Propane tank [20 pound] storage?

[Gene Owens]

I searched for this in several forums and didn't get anything. I'm wondering if it's safe to carry a full or partially full propane storage tank inside a vehicle not separated from the passenger compartment? Or is it legal to carry such tank on a storage pod attached to a hitch??? Thanks,

[HopsBrewster]

No sir, don't carry it in the passenger compartment. If there is even a minor leak it can cause havoc.
I'm no lawyer, so I can't speak to the legality of carrying a tank on a hitch carrier, and I'm sure that could vary by state, but just imagine if said carrier was destroyed in a rear-end collision. But I must admit I have seen propane cylinders carried just that way many times. I think this is where wisdom and/or common sense is supposed to come in handy.

[arcaguy]

I agree with what Hopsbrewer said. Don't carry the tank in your passenger compartment and I would not carry it on a hitch for the reasons stated. That said, there are lots and lots of folks carry propane around on the tongue of their trailer. I don't think that is nearly as dangerous as carrying it around on the hitch as the trailer protects it in the event of a rear-end collision.