Propane tank transportation safety?
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Topic: Propane tank transportation safety?
Posted By: OldNeumanntapr
Subject: Propane tank transportation safety?
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2018 at 9:44pm
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Question: Is it unsafe to carry a five gallon propane tank in an enclosed pickup camper shell? I left my other tank at home this summer and used disposables for my bbq because my wife was concerned about transporting a propane tank in the shell. It Would be nice to have another five gallon tank on board to be able to switch out the trailer tank if it ran out at a campground. I ended up just buying an inline LPG gauge so I could tell how much gas I had left on the rPod tank. Is she being overly cautious or is this an unsafe practice? Thanks in advance for any input.
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Replies:
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2018 at 10:30pm
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We carry 2 spares in the back of our truck with the camper shell. I open the windows on each side so that there is plenty of ventilation. And they are at the back tailgate where there is quite a bit of air leakage. Since propane is heavier than air, it needs an easy way out if the tank releases some gas. The tailgate area has about 3/8th inch of opening at the bottom when closed. In boats with propane, they have a sealed off from the rest of the boat compartment that has an air opening up high and a small hole down below. I guess it's adequate or there'd be a lot of boat companies in a world of hurt over propane explosions. Seems to me the key is to provide adequate ventilation so that any gas that escapes the tank can get out of the confined space quickly. Cars and SUV's are too airtight and have too many unvented low spots for that sort of thing, especially with the windows up and the ac on. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:27am
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I won't address the safe vs. unsafe question directly, using those terms always triggers a discussion based on personal perception of safety risk, which generally leads nowhere. Instead since I was curious what regulations actually apply to the private transport of propane cylinders for personal use (I say private because the USDOT regulates commercial transport but that doesn't apply to us), and what they require. There are DOT regs which apply to the cylinder construction, filling, certification, and recertification but those are not the topic here. Also, I ignored any "rules" being promulgated in presentations by various players in the lpg industry. Those are not regulatory. I also excluded the regs controlling transport of cylinders which are part of the RV. Those are in NFPA 1192 and apply to the pod itself, including any mods you do to them. But so far the only standard I found that applies to personal transportation of propane in the tow vehicle is NFPA 58. To be clear, the NFPA standards in themselves are not regulatory either, they have to be adopted by local authorities having jurisdiction to become mandatory. Most AHJ's do adopt the NFPA standards, but they might be a cycle or two out of date or have local amendments. NC has apparently adopted the latest cycle of NFPA 58. To paraphrase 9.3.2 of NFPA 58 you apparently can transport up to 420 lbs of propane in an open pickup bed and 90 lbs in an enclosed vehicle, which would include cars, suvs, or enclosed pickup caps. There is a max of 2 cylinders if its an enclosed vehicle. In all cases the cylinders must be positioned on flat floors or in racks and secured in position. If the cylinders are sized for less than 45 lbs propane then they can be loaded in any position. No ventilation requirements are listed. Disclaimer: this is not a formal statement of the requirements nor a recommendation, just my attempt to try to determine what regulations allow you to do and restrict you from doing. So there it is so far. I'm still going to look for other regs that might apply, perhaps there are local county or city level ones in your areas, I haven't found any where I live yet. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:29am
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We carry an extra 20 tank in the back of our pick-up. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 7:26am
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OldNeumanntapr, regulations aside, if there is a concern about storing your 2nd propane tank in your camper shell why not get a dual tank bracket and keep both tanks on the tongue? Many folks here have done that. An added benefit is you can get an auto transfer setup so you'll never run out of propane in the middle of a cold rainy night. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 7:52am
easiest answer. 20 bucks to put on a rack, 20 more to put a double cover on, 70 or so to add a dual auto switching regulator and a second pigtail. http://www.amazon.com/5Gal-Dual-Tank-Rack-Manchester/dp/B00DEP0NEQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1541162448&sr=1-2-fkmr1&keywords=propane+tank+dual+rack+mount - tank mount http://www.amazon.com/Camco-Double-Stage-Auto-Changeover-Regulator-59005/dp/B0024ECBCA - regulator http://www.amazon.com/Camco-Connector-Regulator-Protection-59073/dp/B00192QBC4/ref=pd_sim_263_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00192QBC4&pd_rd_r=ad99d998-de9e-11e8-986d-830f368d3cf8&pd_rd_w=JZSAa&pd_rd_wg=EU8CC&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=18bb0b78-4200-49b9-ac91-f141d61a1780&pf_rd_r=K6ET5MCAB01CFQY1EX87&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=K6ET5MCAB01CFQY1EX87 - pigtail http://www.amazon.com/ADCO-2113-White-Propane-Cover/dp/B000BRJOVI/ref=sr_1_12?