20 lbs Propane Tank in Box Truck Conversion with Wood Stove.

[Benjamin]

I am having anxiety about my recent decision to install a propane tank in my box truck. I heat my truck with the cubic mini, and am trying to figure out if i am at risk of being blown up if i choose to use a 20lbs propane tank in the same truck to fuel my cooktop and tankless water heater. I am planning on building a sealed box and venting it out the bottom, as well as install a LP sensor near the tank and have a fire extinguisher near by. That being said, an extinguisher won't save me from a gigantic ball of fire in my face. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and if anybody with a wood stove in their conversion could tell me how they cook/get hot water that'd be great. Did installing this wood stove condemn my use of propane, or is this decision one involving weighing personal risk and is somewhat safe. If other people do it, i have no problem with it because I'm confident in my venting/seal/rotten egg smelling abilities, however life is too short to be incinerated. Feel me, thanks all.

Best, 
Ben

 

[tx2sturgis]

...... life is too short to be incinerated. 

lol....

Hey I think propane is very safe when used with some common sense and care. Still, there is always a possibility of a leak inside, and propane vapors tend to stay low on the floor. The vapors COULD find a source of ignition with an open flame in that stove. 

So, if you are using a woodstove in a boxtruck, that boxtruck probably has room for a frame mount tank under the box. (or a vented frame-mount steel enclosure for a 20# tank). That might be a better option for you, and if done right, should put you at ease. You can turn the tank valve off outside, and not risk waking up to a fireball.

Cuz, you know.......incineration tends to ruin a guy's weekend.

 

[Benjamin]

lol....

Hey I think propane is very safe when used with some common sense and care. Still, there is always a possibility of a leak inside, and propane vapors tend to stay low on the floor. They COULD find a source of ignition with an open flame in that stove. 

So, if you are using a woodstove in a boxtruck, that boxtruck probably has room for a frame mount tank under the box. That might be a better option for you, and if done right, should put you at ease. You can turn the tank valve off outside, and not risk waking up to a fireball.

Cuz, you know.......incineration tends to ruin a guy's weekend.

Thanks for the speedy reply! I'm contemplating mounting it horizontally underneath, but i'm already fully invested in what i have going on. Changing that up would require me to change everything up, which i'm willing to do if it means life continues. I'm not sure if my tank can go horizontal either so i'd have to get a new one. Another piece of info is that my wood stove is mounted on the wall, so far from the floor. If i can get away with my setup, that'd be ideal. Thanks again man, i didn't expect to hear back so fast. This forum is skookum 

 

[highdesertranger]

with a box truck I would mount the tank on the outside, just cuz. highdesertranger

 

[Rayd888]

Propane Tanks are super safe. They only blow up in movies. Like cars always exploding after any crash... Mythbusters had a hell of a time trying to make a car explode - Hollywood Physics don't work in real life.

I've been cooking with propane stoves most of my life - in houses, boats, camper vans, etc. and I'd say that the real danger is in gas leaks. Both poisoning yourself or lighting a flame (cigarette, etc) close to a leaking tank. But the tanks themselves are super strong, and if installed correctly, which is not hard to do, they won't leak at all.

If course, you should keep your wood stove a good distance away from your propane tank.

If you're paranoid, you can plug it in only when you use it and keep a soapy water spray bottle at hand to spray the different joints and make sure they're not leaking prior to using it.

You should definitely have a carbon monoxide and gas detector/alarm, but in my experience, propane tanks and stoves are safe. Just be mindful and don't be careless when using them.

Here's a good link with info on this: https://www.lakesgasco.com/propane-101/lakes-gas-blog/236-do-propane-tanks-explode.html

Hope this helps.

 

[Benjamin]

Propane Tanks are super safe. They only blow up in movies. Like cars always exploding after any crash... Mythbusters had a hell of a time trying to make a car explode - Hollywood Physics don't work in real life.

I've been cooking with propane stoves most of my life - in houses, boats, camper vans, etc. and I'd say that the real danger is in gas leaks. Both poisoning yourself or lighting a flame (cigarette, etc) close to a leaking tank. But the tanks themselves are super strong, and if installed correctly, which is not hard to do, they won't leak at all.

If course, you should keep your wood stove a good distance away from your propane tank.

If you're paranoid, you can plug it in only when you use it and keep a soapy water spray bottle at hand to spray the different joints and make sure they're not leaking prior to using it.

You should definitely have a carbon monoxide and gas detector/alarm, but in my experience, propane tanks and stoves are safe. Just be mindful and don't be careless when using them.

Here's a good link with info on this: https://www.lakesgasco.com/propane-101/lakes-gas-blog/236-do-propane-tanks-explode.html

Hope this helps.

