks, you will smell it before it get dangerous.

Just don't transport recharge 2lbs bottle that are not made for that. If your 20 lbs is certified, don't worry about it.

 

[NatersXJ6]

The biggest potential for a problem with a tank is a leak while you are parked that fills the vehicle and goes boom when you open the door. Actually, I would be willing to bet it goes something more like "whoosh"... But it would still seem bad. Welding tanks go boom every now and then, google it.

I wouldn't be worried about the sun beating on a tank, although you will see lots of threads here with people freaking out about it. The tanks are designed for transport. Just strap it down to something and go.

 

[rayra]

Just keep it from banging around and don't leave anything connected to it in transit. 10-lb bottles are nice, any RV store, but they cost ~$50 empty. You can buy into a full 20-lb tank exchange deal for less than that.

 

[MOguy]

The place I take my tanks to fill will not fill them unless you have a way to transport them outside of the passenger area. Even if you have a large cargo van they will not fill the tank if they know you will be transporting it where there could be passengers. DOT has no regulation governing people (individuals not commercial) transporting gasoline (in removable storage), never asked about propane though. I know my state has strict laws about permanently mounted fuel tanks, none I have seen about portable tanks. You could check with state laws if it was something you are concerned about. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Maxcustody]

Google............I had the same question, I had it stored in my off-road trailer for the last 2 weeks traveling Utah and Arizona.


Propane Explosions 101
Propane tanks do not explode. They do not implode and nor do they rupture or come apart on their own. In fact, bringing a propane tank to the point of "explosion" is a tremendously difficult and time consuming task that's not as simple as most people think. Many people believe that a propane tank "explosion" can occur with the slightest of ease. This is not the case whatsoever and people should understand that a propane tank, operating under normal circumstances will not explode or rupture. Safety devices and mechanisms are in place to prevent explosions, accidents and propane tank ruptures or breaches. Just like any other hazardous material or activity, human error is a primary factor in preventing or contributing to any type of accident, however serious in nature.

 

[Lucky j]

I do not think he worries about the tank explosion, but a leak from the tank that could create an explosion in the vehicule by acumulation.

About that place that does not fill up propane containers if they go in cars, how do they react about propane cars with the tank in the trunk compartment? I have never heard of such a place. Go some where else.

If the tank is maintain, and certification up to date, no reason why it should leak. Even with tje nob open it will not leak. But those little 1 and 2 lbs does leak. i have new ones that I keep in a plastic bin, every time I open the bin after a few weeks, I can smell propane. Those get me worry, but not enough not to use them.

 

[MOguy]

I do not think he worries about the tank explosion, but a leak from the tank that could create an explosion in the vehicule by acumulation.

About that place that does not fill up propane containers if they go in cars, how do they react about propane cars with the tank in the trunk compartment? I have never heard of such a place. Go some where else.

If the tank is maintain, and certification up to date, no reason why it should leak. Even with tje nob open it will not leak. But those little 1 and 2 lbs does leak. i have new ones that I keep in a plastic bin, every time I open the bin after a few weeks, I can smell propane. Those get me worry, but not enough not to use them.

They have no problem with the trunk.

 

[Lucky j]

They have no problem with the trunk.

This is the only gorvernment official document I could find for quebec, sorry, it is in french.


http://www.crq.gouv.qc.ca/documents/pdf/MatieresDangereuses.pdf

But what they say about propane, is that it should not be transported on top of a vehicule, should not be transported in front of the vehicule, and should not be attached to the door of a vehicule. Also the limit is mentioned.

Other document were available but not from the government like that it should always be transported up-right and secure, a cracked windows if it is inside a vehicule, slightly open trunk or door if envlosed area.

But always closed, but on a rv or caming trailer.

 

[MOguy]

This is the only gorvernment official document I could find for quebec, sorry, it is in french.


http://www.crq.gouv.qc.ca/documents/pdf/MatieresDangereuses.pdf

But what they say about propane, is that it should not be transported on top of a vehicule, should not be transported in front of the vehicule, and should not be attached to the door of a vehicule. Also the limit is mentioned.

Other document were available but not from the government like that it should always be transported up-right and secure, a cracked windows if it is inside a vehicule, slightly open trunk or door if envlosed area.

But always closed, but on a rv or caming trailer.

it is there way or the highway for me. I live in a rural area. Others providers only deliver to larger tanks. I have smaller camper tank and one a few times larger for my ventless fireplace in the house. Neither is large enough where somebody will come out and fill. I have one option within about 20 miles or so.

 

[grogie]

I'd also suggest the Worthington 11 lb. tank. Home Depot online sells them, and Powertank sells a really nice aluminum mount (which I have it on the front of my trailer). I considered a 20 lb. tank, which makes since as they're easy to exchange, however the 11 lb. is enough (even with a Campfire in a Can) and less weight to carry.

 

[HINO SG]

Think about all of the factory-built travel trailers with tanks permanently mounted on the hitch tongue. Would having a tank on the roof really absorb that much more solar energy?


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