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1541163519&sr=1-12&keywords=dual%2Bpropane%2Btank%2Bcover&th=1 - Tank Cover You can buy propane tank stabilizers and then just bungie the thing in place in the bed. either works. Many people who tote a spare in the bed find that a 5 gallon tank fits nicely in a milk crate, which has lots of bungie cord attachment points. http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-20-Pound-Cylinders-Stabilize/dp/B005R21SH0 - tank stabilizer. BTW, the inline tank gauges are pretty much useless. They work on pressure, and because they are on the high pressure side of the regulator, they show "working pressure" until moments before.. they don't. pressurized gases aren't used like fluid fuels.. they stay, (and have to) stay, at full pressure until the very end. Dometic makes a sonic tester, there is one available that uses weight, one that uses sonic checks and is permanently mounted to the bottom of the tank(s), and bluetooths to your phone, and of course stick on or the good old fashioned hot water test. You can also, if you want to spend the money, buy either a transparent tank, OR, a tank with a built in float gauge. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_18?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=propane+tank+level+indicator&sprefix=propane+tank+level%2Cautomotive%2C175&crid=1X41O94H540SS - Some options.. http://www.amazon.com/Worthington-336483-20-Pound-Propane-Built/dp/B00JABY5EC - Tank with actual float gauge. http://www.amazon.com/Viking-Cylinders-17-Composite-Tank/dp/B01G63C1LA - Composite tank
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 8:19am
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+1 ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 8:32am
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Just one caveat on dual tanks on the tongue, and that's tongue weight. You'll be adding 40 lbs, so be sure you have the headroom for that on your rig. I don't, which is the only reason I haven't done this yet. But as soon as I can get that 130 lbs of lead and sulfuric acid off of there its next on my list. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 8:35am
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i use the heavy plastic milk carton crates to hold the propane tanks. They fit in quite snugly. Then it's an easy effort to use a bungee cord to attach them to a tie down in the aft end of the bed of the truck. They are stable and secure. Of course in a severe accident they could break free, but on balance, that risk is relatively low. And to keep things nice and explosive, we also occasionally carry a can of gasoline in a steel UI-50-FS-Type 1 container, sometimes a couple. But then, we have a rapidly decreasing 20 gallons of gasoline in a tank under the truck too. All a bomb waiting to go off. It's a good thing we don't smoke. I would prefer diesel as a fuel, but my truck came with a gasoline engine and it's not practical to change it. I did that once with a boat, changing the engine to diesel that is. I sprang a leak in a 20 gallon tank of gas at sea and it was a harrowing trip home with gasoline draining into the bildge. I replaced both the tank and the engine. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:10am
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It was an Atomic (bomb) 4 right? ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:28am
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+1 to mile crate, in rear of PU under cap. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:33am
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Atomic 4's powered the world for many years. A great little engine. Simple to fix, ran forever. Production started in 1949 and 40,000 were produced with 20,000 still running. It was the successor to the Utility Four used in WWII. Mine ran fine. It was the gasoline in the bilge that spooked me. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:36am
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Haven't found anything else yet so its legal as far as I can tell to secure up to 2 cylinders under the cap of pickup or in the back of an SUV, or in the trunk of a car. Ventilation is optional, personal choice. If anyone finds something that precludes this I'd be interested. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:38am
One note.. the tongue is part of a "lever".. so the batteries are not accounting for 130lbs at the ball, on our 177, going to dual GC2's only added 27 pounds to the ball over a single G24. The second tank is farther forward then the batteries, but I suspect no more then 30 pounds transferred. Our 177, dual GC2's, dual 20 pound tanks, electric tongue jack, tanks empty, loaded to camp, we had 380lbs +/- on the ball. Measured repeatedly with a Sherline. ------------- |
Posted By: crazycoyote
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:46am
| Agreed, my ball weight is 390 +/- with the same setup, weight done with a Sherline. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 10:11am
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Yep, its a lever, you have to calculate the moments about the point of rotation, eg, the trailer axle. But nope its not 75%, its 89% for the propane on my 179. The arm (distance to trailer axle) for the hitch on my 179 is 13.1 ft and he propane tank is at 11.7 ft. 11.7/13.1 =0.89 so 40*0.89=35.6 lb. For the batteries the arm is 10.1 ft and the weight of my 2 GC2's with cable and boxes is 129lbs. 129*10.1/13.1=99 lbs on the tongue. So just those two items add 135 lbs tongue weight. Don't forget that there are no batteries on the pod in FR's silly empty and tongue weight specs. Also no fluids of any kind, water or propane. Just one empty propane tank. And 179's are not 177's, the forward water tank and water heater positions are killers for tongue weight on the 179. I'm at 570lbs right now with only one propane tank, loaded and tanked up ready to go. On the 177 if you're carrying water you probably want more tongue weight. I wish I had that problem...
