propane tank safety.

[josephusminimus]

Good info Rollin.  I use the larger tanks with adapters and hoses to connect the small-bottle appliances to them, but I'd been watching for empties on the greens thinking it might be handy to keep and refill them.  Guess I'll keep on not doing that.  Gracias, J

 

[Rollin]

No problem J, &nbsp;Propane&nbsp;also has a&nbsp;distinct&nbsp;smell which is another indicator of a leaking tank. In my case, where I&nbsp;stealth&nbsp;camp most of the time, opening up doors and windows at anytime can be problematic. I try to be as discrete as&nbsp;possible at my spots &nbsp;(so I can use in future) and opening up doors and windows to vent out a leaking tank&nbsp;isn't&nbsp;very discrete.&nbsp;Not a very good feeling holding a hissing can of propane whose valve&nbsp;won't&nbsp;close.&nbsp;<br /><br />Another thing is I am away from my van most days, and having a tank slowly leaking in a closed up van could be a fire hazard as well as a waste of&nbsp;propane. Having a manual shut off valve at the tank would seem to be the safest bet.

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks for your input Rollin. I'm glad I bit the bullet and bought the tank. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" /> Also, I had been thinking about getting the adapter to fill those small Green bottles. I wonder if filling just one at a time and keeping it connected to the appliance would help? I mean the connection would now not be dependent on that little Schrader valve to be sealed as the gasket in the unit would now be sealed against the top of the bottle? <br />-Bruce

 

[Rollin]

Bruce, Yes I think that sounds logical , unless your hose/brass line or fittings leaked. In my case where&nbsp;everything&nbsp;needs to be stowed away (&nbsp;meaning&nbsp;I don't have room to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;the tank attached to the stove) that&nbsp;wouldn't&nbsp;work. If you have a set up that way though that sounds reasonable. Still I like the idea of shutting the gas off at the source (tank). I&nbsp;suppose&nbsp;you could add a shut off valve after the small green tank.&nbsp;I'm&nbsp;sure they make one.&nbsp;Didn't&nbsp;think of that.

 

[Rollin]

Does anyone know if the hose fitting are&nbsp;universal&nbsp;between the&nbsp;5 lb&nbsp;and the&nbsp;20 lb&nbsp;tanks??? Sry for the hijack.

 

[Ballenxj]

Rollin, yes, those fittings on all propane cylinders are the same. It's only the small Green bottles that have a different fitting. My next purchase will be a hose with regulator that has the same small appliance fitting on it, and to the tank on the other end. Should be able to find one at Walmart, or somewhere similar. <br />PS, when my small tank arrives, I think I will just shove it under the bed for now. <br />-Bruce

 

[Rollin]

Thanks for the&nbsp;reply&nbsp;Bruce I&nbsp;appreciate&nbsp;the info!

 

[Ballenxj]

Anytime Rollin, I suppose I should finish what I was saying above when talking about the adapter hose. With that I will be able to operate my heater that is designed to work with the small Green bottles with my 20 lb tank. Hmm, let's see, 1 lb bottle operates the heater for 4 to 6 hours. 20 lb tank should last substantially longer. 80 to 120 hours on one filling. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Rollin]

I&nbsp;scored&nbsp;a few weeks ago a brand new 5 gal tank from a bro. at work for $10, now I just need to get all the hoses and fittings.&nbsp;<br><br>At lunch I was&nbsp;discussing&nbsp;with him my plans on using it inside the van and he and a few others just gave me this look like "your crazy".<br><br>I just reread this whole thread and I&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;read where anyone&nbsp;specifically&nbsp;answered the&nbsp;original&nbsp;question about if it is safe on the inside.<br><br>@ Op/Tara, If you would could you&nbsp;answer&nbsp;a few questions? Now that you have been using the tank for a few months have you&nbsp;experienced&nbsp;any troubles, and do you feel this is a safe idea?

 

[Lostinspace]

Here's a previous post and discussion concerning a propane tank inside the van. It's generally a no no but if you follow the guidelines mentioned in the posts it might work for you..... Here's the URL. https://vanlivingforum.com/post/propane-tank-locations-5108059

Just be careful.

 

[Rollin]

Thank you Lostinspace, good link!

 

[peacetara]

Rollin:<br><br>I wrote about my plans back on post #31 (page 3 of 4 for me).&nbsp; Anyways, I have a 20 lb propane tank, and it is in the van with me.&nbsp; I hope once I get a bed built, it will live under the bed, accessible from the back of the van.&nbsp; In the meantime, it's against the back corner.<br><br>I only have 1 hose, and no way to connect a second one (I have 2 devices) so I occasionally have to switch devices.&nbsp; I always make sure I turn the tank off, and let the device use up all the fuel in the line before I switch.&nbsp; Then I switch.<br><br>My plan is to only fill the tank 1/2 full, to minimize the amount of gas, and the chances of it doing something bad. Someday when I'm rich, and find a great deal on smaller 5 or 3lb tanks, I'll make a switch, but I'm not in any big hurry.<br><br>With Love,<br>Tara

 

[Rollin]

Thanks for your time Tara, I'm keeping mine under the bed also in a milk crate.&nbsp;Gonna&nbsp;round up a&nbsp;ratchet&nbsp;strap&nbsp;and secure to the bed frame or&nbsp;that's&nbsp;the plan.

 

[Suanne]

You all probably know this already, but, just wanted to say it just in case.<br><br>Propane is heavier than air and, if there is a leak, the&nbsp;gas&nbsp;will pool on the floor.&nbsp; And, if it's especially cold, it'll remain on the floor so that you may not even be&nbsp;able to smell it.&nbsp; If you have an opportunity to put in a small vent for the propane bottle, put it on the floor next to the bottle or as low as possible.

 

[lost_bone]

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