propane tank safety.

[peacetara]

Thank you everyone! This is all amazing advice!<br /><br />A friend gave me a 20lb tank they were not using, so I have that in my van now.&nbsp; I do try and be safe, I always have it closed unless I'm using it. But I think I'm going to go for a smaller tank when I have the money.&nbsp; I don't want to mess with refilling the little green bottles, that just isn't for me.&nbsp; <br /><br />It's running a 2 burner coleman stove and a little buddy heater, I don't plan on any more propane devices.<br /><br />But I really like what wandering mike said, and I really do think as I can afford it, I will downsize to the smaller bottles like soulraven has.&nbsp; My friend also gave me a handful of the green 1lb bottles, so I have those as backup if I run out or whatever.<br /><br />In the meantime, I think what I'll do is just have the filler people fill up my 20lb tank half full (2 gallons), next time it runs out.&nbsp; That way this mix thing will be less of a chance of kabloomy, I'm not a fan of things going boom!<br /><br />Thank you all for your amazing advice and knowledge and making me smarter!<br /><br />With Love,<br />Tara

 

[Moby T]

A good idea also is to turn off the propane at the tank first and let the appliance use up the gas in the line. &nbsp;Then turn off the appliance. &nbsp;Then there is no pressure in the line.

 

[user 2252]

I use the 1 pounders, use vasoline on the threads and soapy water to check for leaks, seems to work&nbsp;every time.

 

[Moby T]

&nbsp;A 20 lb tank theoretically holds approx. 4.8 gals of propane. &nbsp;A 5lb tank holds approx. 1 gal. &nbsp;A gallon of propane weighs approx. 4.2lbs. &nbsp;I think the small "green" bottles hold 16.4oz of propane. &nbsp;Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Ballenxj]

This has been a very informative thread. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />A couple questions though; <br />How much propane do you guys go through in an average winter month? <br />Why do you need an adapter filter for the Mr Heater? <br />Has anybody ever thought about using a frame mount propane tank on a van? (like those on a motorhome)<br />-Bruce

 

[Moby T]

If you use the 20lb. or 5lb tanks with your Mr. Heater it can contaminate the innards. &nbsp;Filter is not needed with small "green" bottles.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, helvetica; font-size: 11px;">f the heater has been contaminated with oil from using any high pressure hose with out our fuel filter, it will have to be disassembled and the following parts replaced or cleaned:&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /></span>

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks Don. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />One question answered, two to go. <br />-Bruce

 

[Guest]

Hi Bruce....<br /><br />

<span id="post_message_1275492039">Has anybody ever thought about using a frame mount propane tank on a van? (like those on a motorhome)</span>

<br /><br />I think most folks would like one, they just cost and arm and a leg, that is what strikes me anyway. If you buy a rig with one, it depends on the age but they can need to be upgraded with new valve and pressure tested. Often they will also get very rusty, depending on the road conditions, etc.<br /><br />Another thing is that if you are parked up somewhere and don't want to move the rig to refill the tank, you can take a portable tank to the station without moving the rig.<br />Hope that is helpful.....<br />Bri

 

[Ballenxj]

Hi Bri, Yes, That was a helpful answer. However, if you live in your van, and&nbsp; go to get propane, wouldn't you be driving your van there anyway? <br />One more point, the guys at the propane company told me the frame mount tanks don't have to be re-certified like the little tanks do. I would still want to keep it in good repair though. <br />It just seems like the frame mount tank would be more convenient? I think they come in 20 to 30 gallon or bigger sizes?<br />Now the cost is another story. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/crazy.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Ballenxj]

PS, Something like these. http://www.mantank.com/products/rvproducts.htm <br />I searched the site and couldn't find any pricing though. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[karl]

Nash Fuel- 20 gal (16x33") $495. + freight <br /><br /><span class="url"><strong>store03.prostores.com</strong>/servlet/...<strong>PROPANE</strong>-TANK-28016/Detail</span>

 

[Guest]

