Weight said:It is unlawful to carry a propane bottle in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. There is a good reason for that rule.
OP is not using "those green propane bottles". He is planning on a 20 pound bottle on the floor in front of the passenger seat.
This is dropping into semantics and terminology but I generally refer to the small handheld containers as 'bottles'...and the larger containers are 'cylinders' or 'tanks'. Thats how I refer to them...others obviously use the term 'bottle' for the 20 pounders....which is fine.
When you said "It is unlawful to carry a propane bottle in the passenger compartment of a vehicle."....I am 100% thinking you meant the 'little green bottles'.
Sorry for the confusion.
I agree, an LP tank or cylinder should be disconnected and stowed in the cargo area during travel, but would be fine when the vehicle is stationary and screwed into the fitting....even better would be a hose that exits the passenger area and the tank can sit outside on a stand or a mount, in a milk crate, or on the ground...but obviously this is not always possible.
The danger while moving is that the valve might be left open, the hose could develop a leak, or the safety valve or regulator could vent LP in high temps or in a crash. This could ruin your entire day!
So yeah, if the vehicle is in motion, it would be much safer to unhook the 'tank' and secure it in the cargo area...trouble is, with a van that is your living space, where exactly would you consider the 'cargo area'?
Hmmm....time to build an enclosed box with an outside vent in the back somewhere!