Thanks Ray, alotta good info in there. You did a good job curbing my anxiety, but my paranoia is still there. Mostly because my propane tank is mounted directly across the box truck from my wood stove. Its concealed under my sink in a box sealed with silicone, but still. Moving it would mean it wouldn't reach my appliances. Does anybody else use propane in their conversions with a wood stove? Not that you aren't credible, i just want to make sure I am not crazy for combining a raging fire with a concealed propane tank. Especially one as big as i have, if that baby ignites i am dead for sure. If the only real concern is leaks, for i have heard these tanks are quite resilient puncture wise, venting out the bottom should make my system completely safe in theory correct?

 

[Benjamin]

with a box truck I would mount the tank on the outside,  just cuz.  highdesertranger

thats the safest and smartest, but lets say i want to be kinda dumb about it to conform to my system, will i be safe under the conditions i described in your opinion?

 

[Benjamin]

I am having anxiety about my recent decision to install a propane tank in my box truck. I heat my truck with the cubic mini, and am trying to figure out if i am at risk of being blown up if i choose to use a 20lbs propane tank in the same truck to fuel my cooktop and tankless water heater. I am planning on building a sealed box and venting it out the bottom, as well as install a LP sensor near the tank and have a fire extinguisher near by. That being said, an extinguisher won't save me from a gigantic ball of fire in my face. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and if anybody with a wood stove in their conversion could tell me how they cook/get hot water that'd be great. Did installing this wood stove condemn my use of propane, or is this decision one involving weighing personal risk and is somewhat safe. If other people do it, i have no problem with it because I'm confident in my venting/seal/rotten egg smelling abilities, however life is too short to be incinerated. Feel me, thanks all.

Best, 
Ben

I have a Freightliner step van, to clarify not box truck my bad.

 

[johnny b]

+1 on mounting under the box outside.
20 lb. bbq tank cannot be mounted horizontally...need to replace with proper tank.
Also run hard lines to stove and HW heater...no rubber hoses.
Keep a soap solution spray bottle on hand and check connections regularly.
Wood stoves and propane are not uncommon in cabins and off grid homes...your difference is that you're mobile and subjecting equipment to the vibrations and shocks of the road.

 

[Benjamin]

+1 on mounting under the box outside.
20 lb. bbq tank cannot be mounted horizontally...need to replace with proper tank.
Also run hard lines to stove and HW heater...no rubber hoses.
Keep a soap solution spray bottle on hand and check connections regularly.
Wood stoves and propane are not uncommon in cabins and off grid homes...your difference is that you're mobile and subjecting equipment to the vibrations and shocks of the road

sounds like under the box is the way to go ehh, anybody know good tanks/mounting kits that are cheapish. I am in college and money is tight.  Thanks for the reply johnny 

 

[Rayd888]

Thanks Ray, alotta good info in there. You did a good job curbing my anxiety, but my paranoia is still there. Mostly because my propane tank is mounted directly across the box truck from my wood stove. Its concealed under my sink in a box sealed with silicone, but still. Moving it would mean it wouldn't reach my appliances. Does anybody else use propane in their conversions with a wood stove? Not that you aren't credible, i just want to make sure I am not crazy for combining a raging fire with a concealed propane tank. Especially one as big as i have, if that baby ignites i am dead for sure. If the only real concern is leaks, for i have heard these tanks are quite resilient puncture wise, venting out the bottom should make my system completely safe in theory correct?

I think your best bet would be to mount it outside, even you have to re-do your setup,just so you can have peace of mind. 

If you finagle your current setup, you may have that little thorn in your mind always nagging at you... 

Different people have different risk tolerance, so if it will bother you, change your setup. It'll pay off in Peace in the long run.

I saw a video of a couple who don't trust propane at all and decided to use an Alcohol stove instead. They were just not ok with having propane inside their van at all. 

Your van is your home, and it would suck for you to wake up in the middle of the night worried. Peace of mind is my highest priority...

 

[Benjamin]

I think your best bet would be to mount it outside, even you have to re-do your setup,just so you can have peace of mind. 

If you finagle your current setup, you may have that little thorn in your mind always nagging at you... 

Different people have different risk tolerance, so if it will bother you, change your setup. It'll pay off in Peace in the long run.

I saw a video of a couple who don't trust propane at all and decided to use an Alcohol stove instead. They were just not ok with having propane inside their van at all. 

Your van is your home, and it would suck for you to wake up in the middle of the night worried. Peace of mind is my highest priority...

Great advise Ray, I'm seriously considering moving the tank outside. Wether i buy a new tank, cheapest one i could find was $150, or just mount my current above my rear bumper, is undecided. The longer i think about it, the more i begin to realize i am a paranoid paranoid person haha. Its my home you're right, ill most likely go with the outdoor setup. I live in Alaska, do you think the cold would effect the tank? Temperatures down to -45 F?

 

[John61CT]

Look at the standards for running propane to appliances in a boat. Much more rigorous than for RVs.

Ongoing testing and proactive replacement on a schedule is key.