------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 12:00pm
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WOW!!!!! What happened to the days when we just filled the propane tank put in the trailer,Hooked it to the tow vehicle and go have fun.????? ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 12:32pm
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I think two things happened: 1) Expensive gas and lighter vehicles. 2) The RV "lite" trend, which has got way out of hand. Used to be a big ole trailer was a big ole trailer. Now even giant 5ers are marketed as "lite". ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 2:15pm
We have people who try to tow with to little vehicle. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: OldNeumanntapr
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 2:18pm
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Thanks for all the input, but gee, all I was looking for really was yes or no to the question of safety.
I didn’t know that the gauge was unreliable. Luckily the fridge runs on battery if and when the LPG tank runs dry. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 2:51pm
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No one can actually tell you that its safe or not safe, that is really a personal decision. Interesting that I didn't hear anyone on here so far who said they felt it was unsafe. And I'm happy you asked the question because I wasn't sure it didn't violate any regs. Now I'm pretty certain it's ok from that perspective, and that all the noise you hear on that is just opinion. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 4:00pm
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I vote safe, or I'd quit doing it. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 4:15pm
Not for very long... With dual GC2's, we could get about 8 hours of fridge on 12v at 50% SOC Luckily the fridge is a miser when it comes to propane..as in.. It will run, in hot weather, 4+ WEEKS on a single tank.. in cooler weather, possibly twice that. ------------- |
Posted By: OldNeumanntapr
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 4:59pm
What meant was that the battery could sustain the fridge while the LPG tank was being refilled, as a stop gap measure. |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:03pm
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So, carry as many tanks as you need in a well ventilated truck. You're not likely to explode unless you are hit by a logging truck with a full load, or a train carrying tanks of propane, coal, and radioactive waste. .... and then you can probably say with confidence your time has run out. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:15pm
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I think this may have been talked about before and if I remember correctly was the propane tanks should not be placed in a locked compartment. I think that is if the vehicle catches on fire the fireman need to get access to the propane tanks to remove them if possible. I think this was the main concern. Again if I am remembering correctly perhaps it was David that brought this up.
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:25pm
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NFPA 1192 (the RV code) requires propane lockers to be unlocked, ventilated top and bottom, vapor resistant from the inside of the RV, and externally accessible. NFPA 58 (the code which applies to transporting propane cylinders in a vehicle (which would include the tow vehicle), does not have a requirement for accessibility. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:28pm
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That's a RV tank in a motor home for example, right? Not the same as carrying a BBQ tank around. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:34pm
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It also applies to a 20 lb DOT cylinder (I'll avoid calling it an BBQ tank) in a locker in the RV. So for example if you modify your rPod so the propane tank(s) are inside an enclosure that enclosure should meet the requirement. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:34pm
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Well yeah, but not the OP. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:42pm
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Not when its in the TV, correct. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:46pm
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I have never seen any reg about a tank, BBQ or otherwise named in the back of a pick up bed, have you? How many people do you think carry a tank in their pickup? Or even internal to the vehicle back and forth from the 7/11 drop off? Nuff on this post. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 7:10pm
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??? Yes there is such a reg, its NFPA 58. I discuss it earlier in the thread. Please reread. It specifically allows the transport of cylinders in trucks, cars ,etc, not a problem. I don't understand where you're headed with this? ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 7:38pm
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I understand that is why on our Vibe the compartment that holds the propane tank has two turn locks not one that has a key lock. So I need to move the extra propane tank from the cargo compartment that is locked to the back of our truck the tow vehicle. I never really thought much about it because I didn't know where else to put it so I placed in the cargo compartment of the RV. Now I will move it to the back of the truck if that is legal. Thank you
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 7:56pm
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If you want to follow the NFPA standard yes. Not being an attorney I'll leave the "legality" question to others.... It needs to also be placed on a horizontal surface and secured. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 8:58pm
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Does NFPA 1192 cover tongue mounted tanks? I have a 1/4" chain passed through the tank that effectively, well not so effectively if you have a bolt cutter, locks the tank to our Pod along with my two nice 6 volt batteries. I am all for sharing, but I'd prefer not to have someone decide to share my propane tank without asking me first. I hope Fire Marshal Bill doesn't arrest me. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:11pm
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It does cover tongue mounted tanks. The requirement for unlocked access is to be able to get at valves for tanks located in lockers. No restriction I could find on locking down the tanks themselves whether in a locker or on the tongue. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:37pm
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And here i was, already for civil disobedience. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 7:51am
Gotta pick your battles lostagain. Its hard to imagine I know, but sometimes codes and standards can actually be sensible  But y'all please don't go making me the standard bearer, makes me feel like I'm the RV police or something. It's much more fun to debate the interpretation of a code than to just recite it chapter and verse. The NFPA docs (also including the national electric code) are now all available to the public for online viewing on their website here: https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 8:13am
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As far as a propane tank being in the back of a locked truck topper.. If a fireman wants in there, he isn't going to be slowed by more then 1 second by the "lock"..
