Propane tank size

pjlandry · #1 (**permalink**) 01-04-2007, 03:50 PM

Hi Guys.
I run a E150 with a factory propane 4.9l (Engine code 9)

I've got a 100 litre tank on my van, and it only gives me about 350km. (~250miles) Slowly working my way to figure out the low milage.

Can I replace with a larger or add a secondairy propane tank so I can have greater range? What's the largest tank I can "legally" mount?

Thoughts?

Thanks.

-Pauli

MrBSS · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2007, 12:45 PM

I am not familiar with your particular set-up, but it is not unusual for the mileage to be lower when running propane. This is particularly true if yours is bi-fuel or basically a gasoline vehicle which has not had major modifications (compression ratio, timing, etc.) to take advantage of propane's characteristics.

I don't know what size tank would be legal there, but if you have a company who services propane lift trucks (as in a freight terminal), they could probably supply another tank and tell you what you could do.

roger dowty · #3 (**permalink**) 01-15-2007, 04:12 AM

not sure size is the issue. has to be the right dot tank design. I bout a 80gal for my truck and plan on running a couple 30-40 gl tanks under the bed eventually just for long trips.

Propane needs engine compression. It's well over 100 octane but lower btu. running higher compression gets more out of the fuel w/o risk of detonation due to the octane.

1978Crew · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 02:06 PM

how do you plan to switch fuel delivery between the different tanks? Are forklift tanks DOT approved for motorfuel on street vehicles?

pjlandry · #5 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 03:05 PM

Haven't really thought that far yet. Just trying to figure out what my options are. Maybe someone here could make a suggestion!

-Pauli

roger dowty · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2007, 02:06 AM

forklift tanks are for off road use. Not certified

MrBSS · #7 (**permalink**) 01-25-2007, 12:12 PM

I believe that the supplier for the fork lift trucks could probably give this guy strong enough tanks for the road. Frankly, if he needs to go through certification from all the government bodies, he can't afford to do this. Well, it sounds like he's not in "the land of the free", so maybe he could.

roger dowty · #8 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 12:14 AM

I'd use the tanks in a heart beat...but would also know that I might pay for it someday...but probably not. It's good to know which rules your breaking

1978Crew · #9 (**permalink**) 01-26-2007, 09:55 AM

i am looking for something to use to get my conversion going soon. I can wait to find the right tank for the right price.

roger dowty · #10 (**permalink**) 01-27-2007, 11:03 PM

It seems the best bet is to find one locally- they cost so much to ship. I nearly ended up with a 120 gal for a song but didn't follow up. would rather have that than my 80. you can pick them up for cheap it seems...just gotta be on the lookout.

1978Crew · #11 (**permalink**) 01-29-2007, 11:01 AM

thanks, I am on the lookout. But don't want to wait to get started with the conversion.

fraso · #12 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 10:56 AM

The largest tank you can legally mount on your truck is an ASME (and not DOT - lift truck) tank that can be securely bolted down onto your vehicle. Sleegers and Manchester commonly make bed-mounted tanks designed for full-size pickup trucks and the largest tanks made are the 20x60 (218L / 57.6 USG) and the 24x60 (310L / 81.9 USG). You will need to check the space between the cab and the wheelwheels on a crew cab as the 24x60 may be a tight fit.