Where to mount propane tanks

[Tango-SKO]

Propane tanks must be very well vented and really do not belong in any kind of enclosure. Even a tiny, slow leak could cause an explosive build up of gas.

 

[brightond]

So, not inside the storage compartment is what you're saying?

Alternative will be mounted below the bus - open to the road and heat from all things bus ???

I thought a lot of people put them inside the bus?!?

 

[Tango-SKO]

DOT approved tanks are very durable and made to withstand the environment. I've seen 30 year old Manchester tanks that looked practically new and worked flawlessly. And since standard issue 20 pound tanks get swapped out regularly, exposure is not really an issue. Once they get beat up or age out, the re-charging stations just toss them.

And no...LPG should never be stored indoors. Do people do it? Yes. And they are often the ones who make the evening news as they go up in flames.

 

[Twigg-SKO]

Ive been reading through the propane threads and surprised how unclear the recommendations are.

Can someone explain how mounting two tanks in the under-storage compartment of my bus (using something like this would need to be "vented"

The under-storage is pretty water tight so adding holes seems counter intuitive.

I'm also planning on putting my battery bank down there on a slide out. These can be far apart as the under-storage is nearly 10' wide and runs the whole width of the bus.

This is an area that you need to research, because opinions are what they are. The stoichiometric mix required to make propane explode is quite a narrow range, but it can happen if everything lines up. That said, propane has been used in exactly the way you are describing for generations. Most incidents are caused by poor fitting.

As for the storage bays ... They are not sealed. They are already quite well ventilated but it's not that hard to add a floor vent right by the cylinders. Propane is heavier than air which is why it's less favored in boats ... it can collect in the hull.

FWIW, I am planning a similar set-up. I will add an additional vent but I think that doing so is more of a precaution than a strict requirement in that location. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Tall Grass]

In Costa Rica having small propane tanks in the house is common as can be.

How about using the steel protective cage around a bus fuel tank and have a new tank made to fit it?

 

[o1marc]

I would also not mount my batteries in the same compartment. Propane tank "issues" usually involve leaks, battery issues many times involve sparks. Mixing the 2, leaking propane and sparks, usually means I no longer have my bus, and possibly my life.

 

[ChrisFL-SKO]

not to beat a dead horse, but am considering a propane cook top. Ended up here for that.

Was thinking I'll put a few 10# tanks in one of my 4 stowage containers built in, and add pipes to the kitchen to hook in. After reading this, I could still do that, but maybe would be better off making a new storage area. One with some expanded metal (4 sides) and the skirt of the bus for the front. Plenty of venting that way, and strong.

Thoughts? I wouldnt need but MAYBE two, just so I have a spare. Not full timing, only a few trips a year for a week. Will also have a grill and such.

 

[Tango-SKO]

20# are the most common and two should keep you going a good while. Either way, always a good idea to keep a backup.

 

[o1marc]

Explosive gas, I would build a steel cage around them just like how your fuel tank is caged.

 

[brokedown-SKO]

I'll be using propane for cooking, hot water, and occasionally for heat. My plan is to use two exchange tanks and carry a spare. I'll use one tank just for the water heater and the other can be both heat and stove.

BTW I'm loving my stove. There's a reason almost every skoolie uses the same one! https://amzn.to/2HLAkB7

 

[Stu & Filo. T]

I mounted 2 ea 24gal tanks & built a cage around them with expanded metal

 

[o1marc]

I mounted 2 ea 24gal tanks & built a cage around them with expanded metal

Love that set up, have any more detail pics?

 

[Stu & Filo. T]

Love that set up, have any more detail pics?

Not on my iPad , I'm at work now so don't have access to all my pics, here's one during fabrication

 

[Tango-SKO]

You don't ever want to transport propane inside the coach. Any leaking will pool...then go boom. Big, badda boom.


Likewise...even an outdoor compartment should be open enough to allow for dilution and prevent any build up. A closed box is NOT your friend.

 

[mrpincher]

forklift propane tanks OK?

Plan to mount a couple horizontal forklift propane tanks under the bus. These have a metal shroud around the valve and the gage.

Does anyone see a problem using those for bus propane storage?

Great thread btw!

 

[Mark_In_MA]

Plan to mount a couple horizontal forklift propane tanks under the bus. These have a metal shroud around the valve and the gage.

Does anyone see a problem using those for bus propane storage?

Great thread btw!

I would make sure that you can get them filled.

Some of the propane dealers around here are getting very cautious about what they will fill. If you can't un-mount them from the bus, some companies might not fill it on the vehicle unless its a DOT-certified tank.

I would also be wary of road debris or a rock going through the sidewall of the tank. I don't remember if forklift tanks have any reinforcement on the tank itself, or if they're just that special shape with a little extra sheet metal around the valve.

 

[Asetechrail]

Plan to mount a couple horizontal forklift propane tanks under the bus. These have a metal shroud around the valve and the gage.

Does anyone see a problem using those for bus propane storage?

Great thread btw!

Propane powered forklifts primarily use 33 pound cylinders as their fuel source and are equipped for liquid service. They are not designed to be used for typical vapor use.

 

[mrpincher]

Propane powered forklifts primarily use 33 pound cylinders as their fuel source and are equipped for liquid service. They are not designed to be used for typical vapor use.

Thanks for that info.
I now see that the LP liquid tanks extract the fuel at the bottom of the tank and the vapor LP tanks extract the fuel from the top. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[Stu & Filo. T]

Hey & since we're on the subject & I know it's a simple question but one of the tanks when I picked it up had a copper ground wire on it, Any reason why I can't run it from one tank to the next then clamp it to the frame?

 

[golfersmurf57]

Most of your forklift tanks also have a vapor port that you can remove the plug from and use. Worthington makes some aluminum tanks as well.