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How to carry 100lb propane tank upright.

52K views 24 replies 15 participants last post by  Rambodog  
#1 ·
I have to fill a 100lb propane tank seveal times a year. The local Tractor supply store is a*al about carrying the tank upright. They are about $40 cheaper to fill than another place that doesn't care if I lay the tank down. With my previous suv I made a carrier for the hitch using a cargo carrier and some extra steel. I really hate having the tank on the back of the truck. Just imagine somebody rear ending me. I would like to carry the tank in the bed. But the bed height is less than half the height of the tank. If I strap around the tank using the factory hold down that strap would only be about 1/4 the way up the tank. That doesn't seem like that great of a hold down. I am wondering what other people do to carry the 100lb tanks. I was thinking of maybe putting some steel tubing in the rear bed post hole but some stupid engineer at gm thought it would be a good idea to make the hole in the plastic bed rail cover not the same size or shape as the steel hole under it WTH? I also don't want to cut open the front bed holet because putting the tank there it might hit the rear window if it were to shift at all. Any ideas?
 
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#4 ·
Make a standard for the post hole, then strap the tank at the bottom and top. Just a quick idea, I always just lay mine sideways at the tailgate and strap it down like that.
 
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#5 ·
I would put a plastic milk container under the bottom (that's how I carry 20-30 pounders fit like a glove) then with protective cover on outlet wrap a ratcheting strap twice around it do the bottom also if ya like when tight it will stop it rolling around especially with square milk thing on bottom. Really I have not heard that ti`s a rule to stand up rite? Now acetylene that's different it`s dangerous to transport that laying down against the law I think?
 
#6 ·
I just hook a strap in each handle on the top of the tank and anchor them in their respective post hole in the bed. I then use one strap across the bed (left to right) and attach it to the tie down loops in the bed keeping the middle of the tank secure against the front of the bed. I use ratchet straps so I can get them good and snug.
 
#8 ·
I lived in a place quite a few years ago that used 100lb propane tanks and I always transported them in the back of my s10 blazer laying down. I don't think that having them lying down is the issue itself, it probably has to do with the handle/valve being more exposed to damage that way which is a safety issue. Anyway, ASTE25 sounds like the way I would do it if I transported them upright without some kind of rack. However, I do have an ADARAC which would make it a snap to secure the tanks upright securely. It might be something to consider if you really want a good way to secure them upright. Other brands of racks would work as well. You could also get some aftermarket bed hooks to put in the open bed holes to be able to secure the bottoms of the cylinders better.
 

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#9 ·
Propane powered fork trucks have the tank mounted laying down. The issue is, like stated before, protecting the valve. I would simply lay it down and use a 2X4 or 4x4 jig of some sorts to keep the tank from sliding thus eliminating the potential for the valve to be struck. To me standing it up is far more dangerous. if somehow the strapping came loose you now have a projectile traveling at whatever speed your truck is moving. "once in motion....."
 
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#10 ·
If you handy and own a welder you could make a rack for the front bed stake pockets to secure the cylinder, if your not so handy you can build one of these.

It is amazing what you can find using goggle, one note to the above video is I would use straps not bungee cords to secure the bottles.
 
#11 ·
bigblack said:
Propane powered fork trucks have the tank mounted laying down. The issue is, like stated before, protecting the valve. I would simply lay it down and use a 2X4 or 4x4 jig of some sorts to keep the tank from sliding thus eliminating the potential for the valve to be struck. To me standing it up is far more dangerous. if somehow the strapping came loose you now have a projectile traveling at whatever speed your truck is moving. "once in motion....."
According to the place I get my bottle filled it is illegal to haul them laying flat. I have never looked up the law, but I assume that since they do this for a living they would be up on what the laws are.
 
#13 ·
Just wrap a tow strap around the handle on top and then loop it around the hitch and go. It saves loading and unloading. ;)
 
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#14 ·
Why not just transport it laying down and just have them fill it standing up? If your worried about them seeing, just pull off a block away and stand it up a d strap it, then stop again after leaving and lay it back down.

That's what I'd do. Doesn't require anything to be made and is free
 
#15 ·
Um no people. THE TANK should never lay down, it HAS a arrow on it saying which end is up.

The forklift has a tank DESIGNED to lay down.

the reason is the blow off valve will open, letting the liquid out. bad idea.

Can you carry them laying down ??? Yes on short runs and not on a hot day as it will expand and leak.

NEVER store them in a hot garage also, outside is always best

Propane is very cold and a liquid, not a gas

Certifed ProPane filler
 
#16 ·
A496HD do you sell Propane and Propane accessories?
You beat me to it brother.
"On the side, you're going to have a bad ride"
 
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#17 ·
gripall said:
A496HD do you sell Propane and Propane accessories?
You beat me to it brother.
"On the side, you're going to have a bad ride"
Filled them and sold them...........

U have to be certified to fill the bottles.

Did it at 15

Again at Boeing in 99

Then a a Repair shop for 3 years, U get used to the smell of it !!! LOL

One of those jobs, keeps following me around !!!!
 
#19 ·
I apologize for speaking without having a full knowledge of the situation. I didn't realize it was illegal or that fork truck tanks were designed in that fashion. That being said, i would leave your tailgate down and install an igniter in the the bed. That way when the blow-off valve leaks you can ignite the escaping fumes/liquid and give your truck a little boost down the highway :)
 
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#20 ·
nobody can see the tank while driving, no propane police ot there.

U all missing the point the HEAT of weather is the point here........

Heat over presures the tank, the vent opens. If it in open space who cares. NOW if its in your garage, well boom, boom.

Been caring the big one layed down for over 38 years, common sense. I go straight home and stand the darn thing up.
 
#21 ·
Just lay it down and strap it as previously talked about I`m a gas fitter that thing will not blow up sure working with propane temp has a lot to do with press the hotter outside the more press that's why as someone that fills them can only fill to 80% some room for expansion. It is against the law for sure to over fill. Their is so much safety built into them fuse-able plugs and press relief valves it is almost impossible for something to happen. As far as laying it down with arrow on it for fork lift that`s because it supplies the propane as a liquid and it has a vaporizer that runs hot coolant through it to vaporize it to a gas to cylinders for ignition. Just lay it down and prevent it from rolling around. I`have walked up to them and hit with a hammer it`s a good way to scare the s#$t out of apprentices.
 
#22 ·
^^^Finally, the voice of reason. If the release valve on the tank is mounted on top, the tank can be transported in a horizontal position BUT must be stood upright before use. This allows any liquid to drain back to the bottom of the tank and prevents damage to pressure regulators when the valve is opened.
 
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#24 ·
Silvery13 said:
^^^Finally, the voice of reason. If the release valve on the tank is mounted on top, the tank can be transported in a horizontal position BUT must be stood upright before use. This allows any liquid to drain back to the bottom of the tank and prevents damage to pressure regulators when the valve is opened.
What, the part where he hits them with a hammer is the voice of reason? :lol:
 
#25 ·
Yeah imagine hitting a weak spot or something and WHOOSH...... surprise. Apprentice would be saying "This guy is gonna git me learned reel good". Nice job Bildoo. That looks pretty secure. Do get it certified for your own safety though. A welding supply is what I look for when I need 100# tanks certified if you haven't found a place to do so. Then you can safely smack with hammer cause it's cirtifyed.
 
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