Propane Tank Storage

[konabob]

The storage areas in my 1997 SeaBreeze are very short (12" tall). I want to store and transport a propane tank (19" tall). Can a 20 lb. tank be stored and/or transported in an RV on it's side?

[macantic]

Originally Posted by konabob

The storage areas in my 1997 SeaBreeze are very short (12" tall). I want to store and transport a propane tank (19" tall). Can a 20 lb. tank be stored and/or transported in an RV on it's side?

I hope so! that's how I store mine.

[Tony Lee]

It is not recommended and maybe illegal in some places, but lots do it.

Also a good idea to have some sort of ventilation in that storage bay just in case.

[TdogKing]

I would vent the compartment someway,somehow to be 100% safe. I vented a compartment on my coach using Lawn drains from Home Depot. I cut the holes out front and rear and used silicone to hold them in place. They have been there about 10 years and haven't come loose.

[StevenNSteph]

Quite a few years ago I was at Lake Havasu when an RV two rows over had an explosion that ripped it's side off. It unfortunately killed the dad and injured a wife and two kids. The fire captain said it appeared that he had a propane tank in his "unvented" compartment. The cylinder was either leaked, got bumped open or got too hot and had the safety valve release, but when he opened the compartment they think a spark from the compartment light ignited the propane and it blew up.

I was shocked and said that's a freak accident and his response was they get 3 or 4 a year, that's why it's illegal to store propane cylinders unsecured and in unvented cabinets. Do thousands of people do it - yup, the choice is yours. Personally I think it's much easier to add a "T" to my RV tank to run my grill than carry another cylinder, especially if storage is thight.

[gasman405]

I'm in the propane business and you should not transport propane on its side. You do not want propane laying near the valve where it could freeze the safety relief outlet. The propane label should state that the propane should be transported in an upright position.

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by gasman405

I'm in the propane business and you should not transport propane on its side. You do not want propane laying near the valve where it could freeze the safety relief outlet. The propane label should state that the propane should be transported in an upright position.

Thank you for that. Sure hope the people parked near me have the same information and common sense.
I have a line teed into the main feed with a valve I shut off during travel and a 15' hose for my grill. Had to remove the reg from the grill because the line is regulated at the tank.
The quick couple at the grill has a valve that cannot be turned on unless it is connected.
No need to carry loose bottles of Propane.

[Doc Hugh]

I concur with previous posters. All LP cylinders (should) have warning labels (unless removed or worn off) to the effect "Always transport, store and secure cylinders upright"; "When transporting, keep cylinder secured in an upright position in a ventilated area with cylinder valve turned off"; "Secure cylinder upright at all times. The pressure relief valve cannot operate properly if the cylinder is not upright." Wording is quoted from 3 propane cylinders I have on hand for home use. We purposely do not carry portable propane cylinders in our MH but tap off our fixed propane tank with proper fittings and hose for safety and convenience. If you must by type of RV or need, then the cylinder must be secured upright in a properly ventilated compartment.

Being a physician, I have been involved in management of patients suffering from tragic propane related injuries, burns and fatalities. Propane must be handled properly and safely for the well-being of you and your family as well as those around you, not to mention your RV!

Safe Travels!

[DegoRed]

Originally Posted by konabob

Can a 20 lb. tank be stored and/or transported in an RV on it's side?

Please do not do this ever! Please don't ever store propane tanks on their side or in an enclosed area/compartment. Vents in a compartment will do very little to help, propane is heavier than air, it actually sinks when released. Propane will not dissipate through some vents.

My father (59 years old) was killed as a result of a propane tank explosion and his tank was in a well ventilated area (back of pickup truck bed). The tank was laying on its side. My father had worked around and used propane tanks for 30+ years. So when I hear people say, "Oh I have been doing this for years, never had a problem", my answer is always the same. Its all good till its not.

Here is what it looks like when a propane tank goes boom! This was my fathers truck and house.

[Doc Hugh]

DegoRed,

Thank you for sharing your very tragic loss to promote saving others from such terrible grief. Your willingness to emphasize this critical safety issue in such a personal way is much appreciated...

Hugh

[konabob]

Thank you all for your comments. Consensus - Don't do it!

[Gary RVRoamer]

However, yu can buy tanks designed to be horizontal instead of vertical. Theer are also low profile tanks, sort of a pancake style, but the low ones are usually 10 lb rather than 20.

I carry a 5# vertical style for use with my grill and it lasts through many, many meals. It's not very tall and also a convenient weight. Might be a bit over 12", though.

[Gordon Dewald]

We are currently on propane (5er) but will be going to an all electric coach in a few months.

I am especially cautious around propane. I make sure that the propane is turned off at the cylinders when we travel. Never can tell when traveling if a connection will come lose and start leaking.

Our son bless his heart has neglected to close the valves and left the furnace on. He stores his RV on our property. Kind of chuckled when I came out on a cool morning and his furnace was running. It had been dropped off a couple weeks before. RV was warm, tank near empty so the first thing after he turned off the furnace and the tank was to get the tanks refilled!