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 8:33am
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Yep, or in a car trunk or the back of an SUV either. I think the difference between the RV code and the propane transport code is probably that transport is an occasional event while the RV is intended for semi-continuous occupancy so is expected to meet a higher safety standard. Its also a manufactured product so subject to factory inspections while casual transport of propane cylinders is not. Anyhow unless there is a different state or local code somewhere its all good from a regulatory perspective to secure your cylinder (or 2) in the locked cap, trunk, back of an SUV, whatever. The safety of that practice is for the user to decide. Myself, i wouldn't leave a cylinder in there indefinitely with no ventilation especially not in hot weather. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 8:54am
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So to sum it all up, if the propane tank is in or on the RV, the valve needs to be accessible so someone can turn it off in a conflagration. But if the tank [provided the quantity limit is not exceeded] is in a locked passenger vehicle, no valve access is mandated. I guess this makes sense, since few would leave a propane in the trunk of his car with the valve in the open position; at least someone who wishes for his/her continued existence. And here I was all set to throw my body in front of my chained propane tank [with an accessible valve] signs at the ready [Chains Keep People Honest!], ready to be arrested by Fire Marshal Bob, in the noble cause of protecting one's tanks from pilferage and now it's all a pointless cause because it's perfectly legal. So much for civil disobedience. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 9:14am
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One would presume that the intent is to be able to turn off the propane valve in the RV to avoid a conflagration rather than during it....otherwise I agree with your summary. BTW, every time I go through one of the bridge tunnels in Norfolk (they're bridges combined with tunnels rather than just bridges so an enemy can't bottle up the Navy by bombing the bridges) I have to stop for inspection and physically show them that my propane valves are off, so it really is about minimizing the risk of gas release in the event of an accident or other system failure in the tunnel. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 10:25am
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Good thing I'm out west where we don't have inspections when we cross bridges or enter tunnels. i've crossed the Benicia Bridge several times with our Pod and once the exorbitant toll is extracted from my wife's purse, we are left free to go on our merry way with the propane tank valve open keeping the beer nice and cold in the fridge. That bridge, in the event of a collapse for whatever reason, would basically stop all traffic up the Sacramento River. I think I'll have to try the Golden Gate Bridge and see if they make me turn off the propane tank. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 11:19am
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Norfolk is unique, shallow water and the largest naval base in the world. Any big naval bases in the Sac Valley these days? Used to be Mare Island but isn't that residential now? ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 11:30am
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Nope, the Navy pulled out of SF. The harbor was too defensible. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 12:04pm
This is interesting:GENERAL COMMENTS:Tunnels that go down hill have restrictions to stop and make sure propane is turned off. Tunnels that rise slightly have no restrictions. Virginia tunnels go down under the water. Propane is heavier than air and in theory could pool in the very bottom of the tunnels. So you need to stop and tell an inspector they are turned off. Most tunnels that go thru mountains have a slight rise to the middle. That's why you don't have to stop for most of those tunnels. LP-GAS PROHIBITED:Maryland/Baltimore:Baltimore Harbor and Fort McHenry (I-95) tunnels. Alternate route for RVs with propane over the Francis Scott Key Bridge is I-695. Massachusetts/Boston Harbor:All tunnels. New York/East River:Between Manhattan and Brooklyn: Brooklyn Battery Tunnel. Between Manhattan and Queens: Queens Midtown Tunnel. New York and New Jersey/Hudson River:Between Manhattan and Jersey City: Holland Tunnel. Between Manhattan and Fort Lee: Lower level George Washington Bridge (I-95 South) and George Washington Bridge Expressway. Lower level Verrazano Narrows Bridge. Between Manhattan and Weehawken: Lincoln Tunnel. LP-GAS RESTRICTIONS:Virginia/Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel: RVs equipped with ICC-approved compressed cooking tanks not exceeding two 45-pound capacity tanks (or two permanently mounted containers with maximum total capacity of 200 pounds) may cross the facility provided that, in the opinion of the toll collector or police sergeant after inspection, the tanks are completely shut off and securely attached. Texas/Houston Ship Channel: Washburn Tunnel between Pasadena and Galena Park: Maximum of two 7½-gallon containers (30 pounds gas each) or one 10-gallon container (40 pounds gas) of DOT (ICC)-approved type, with shutoff valve at discharge opening. Valve must be closed when in tunnel. LP-gas as vehicle fuel prohibited. 7½-gallon containers (30 pounds gas each) or one 10-gallon container (40 pounds gas) of DOT (ICC)-approved type, with shutoff valve at discharge opening. Valve must be closed when in tunnel. LP-gas as vehicle fuel prohibited. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 12:18pm