Hi Bruce and Karl....<br /><br />http://www.ebay.com/itm/Propane-Tank-RV-Truck-bed-Frame-mount-/290679218883<br /><br />That is something I didn't know about them not needing to be re-certed as often....that does change the mix a bit.<br /><br />Also a good point about the van Bruce. I am thinking more generally and other types of vehicles. I notice that more and more rvs you see have one or two smaller portable tanks in compartments....maybe just because stuff is so cheaply made any more????<br /><br />Some times though, even in a van, you will be parked up with a group of folks....thinking of every time I have camped with folks from here and the Vandwellers yahoo group.....and one person is going to town...thinking Bob W again..LOL and you can throw your portable tank in his truck to get it filled...???!!!!<br /><br />Another thought on the pro side of frame mount is that it is totally out of the way and in a spot you may not otherwise use. <br /><br />As long as it is not hanging down below other parts of your rig. Here thinking about Mexico for instance, where there are topes or speed bumps in all towns and elsewhere as well, some as high as a foot or more....or a rough road to get to the beach?!<br /><br />It is probably mostly a cost thing for most folks I guess. $250 minimum plus mounting and plumbing vs $30 or $40....<br /><br />Bri

 

[Ballenxj]

Good morning Bri, Yeah, I think they don't ever have to be re-certified as they are classified (and built) differently. They are classified as a tank, and not a cylinder, therefore do not come under D.O.T. regulations.<br />BTW, The ebay auction you posted is gone already. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/bawl.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />Another thing to think about is venting. You never have to worry about venting it because it's already mounted below everything. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Guest]

Morning Bruce....I thought they had another tank, but now I see that they didn't. I guess a guy could just keep looking or find a salvage yard with rvs in it and salvage one.....<br />Anyway, good luck<br />bri

 

[Ballenxj]

Morning Bruce....I thought they had another tank, but now I see that they didn't. I guess a guy could just keep looking or find a salvage yard with rvs in it and salvage one.....<br />Anyway, good luck.

<br />Thanks Bri, No Worries. I will eventually get this figured out and done. (I hope) Meanwhile, I'm not in a big hurry. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[joey]

Here are some new,very good prices too... http://www.propanetankstore.com/

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks Joey, Yeah, I've already had that one bookmarked. <br />This one looks good. http://www.propanetankstore.com/shop/20-lb-5-gallon-horizontal-tank-cylinder-with-gauge/<br />And it seems to be on sale. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Ballenxj]

In fact, I just ordered this one. That was the best price I've seen for a small frame mount tank. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[highdesertranger]

from my experience the small propane bottles leak if you disconnect them.&nbsp; this is why it is illegal to transport them after refilling them.&nbsp;&nbsp; also given the standard air to fuel ratio of 14 to 1.&nbsp; for a 1 pound cyl you would need 140+ lbs of o2 for an explosion.&nbsp; but lessor concentrations still could have bad effects, fire, flash, etc.&nbsp; therefore i would treat like&nbsp;any other&nbsp;fuel and personally would&nbsp;not store in a passenger area.&nbsp; you all know murphy don't you.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[Rollin]

After living on the road for the past month or so, using the&nbsp;propane to cook&nbsp;breakfast&nbsp;every morning,&nbsp; I have changed my mind about getting a large tank to refill the little green ones.&nbsp;Reason being I have had trouble with a "new" small green tank's valve not closing. This is very frustrating and unsafe imho.&nbsp;<br /><br />This happened on a couple&nbsp;different&nbsp;mornings. After use I disconnected the tank and could barley hear a faint hiss&nbsp;coming&nbsp;from the tank. Raising the tank to my ear confirmed the tank was&nbsp;indeed&nbsp;leaking. This is&nbsp;scary&nbsp;because&nbsp;I don't have the best of&nbsp;hearing. Anyhow, I was able with my key's to depress the valve several times and seat it. This took about a&nbsp;minute&nbsp;or so. needless to say I no longer use that tank.<br /><br />I can&nbsp;foresee&nbsp;this being a issue in the future and worse case&nbsp;scenario would be not hearing a leaky valve and the tank emptying it self.&nbsp;<br /><br />Looking now at the previous advice&nbsp;given&nbsp;about getting a 5&nbsp;pounder.