 

[Moxadox]

Thanks for the speedy reply! I'm contemplating mounting it horizontally underneath, but i'm already fully invested in what i have going on. Changing that up would require me to change everything up, which i'm willing to do if it means life continues. I'm not sure if my tank can go horizontal either so i'd have to get a new one. Another piece of info is that my wood stove is mounted on the wall, so far from the floor. If i can get away with my setup, that'd be ideal. Thanks again man, i didn't expect to hear back so fast. This forum is skookum 

I just read up about mounting tanks. A vertical tank cannot be mounted horizontally, and vice versa. If you want a horizontal tank you need to buy one purpose-made.

My father was a potter. Propane tanks were a part of life. We heated with wood, though, so we always lived with both. The main things to remember are:

1. Keep your bottle of soapy water handy and test for leaks whenever you mess with connections or subject your hoses/fittings to stress

2. Install a sensor near the floor because propane is heavier than air

3. Make sure you have adequate ventilation. You're more likely to die from carbon monoxide poisoning than from explosion! Especially if you're burning wood in an enclosed space.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[Benjamin]

I just read up about mounting tanks.  A vertical tank cannot be mounted horizontally, and vice versa.  If you want a horizontal tank you need to buy one purpose-made.

My father was a potter.  Propane tanks were a part of life.  We heated with wood, though, so we always lived with both.  The main things to remember are:

1.  Keep your bottle of soapy water handy and test for leaks whenever you mess with connections or subject your hoses/fittings to stress

2.  Install a sensor near the floor because propane is heavier than air

3.  Make sure you have adequate ventilation.  You're more likely to die from carbon monoxide poisoning than from explosion!  Especially if you're burning wood in an enclosed space.

The Dire Wolfess

Got it, thanks for looking into that for me! After all this, if i forget my soapy bottle and sensors i deserve to perish.

 

[bonvanroulez]

Look at the standards for running propane to appliances in a boat. Much more rigorous than for RVs.

Why would the standards for propane in a boat would be of any interest to someone building a camper or RV?  They're completely different applications. There are applicable standards published for the RV industry.
https://www.rvia.org/standards-regulations/standards-compliance/association-and-ansi-standards

And more rigorous? Are you saying the standards for propane in an RV are relaxed somehow, or inadequate? Please describe in what way RV systems are so much less "rigorous".

 

[seak]

Why would the standards for propane in a boat would be of any interest to someone building a camper or RV? 

I'll take a stab at this. The OP wants to install a propane tank in a manner that is not consistent with standard practices in the RV industry. However, the problem he confronts is similar to the problem that confronts anyone installing a propane system aboard a boat. How do you safely install a propane tank in an interior location?  Placing the tank on deck is not usually acceptable. But, if the tank is placed below deck and the system leaks, propane will accumulate in the bilge, since it's heavier than air. That's a big explosion hazard.

The solution is twofold. The tank is installed in a locker below deck, sealed from the rest of the boat, but vented through the hull and above the waterline. A solenoid valve is installed after the regulator, but within the locker. When you want to light the stove, you switch on the solenoid valve and when you turn off the stove, you switch off the solenoid valve, as well.

An improperly installed propane system on a boat is a violation of Coast Guard regs and puts you in the running for a Darwin award. Given the OP's concerns, I think a marine type installation might just be the ticket.

Here's a store bought system for $$$.  

https://www.defender.com/product.js...er&path=-1|2276204|2276252|2276261&id=3472400

For someone handy with tools, here's a brief primer.

https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Safe-Propane-Installations

My only question is whether it conforms with whatever laws regulate the installation of propane systems in vehicles.

 

[John61CT]

ABYC specifications, Standard A-1 "Marine Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems"

are yes much more rigorous than any for RVs.

If in Europe, the CE regs are very different but perhaps even more effective, choose one or the other, do not try to reconcile the two.

As to why, because of the wood stove.

Adds to the risk, just as does the marine environment.

So complying with stronger precautions, helps restore the owner's comfort level.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Why would the standards for propane in a boat would be of any interest to someone building a camper or RV? . . .
And more rigorous? Are you saying the standards for propane in an RV are relaxed somehow, or inadequate? Please describe in what way RV systems are so much less "rigorous".

RV standards are voluntary and unenforced.  ABYC are mandatory and enforced by the US Coast Guard.  The Coast Guard can stop any boat on U.S. public water, board and check anything they want.  You know of anyone, anywhere who has been stopped in an RV to check to see if they meet RV industry code?  I've been on a boat that has been stopped for a check twice.

I haven't paid any attention to RV or ABYC propane standards but I have seen some shoddy electrical work on new RVs that would not meed ABYC code.

 

[John61CT]

ABYC are mandatory and enforced by the US Coast Guard.

They could in theory, but don't in practice.

In the States these **guidelines** are basically only "enforced" by the owner's desire to get insurance at a reasonable cost.

You usually need to pay a licensed surveyors to write up an official report on all aspects of your boat in order to get that.

Most US marinas require insurance in order for you to dock there.

Things are generally more strictly regulated in other more developed countries.