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

[B and C]

I guess I am trying to figure out what is the difference in a wood burning stove and my open flame propane cooktop or that matter a candle? I thought the idea of a vented bottom with the interior part closed off for the tank was a great idea. It seems a lot of people keep their tanks inside with them while cooking with propane, including Bob.

As with any propane connection that is uncoupled/coupled, it should be checked for leaks every time they are recoupled. A small spray bottle of soapy water would do that.

My $0.02 worth (if that)

 

[Moxadox]

I guess I am trying to figure out what is the difference in a wood burning stove and my open flame propane cooktop or that matter a candle? I thought the idea of a vented bottom with the interior part closed off for the tank was a great idea. It seems a lot of people keep their tanks inside with them while cooking with propane, including Bob.

As with any propane connection that is uncoupled/coupled, it should be checked for leaks every time they are recoupled. A small spray bottle of soapy water would do that.

My $0.02 worth (if that)

Yes, there are people who carry propane tanks inside their vehicles and they have not yet had fires.

Propane is a gas that becomes liquid under pressure. It is constantly trying to become a vapor again. Our tanks have escape valves to allow excess vapor to off-gas. Under conditions of heat or if the tank was over-filled, propane gas will normally escape via the vent valve. If there is a source of ignition, such as an open flame or a hot stove, this venting gas may ignite. Here is a real-world example:

https://www.denverpost.com/2018/05/25/westminster-propane-tank-explosion/

Here is an example of user error that caused an injury outdoors. If this person had been inside a vehicle, they would have fried to death:



In this case, the guy wasn't so lucky:

https://www.wsav.com/news/local-new...lling-this-season_20180228085859222/997868126

There is even a niche in the lawyer industry for deaths and injuries caused by propane explosions:

https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/lawsuit/propane-explosions.html

Some people make light of the risks of propane systems. As an emergency physician, I have seen the results of such folly. Under ideal conditions, people do get away with it. But not always. I wouldn't want to be that "one in a hundred" who is not so lucky. When it happens to you, it's 100%.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[B and C]

But his will be in a enclosed space with venting out the bottom (essentially outside) like so many RV's.

Yes, propane is a gas that is highly volatile but so is natural gas and people use it all the time. Propane is heavier than air (even in its' gaseous state) and would fall out the vent below, well away from any ignition source.

As with anything improperly handled, issues will arise. Think about a wrench falling on a battery and shorting the terminals. Not a good outcome. Do you keep batteries and their associated wiring inside with you? A pan falling against an uninsulated battery connection? All examples of mishandling or mis-installing.

All of this to say that the sky is not falling. Google can find examples of anything bad. How often it happens is something else all together. Trying to find out what the issue would be in this instance, nothing like what you posted.

YMMV

 

[Benjamin]

But his will be in a enclosed space with venting out the bottom (essentially outside) like so many RV's.

Yes, propane is a gas that is highly volatile but so is natural gas and people use it all the time.  Propane is heavier than air (even in its' gaseous state) and would fall out the vent below, well away from any ignition source.

As with anything improperly handled, issues will arise.  Think about a wrench falling on a battery and shorting the terminals.  Not a good outcome.  Do you keep batteries and their associated wiring inside with you?  A pan falling against an uninsulated battery connection?  All examples of mishandling or mis-installing.

All of this to say that the sky is not falling.  Google can find examples of anything bad.  How often it happens is something else all together.  Trying to find out what the issue would be in this instance, nothing like what you posted.

YMMV

The amount of response i'm getting from this post is miraculous, i want to thank you all for replying to me. I believe i am pro-propane in my conversion, simply for the reasons B and C covered. If i spent my whole life avoiding disasters waiting to happen, i'd be a hut. To my understanding, if properly set up and vented, its completely safe - even with a wood stove. Ill most likely buy a horizontal tank and mount it beneath the undercarriage, however if i end up keeping my upright tank, researching the marine guidelines would be the way to go i think. Boat regs are way more strict, thus boat propane systems are safer than your typical land based set up. Now if my tank blows up and or leaks gas into my box, it'll be user error and clearly wasn't built right. If i wanted to avoid catastrophe at all costs, i wouldn't step in a vehicle that burns volatile liquid in the first place, yet we do every day, cause thats life baby    The only difference there is I'm trusting the precautions taken of another human. At least in this case, ill be doing it, appeasing my mind further. Youre all amazing thank you.

 

[John61CT]

We all have different levels of aversion to or tolerance of risk.

The "extreme" measures outlined in the marine standards I mentioned are only for land-based users who really want to be as secure as possible.

Yes, just eating sugar and driving on our highways is of course far riskier, but then those are things few of us have any control over.