Propane Bottle
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Propane Bottle
In the past I carried my ancient Alaskan on a pickup that had a beefy Barden style bumper that I mounted my Propane bottle on. The 1990 f250 that I plan to mount the camper on has no such handy surface. What is the solution here? I really don't know much about campers truth be told...
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Has it got a hitch reciever?
I'd probably build some kind of step platform with a bottle mount to each side that would plug into the hitch reciever and serve as a doorstep too. All you need is some square-bar that fits in the reciever, light steel square tube, metal plate, and a welder.
"Measure with a micrometer, cut with an axe, pound to fit, paint to match!"
~US ARMY CORPS of Engineers
The obvious alternative is to carry the bottle(s) inside, and set them up out of the way later. There are extensions you can get for gas lines - don't forget to "SOAP CHECK" the connections.
I'd probably build some kind of step platform with a bottle mount to each side that would plug into the hitch reciever and serve as a doorstep too. All you need is some square-bar that fits in the reciever, light steel square tube, metal plate, and a welder.
"Measure with a micrometer, cut with an axe, pound to fit, paint to match!"
~US ARMY CORPS of Engineers
The obvious alternative is to carry the bottle(s) inside, and set them up out of the way later. There are extensions you can get for gas lines - don't forget to "SOAP CHECK" the connections.
Last edited by Greywolf; Apr 5, 2007 at 08:56 PM.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fresno, CA.
Slightly off topic, but I was wondering is there a risk having your propane tank mounted on its side as opposed to standing up? The reason I ask is because every picture I see of trailers, shows either one or two on the hitch rails standing up. However, the slide in camper I received (for free) has it in a compartment (behind the driver) laying on its side.
It is currently empty and has been for about 8 years. However, I have never seen or heard of one being mounted on its side, and was wondering if there is any danger in that? The camper is 37 years old according to the date plate, and it looks like the tank is the original. So it must have worked fine when it was filled.
It is currently empty and has been for about 8 years. However, I have never seen or heard of one being mounted on its side, and was wondering if there is any danger in that? The camper is 37 years old according to the date plate, and it looks like the tank is the original. So it must have worked fine when it was filled.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 239
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From: sticksville (Walsh AB. CA
Originally Posted by Nighteyez
Slightly off topic, but I was wondering is there a risk having your propane tank mounted on its side as opposed to standing up? The reason I ask is because every picture I see of trailers, shows either one or two on the hitch rails standing up. However, the slide in camper I received (for free) has it in a compartment (behind the driver) laying on its side.
It is currently empty and has been for about 8 years. However, I have never seen or heard of one being mounted on its side, and was wondering if there is any danger in that? The camper is 37 years old according to the date plate, and it looks like the tank is the original. So it must have worked fine when it was filled.
It is currently empty and has been for about 8 years. However, I have never seen or heard of one being mounted on its side, and was wondering if there is any danger in that? The camper is 37 years old according to the date plate, and it looks like the tank is the original. So it must have worked fine when it was filled.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
I want you to do something for yourself. Two things, actually...
1) Look around the top flange (carry handle) of the tank and find the date stamp. If the date is more than twelve years old, that tank is no longer certified.
2) Look at the TANK VALVE. If it is an OPD (Overfill Protection Device equipped) tank, that valve handle will be triangular. If it isn't - it is now illegal.
Chances are you need to replace that tank anyway...
1) Look around the top flange (carry handle) of the tank and find the date stamp. If the date is more than twelve years old, that tank is no longer certified.
2) Look at the TANK VALVE. If it is an OPD (Overfill Protection Device equipped) tank, that valve handle will be triangular. If it isn't - it is now illegal.
Chances are you need to replace that tank anyway...
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,064
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
I was thinking it might not be a good idea. The tank has brackets, for side mounting, but according to the person who gave me the camper, it has the old style nozzle, and I would not be able to get it recharged. So I would be buying a new bottle which would of course be designed to be upright. So now I need to find a location that can handle an upright bottle, or buy a small 5 lb bottle and stick it in the space of the current 20 lb bottle.
thanks for the response! Glad I found this out before making the mistake!
thanks for the response! Glad I found this out before making the mistake!
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,064
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
I will not be able to look at it until tomorrow, but I have a feeling the tank is over 12 years old. it is rusted, and dingy. The only reason I was thinking of keeping it was it already had the mounting brackes welded on it, for a side mount setup. However, I remember when I used to fill propane bottles (many many years ago) that some people would come in with bottles too old to fill. So I just assumed there was still a limit. Then when I read about the Blue Rhino bottles, they state to make sure you transport them in a well ventilated vehicle, and standing straight up. That is what got me thinking that this setup may not be cool.
I will check on my way to work tomorrow, and see if I can find a date. Thanks for the response!
I will check on my way to work tomorrow, and see if I can find a date. Thanks for the response!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Small note: An LPG bottle can have a ding in the side PROVIDED the ding is not more than 10% deeper than it is wide.
Translation: a one inch wide ding can't be more than a tenth of an inch deep.
Translation: a one inch wide ding can't be more than a tenth of an inch deep.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,064
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
The tank has no dings, it is just rusted, and dingy, or dirty. I checked the handle area, and the rust is so bad the only thing I can make out is 82. I can also see the word Gregg, which I am going to assume is the company that originally made/sold the tank. I see nothing on it that is triangular in shape. There is a green plastic piece plugged directly into the outlet. I am assuming that is the regulator. In any case, I think I will not even bother trying to get it filled, just replaced. The only thing in this antique that uses propane is the 3 burner stove. It has no heater, and an icebox, instead of a fridge.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
You might actually be better off from a convenience point of view with either a butane burner or a Coleman stove.
I'll shoot a pic of a butane set I picked up for emergencies tomorrow.
I wouldn't trust the stove in either though - see the propane bottle discussion. It might have some stuff inside that you really don't want to hassle with. (tar deposits)
I'll shoot a pic of a butane set I picked up for emergencies tomorrow.
I wouldn't trust the stove in either though - see the propane bottle discussion. It might have some stuff inside that you really don't want to hassle with. (tar deposits)
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,064
Likes: 245
From: Fresno, CA.
Yeah, I have thought about just removing the propane tank, and the stove, and placing a Coleman portable stove in its place, and a microwave in place of the oven. Then all I would need is electricity, and the occasional propane bottle.