Transporting propane cylinders

[Radshooter]

We usually carry our third propane cylinder in the Tundra when we move from location to location. I hesitate to carry it in the Dodge with the fiver in tow due to clearance issues. That is why it rides in the Tundra. Now, we are thinking about trading the Tundra for a 4-Runner. I hesitate to carry the propane cylinder in an enclosed rig. My question is. . Can a 30 pound cylinder be transported horizontally? Can I lay it down in the Dodge if I secure and protect it? If it is lying down, there are no clearance issues.

Thanks... ... Steve

 

[JThiessen]

Yes, they can be transported horizontally. I'm curious as to why you dont just leave it in the trailer? Or is this a secondary tank?

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks JThiessen. Actually this is a third tank. Two ride in the fiver in their assigned locations. We use the third as a back up for the two, and for the BBQ.

I have seen porpane tanks horizontal on back of forklifts, and I don't see how transporting them would be any different unless the forklift tanks have different regulators.

Thanks... ... Steve

 

[klenger]

Forklift tanks are made to be mounted horizontally. I've heard that it's not a good idea to transport vertical LP tanks horizontally, but have nothing to back up the claim.

 

[Gaylord]

The pick up tube in a horizontal tank is routed so that only vapor will enter the tube. A vertical tank laid horizontally WILL allow LPG liquid to enter the pick up tube. This is not good as the regulator & lines are designed for vapor only. The result is that anything burning on vapor that should inadvertantly receive liquid WILL produce a huge flame... . one that you most likely do not want. Special effects guys lay vertical tankls on their side momentarily to make the flame bars produce huge flames..... usually what the Director wants and always to the consternation of the fire/safety marshall. All LPG tanks are marked on the valve protective collar as to wether they are valved for vertical or horizontal use.

As far as transporting LPG, vertical tanks are to be transported in a vertical position and chained and horizontal tanks horizontally & chained. LPG tasnks are NOT allowed to be transported in a closed vehicle. RVs that have LPG compartments are always closed/sealed from the living space and open on the bottom as LPG vapor is heavier than air. HTH

 

[rperker]

rperker

actually as per DOT all compressed gas cyninders are to be transported upright and secured. DOT makes no differance as to what use orentation any cylinder may have. This being said there are alot of compressed gas cylinders "mounted" on thier side. As mentioned earlier there are lpg tanks "mounted" on their side. So possibily if a lpg tank were "mounted" on its side, lets say in the bed of a ctd while pulling a 5er.

 

[JPope]

"... actually as per DOT all compressed gas cyninders are to be transported upright... "



Are not the horizontal tanks exempt for the OPD requirement, and designed and approved for horizontal mounting, including the DOT, for all the technical reasons stated by Gaylord.



Otherwise how would you get them filled by an approved dealer, propane supplier!

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks guys. We have pretty much given up on the horizontal transport option. But, Momma really wants the 4-Runner, so we will have to figure something else out.

Thanks again... ... Steve

 

[nps]

With the valve closed it doesn't matter if you transport it horizontally. The vertical transport rule from DOT is to make sure the cylinders don't roll around and get the top knocked off.



Just make sure you stand the cylinder up for 10 minutes to allow any liquid to run down before cracking open the valve.

 

[jelag]

NPS has the answer... but I don't transport the cylinders on their side unless there in a rack... or tied down... . banging that valve would be a real bad issue.....



Also remember that once a shot of that liquid got past the regulator... . the pressure change would make it a vapor... and no liquid would reach the appliance... . HOWEVER, there would be a large volume of gas pushed down the line... that any appliance wouldn't like..... and might cause other problems.....



If I have a doubt... I put the cylinder out in the open and crack the valve to be sure there is no liquid in the line before I connect it... .



This gas can be really explosive in the right air fuel mixture... . Take care... and do it right... if you have doubts about your abilities contact one of the gas companies for good training.....



The OPD valves were installed because the guys in the filling stations..... (gasoline stations) where putting too much propane in the tanks and they were venting off when they heated up... and were causing bombs..... This gas has been safe for years when the proper safety issues were used... .



BTW - the guys in the gasoline stations by law can't fill tanks without an approved course by the propane company... but the guys who own the gasoline stations were to cheep to correctly train the clerks... so to keep it safe the valves were changed.....

 

[Hoefler]

The main reason for transporting the up right as the law requires, is that when they vent from the increase in temperature setting in the sun, and trust me they will vent, is so they will vent the vapor not the liquid.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I have a Lance Camper with 2 30 lb. bottles. They are mounted horizontally. The guage shows it can be read either horizontally or vertically.



Are these unique propane bottles?

 

[SnoKing]

I have a Lance Camper with 2 30 lb. bottles. They are mounted horizontally. The guage shows it can be read either horizontally or vertically.



Are these unique propane bottles?

Yes they have "J" pickup tubes in them, the go in and turn up. SNOKING

 

[TowPro]

Thanks guys. We have pretty much given up on the horizontal transport option. But, Momma really wants the 4-Runner, so we will have to figure something else out.



Thanks again... ... Steve

radshooter, why just leave the tank home. You can get quick connect fittings for your RV for $22. 00, add a $28. 00 extension hose that you run over the ground to your grill.



I can run the heat at 68F for 6-8 nights that are in the upper 20'sF on 1-30 lb tank. I can run all summer on 1-30 gallon tank just running the refig under way, and using it along with with the electric hot water heater for "quick hot water".



With the auto changover valves, you get enough warning when one is empty, you can fill the empty one when your home, or right in most campgrounds.

The price of propane in a campground is only a buck or 2 higher then an outside vendor when filling a 30 lb tank. Plus it helps support the local campground.

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks TowPro... . We have talked about just getting rid of the third tank. We can't "leave it home" because we live in our trailer! Home is where we are parked at the time. When we leave a contract it is usually a one-way trip to the next contract. If we left it home we would have to take it with us! LOL!