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 2:15pm
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Yes, it makes more sense to charge to enter San Francisco; same with the Bay Bridge. In fact, all toll bridges in CA are in one direction. I guess they figure what goes up, must come down. And a number of tunnels have flammable tanker restrictions or prohibitions, but I'm not aware of any restrictions on RV propane tanks, whether turned off or on. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 2:34pm
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With the exception of the GW and Verrazano Narrows bridges in NYC it looks like its only underwater downward sloping tunnels that have prohibitions or inspections for RV propane. Nothing west of the Houston ship channel tunnels. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: crankster78
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2018 at 10:11am
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Greetings I carry 2 full 20 bottles in the back of my pickup with a flat cover on it. I also carry a Honda gen, and a 5 gal safety gas can. The bottles are in milk crates. I have twin tanks on my 179 and stay out for 2 weeks or more at a time here in MN. I usually empty at least 1 bottle. I've never had any problems with the tanks or the gas. With the design of the LP valve, even if you open it to open air, nothing will come out. It has a built in check valve that prevent discharge to air. Any fuel has some danger to it, but I feel the risk is very small even in a accident. Crankster78 F-150 R-179 2015 ------------- Crankster 78 R-179 2015 |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2018 at 10:32am
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Getting back to the OP, I would think that the typical pickup shell is porous enough that a closed LP tank is not going to pose much of a hazard. I do haul LP tanks in the back of our (open bed) truck all the time, but I guess that's not really relevant. That said, our 2nd truck has a shell, and I would not have any great consternation over carrying a tank or two in the back of that.
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Shane
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2018 at 5:50pm
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I use a 20# tank holder, it keeps the tank upright, and make sure you secure it in the back of the vehicle so it does not move around. You can be ticketed for not securing flammable material ( Any Hazardous Material ) in a vehicle even if its not a commercial vehicle. ------------- ENGINE 55,TRUCK 44,BATALLION 12 |
Posted By: OldNeumanntapr
Date Posted: 04 Nov 2018 at 9:00pm
Good point!!! I always bungee my gear to keep it from becoming ambulatory while in transit, but a lot of people do not.
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2018 at 5:42am
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Summary of NFPA 58 requirements for propane transport in vehicles (excluding RVs) for private use: Cylinders shall be determined to be leak free before being loaded. Not more than 420 pounds in an open truck or in an enclosed vehicle with separate passenger, cargo, and engine compartments (this would include in a pickup cap I think) Not more and 90 lbs and not more than 2 cylinders in an enclosed vehicle like a passenger car or SUV Must be in DOT cylinders Must be placed on a horizontal surface or on racks Shall be fastened in position to minimize the possibility of movement, tipping, and physical damage. Cylinders less than 45 lbs propane can be in any position for transportation (but for storage have to be upright if > 1lb) Cylinders above 45 lbs must be upright. Nothing mentioned about locking or unlocking the vehicle So if the state/county/city has adopted the NFPA 58 standard (NC has) then they can cite you for not meeting any of the above, but not for other things like just having the propane back there. Looks like CA has its own standards for propane in addition to NFPA 58. I didn't read through the CA standard since I no longer live in the PRC (Peoples' Republic of CA, don't worry, just a little gentle humor for the great state that brought Prop 65 warnings to all the rest of us  ). Here it is if anyone in the Golden State wants some light bedtime reading. https://up.codes/viewer/california/ca-fire-code-2016/chapter/61/liquefied-petroleum-gases#61 ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |