LP Tank/Bracket Question For Trailer Tongue

Ira · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject: LP Tank/Bracket Question For Trailer Tongue

I'm going to be extending the straight tongue on my itsy bitsy 4' by 4' Harbor Freight trailer to accommodate my sink, which will be installed via simple heavy duty shelf brackets at the front of the trailer, overhanging the tongue.

I have to extend the tongue because of turning radius considerations. The sink is pretty large, and too sharp a turn, especially when backing up in my teensy weensy Geo Tracker, will crash it to toast.

But I also need a place to hold at least one "regular" 20-gal LP tank, and I assumed that would also be on the tongue.

Am I correct in assuming the bracket/holder below is for the 20-gal VERTICAL versions ONLY, and not the "normal" ones?

Here's the link:

http://www.vintagetrailersupply.com/Propane_Tank_Rack_p/vts-396.htm

Basically, I just need something inexpensive to hold one tank, and the only single tank holder I've seen on eBay and elsewhere goes for 75 bucks plus heavy shipping, whereas the above is only 23 and change.

To summarize, what's my cheapest mounting solution? Switch to vertical tanks if the above product requires it? (There's a refilling, not exchange, station right by my house.) Or is there a cheap for-sale or do-it-yourself solution to hold a single, "regular" tank?

k.a.m. · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

Ira, I found this one. It is like your link but cut down for 5gall. tanks.
http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/dual-tank-rack-dual-tank-rack.html
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Ira · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

This is where I'm confused.

So I guess I have to check my refilling station to see what they charge for a 5.

Having two of these for a total of 10 makes sense, but not if they're going to kill me on the fill price.

k.a.m. · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

Ira, at my station if I bring in two bottles and one is say 1/2 full they weigh both. Then they adjust for the 1/2 full bottle and I may get charged 7gall. It is more of a guess but they know me well and I trust their judgment.
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Ira · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

My station doesn't charge by weight at all. You can have a 20 tank that's 25% depleted and they still charge you full price to top it off.

Florida really, really sucks.

Jarhead · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

The "New" tanks have an auto-shutoff on them. You can't pack 'em like you used to. One holds 4.4 gal and the other 4.5, according to their meter.
My 100 pounders, if empty, they will put 20 gal in them unless it is below 40 degrees and then they will put 24 in them.
I need to build a rack for my trailer also, but to hold the 2 - 100 # tanks.
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Ira · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

k.a.m. · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

Jarhead · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

GreenSmoker · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject: Ok I'll try this one..............

A 20 lb propane is a "standard" bbq tank. It will usually have 18 lbs of liquid due to a safety factor. They are about 12 inches in diameter at the middle and the foot ring is about 8 inches. At just over 4 lbs per gallon that is how they got classified. You can get 5,10,20,30,40,50,(fat boys)60,100 pounders.

20# 4 gallon
30# 7 gallon
40# 10 gallon
60# 15 gallon
100# 25 gallon

The 30,40 and 60 are all approx 12 inches in diameter as well. Height is the change factor. The mount you are lppking at will do 20 - 40 with the right rod, in the upright position. There are 30 and 40 lb that lay on their sides and have a special valve that is hard to impossible to replace. These are / were for campers.

All propane cylinders if in good condition are servicable for 12 years from manufacture. After that they must be re-certed and then every 5 years hence. The older ones (bbq'ers) need to have a tri-corner valve handle as this identifies it as an OPD valve, before re-cert. Fancy way to say it can't be overfilled to make a good customer happy.

Want / need more I can go for a while. And I won't po folks by telling you I get 20lb'ers for about $6.50.

GreenSmoker / Steve C.
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rocam69 · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

Ira,
Is it legal to carry propane in a closed vechicle? Maybe you should carry both tanks in the open air on the trailer instead of carrying a bomb in your tracker.

Ira · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

It has to be legal to haul in your vehicle:

Otherwise, no one could buy it and bring it home.

rocam69 · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

I know that when we go to our welding gas supplier they will not let you load gas of any sort in the back of your half ton if you have a truck topper or any sort of enclosure.mayne the rules are diffrent here.

Ira · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

GF · Posted: May 13 2011 Post subject:

Ira, fwiw, 20#ers fit very well in a milk crate. The crate stops tipping, rolling, etc. As for traveling with one inside the vehicle, I wouldn't, but you do whatever you're comfortable with. Good luck with the trailer.

totally smokin · Joined: 03 Feb 2011 Posts: 21

GreenSmoker · Posted: May 14 2011 Post subject: To enclose or not to enclose......

The FEDs / DOT have no law against it. Most sellers will ask you to sign a waiver and tell you it is not recommended. This is for a couple bbq cylinders.

As to local / state laws, yep they vary. But, there should be no reason to worry as no one in here will have more than 1001 lbs of product in the trunk, commercial or Mr.Schmoe.

The milk crate is the cat's a$$. They come in that way alot and is how I get my own home. Don't lay them on their sides as that will negate the safety and that can make a bomb.

GreenSmoker / Steve C.

P.S. I lied, 20 pounders are up to $8.50 each.
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animal · BBQ Pro Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 935 Location: Wisconsin

ktdavis · Posted: May 14 2011 Post subject:

Where I get mine filled (Flying J travel plaza) they charge only for the number of gallons it takes to fill your tank.

Jarhead said "One holds 4.4 gal and the other 4.5, according to their meter." I had one with the OPD that held way more than the others, and over 1/2 gallon difference between my 4 tanks.

When I picked my new cooker up 2 weeks ago, I bought it out of MO, but had them meet me in KY so I would save state tax and travel time. I ordered it with log lighter, so it came with a new tank. When we met, he said the tank was empty, that he could not bring a full tank across the state line. Obviously it is not illegal to carry a full tank across state lines, campers etc., but because it was not for use but for sale?? Who knows?? Point is there are weird laws state to state.

Kevin

GreenSmoker · Posted: May 14 2011 Post subject: full tanks and travel......

The only place you can't take lp tanks is in tunnels and some bridges. Campers and loads of other uses travel all around the country. I have been escorted by bridge personnel when carring lp. They make sure I don't have an accident. Too bad for them if I had. LOL.

I bet they sent you an empty cause they are 30 plus buck to fill.

GreenSmoker / Steve C.
_________________
GreenSmoker / Steve C.
Little Johnny says "I like the way you're thinkin'."

Homemade Offset 30 x 30
UDS
Rocket Stove
Liar #92 or is that my age or my IQ or my shoe size or the sum total for all of them?