R-pod Owners Forum : Propane tank transportation safety? http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Propane tank transportation safety? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 18:35:18 +0000 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 05:42:28 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=12374 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Propane tank transportation safety? : Summary of NFPA 58 requirements... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117750#117750 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 05 Nov 2018 at 5:42am

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 Tongue). 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




]]> Mon, 05 Nov 2018 05:42:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117750#117750 Propane tank transportation safety? : Originally posted by ShaneYou... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117736#117736 Author: OldNeumanntapr
Subject: 12374
Posted: 04 Nov 2018 at 9:00pm

Originally posted by Shane

You can be ticketed for not securing flammable material ( Any Hazardous Material ) in a vehicle even if it's not a commercial vehicle.

Good point!!! I always bungee my gear to keep it from becoming ambulatory while in transit, but a lot of people do not.
]]> Sun, 04 Nov 2018 21:00:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117736#117736 Propane tank transportation safety? : I use a 20# tank holder, it keeps... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117720#117720 Author: Shane
Subject: 12374
Posted: 04 Nov 2018 at 5:50pm

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.]]> Sun, 04 Nov 2018 17:50:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117720#117720 Propane tank transportation safety? : Getting back to the OP, I would... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117672#117672 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 12374
Posted: 04 Nov 2018 at 10:32am

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.]]> Sun, 04 Nov 2018 10:32:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117672#117672 Propane tank transportation safety? : GreetingsI carry 2 full 20 bottles... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117666#117666 Author: crankster78
Subject: 12374
Posted: 04 Nov 2018 at 10:11am

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
]]> Sun, 04 Nov 2018 10:11:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117666#117666 Propane tank transportation safety? : With the exception of the GW and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117621#117621 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 2:34pm

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. ]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 14:34:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117621#117621 Propane tank transportation safety? : Yes, it makes more sense to charge... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117619#117619 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 2:15pm

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.
]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 14:15:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117619#117619 Propane tank transportation safety? : Originally posted by lostagainI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117613#117613 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 12:18pm

Originally posted by lostagain

I think I'll have to try the Golden Gate Bridge and see if they make me turn off the propane tank.  
We've been across the GGB a few times, and were not even slowed down (tolls are 100% automated now; no humans, no slowing down). The toll for our 3-axle configuration is $22 southbound, free northbound.
]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 12:18:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117613#117613 Propane tank transportation safety? : This is interesting:GENERAL COMMENTS:Tunnels... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117609#117609 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
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.




]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 12:04:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117609#117609 Propane tank transportation safety? : Nope, the Navy pulled out of SF.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117601#117601 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 11:30am

Nope, the Navy pulled out of SF.  The harbor was too defensible.]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 11:30:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117601#117601 Propane tank transportation safety? : Norfolk is unique, shallow water... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117597#117597 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 11:19am

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? ]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 11:19:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117597#117597 Propane tank transportation safety? : Good thing I'm out west where... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117588#117588 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 10:25am

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.  
]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 10:25:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117588#117588 Propane tank transportation safety? : One would presume that the intent... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117579#117579 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 9:14am

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.
]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 09:14:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117579#117579 Propane tank transportation safety? : So to sum it all up, if the propane... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117575#117575 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 8:54am

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.
]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 08:54:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117575#117575 Propane tank transportation safety? : Yep, or in a car trunk or the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117572#117572 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 8:33am

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. 
]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 08:33:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117572#117572 Propane tank transportation safety? : As far as a propane tank being... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117568#117568 Author: furpod
Subject: 12374
Posted: 03 Nov 2018 at 8:13am

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".. ]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 08:13:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117568#117568 Propane tank transportation safety? : Gotta pick your battles lostagain.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117566#117566 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
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 LOL

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
]]> Sat, 03 Nov 2018 07:51:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117566#117566 Propane tank transportation safety? : And here i was, already for civil... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117550#117550 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:37pm

And here i was, already for civil disobedience.]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 21:37:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117550#117550 Propane tank transportation safety? : It does cover tongue mounted tanks.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117546#117546 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 9:11pm

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. ]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 21:11:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117546#117546 Propane tank transportation safety? : DoesNFPA 1192 cover tongue mounted... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117545#117545 Author: lostagain
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 8:58pm

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.]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 20:58:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117545#117545 Propane tank transportation safety? : If you want to follow the NFPA... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117538#117538 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 7:56pm

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. ]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 19:56:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117538#117538 Propane tank transportation safety? : I understand that is why on our... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117535#117535 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 7:38pm

  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]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 19:38:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117535#117535 Propane tank transportation safety? : ??? Yes there is such a reg, its... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117530#117530 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 7:10pm

??? 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?]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 19:10:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117530#117530 Propane tank transportation safety? : I have never seen any reg about... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117526#117526 Author: mcarter
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:46pm

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.]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:46:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117526#117526 Propane tank transportation safety? : Not when its in the TV, correct.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117524#117524 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:42pm

Not when its in the TV, correct. ]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:42:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117524#117524 Propane tank transportation safety? : Well yeah, but not the OP. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117522#117522 Author: mcarter
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:34pm

Well yeah, but not the OP.]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:34:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117522#117522 Propane tank transportation safety? : It also applies to a 20 lb DOT... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117521#117521 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:34pm

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. ]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:34:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117521#117521 Propane tank transportation safety? : That's a RV tank in a motor... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117519#117519 Author: mcarter
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:28pm

That's a RV tank in a motor home for example, right? Not the same as carrying a BBQ tank around.]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:28:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117519#117519 Propane tank transportation safety? : NFPA 1192 (the RV code) requires... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117516#117516 Author: offgrid
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:25pm

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. 


]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:25:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117516#117516 Propane tank transportation safety? : I think this may have been talked... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117510#117510 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 12374
Posted: 02 Nov 2018 at 6:15pm

  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.]]> Fri, 02 Nov 2018 18:15:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12374&PID=117510#117510