Propane Tank Plug

[Steve L.]

For those without enough to worry about I can contribute the following:

I sometimes transport a LPG cylinder in addition to the two 20 pounders at the front of my trailer. Obviously I make sure to firmly close the valve before stashing it inside my tow vehicle (not a “pick-em-up”). As a sort of belts-and-suspenders kind of guy, I made up an additional safeguard consisting of a replacement Acme threaded handle with a ¼ NPT cap screwed on it so I could double-seal (if you will) the tank outlet. I didn’t want to travel in a cloud of leaked propane in the car just waiting for a spark to enliven a spectator’s day or to make my own contribution to the Darwin Awards. (Darwin Awards. Chlorinating The Gene Pool.)

The other day I spotted the following purpose built plugs that fill the left-hand threaded internal outlet and at less than $2 each I’ve upgraded (I think) my transportation safety.

http://www.americanhardwaremfg.com/content/product_page_template.php?dept=rv&cat=propane&subc at=all_products

They’re red now, not yellow and the tag is different but those are superficial differences.

Now that I’ve found these I expect to see dozens of other designs. It figures. Anyhow, they seem vaguely useful so I'm pointing them out. I'm making no claims as to whether they're necessary. Just that they tickeled my gadget DNA.

[WaltP]

Looks like a useful gadget Steve. It might be a good idea for those of us who commonly carry an extra tank, like the 5 pounder I use for cooking appliances.
I hate the idea of paying $9 shipping for a $2 item, but if I ever run across one retail I'll probably buy it.

Walt

[SteveV]

Check with your local propane supplier. The local place that I take my 100lb tanks to for refill gives them to you if you don't have one.

[Island Claire]

Ohere are the Canadian guidelines for propane transportation

OOPEN VEHICLE

In an open vehicle, transport your cylinder in an
upright position and secured so the label displayed on
the cylinder is visible from outside the vehicle.
ENCLOSED VEHICLE
In an enclosed vehicle, cylinders must be transported
upright and secured. In a passenger vehicle, it must
be secured upright on the rear floor with the window
open or in the trunk inside a tote box and with the
trunk partially open to ensure proper ventilation. Y
our
cylinder retailer will have a latch for this purpose.
Either make a special trip to have your propane
cylinders refilled or make it the last stop on your
shopping route. It's never good to leave cylinders
sitting for long periods of time in your vehicle.
Personal exemption permits you to transport propane
cylinders for your personal use between the place of
fill and your home.
NO MORE THAN FIVE
The maximum number of cylinders that can be
transported is five.
In open vehicles, as long as the total combined mass
of the propane & cylinders does not exceed 500 kg.
In enclosed vehicles, the maximum number of
cylinders that can be transported is five, as long as
each individual cylinder weighs a total of less 30 kgs.
(66 lbs). A
full, typical barbeque cylinder weighs
approximately 17 kg (34.5 lbs).
If the limits are exceeded in either open or enclosed
vehicles, your vehicle must be placarded as per the
placard requirements, carry the appropriate
supporting documentation and the people operating
the vehicle must be appropriately trained.

[Steve Outlaw]

If you can't get a free one locally, Amazon has them:


Ush Pol Plug W/Strap
$1.34 + $2.98 shipping

Robot Check

[WaltP]

Nice find Steve, thanks.

Walt

[rick.a]

Hi Steve,

Please keep in mind that it is not the valve at the regulator attachment point that you are worried about. Those seal quite safely. It is the pressure relief valve that you should be concerned with. This will automatically expel some propane gas if the pressure in the tank rises due to a temperature increase, which is easy to achieve in a hot car or trunk. It is because of this that there are so many regulations about transporting tanks in an unventillated space.

Rick.

[SteveV]

....also I think they are intended more to keep dirt/bugs out of the threads & valve while in transport or storage. We have mud daubers around here that like to build a nest about anywhere!

[Steve L.]

Originally Posted by rick.a

Hi Steve,

Please keep in mind that it is not the valve at the regulator attachment point that you are worried about. Those seal quite safely. It is the pressure relief valve that you should be concerned with. This will automatically expel some propane gas if the pressure in the tank rises due to a temperature increase, which is easy to achieve in a hot car or trunk...

Rick.

Excellent point and one I hadn't considered. Arghhh.

[Borrego Dave]

If you do loose the threaded plug, a 1"pvc slip end cap fits over the end nicely to keep bugs out also.

[Carl Pa]

Although it would be nice to take along a extra tank, however, why load the weight,space and danger , when you can exchange a tank almost anywhere. Just a thought. Carl

[Glenn Baglo]

I have two 20 lb. tanks with automatic changeover. You don't want to head out at 2am to look for a propane supplier so that you have fuel for the furnace, especially when it's an hour drive on a gravel road just to get to the nearest town.
I also have a 10 lb. tank that runs my BBQ.

[WaltP]

Carl
A lot of us prefer not to use the exchanges. We have our own tanks and refill them at propane dealers. I carry a 5lb tank for my stoves and other outdoor appliances.

Walt

[Paul O.]

That plug is a good find.

What LP prices do you folks see in your areas these days? I jut got two 20# refills for $9 each, at the West Lebanon, NH Farm Supply and Feed store. Very happy about that price.

[WaltP]

Wow, that's a great price. I pay around $14-$15.

Walt

[Raz]

Paul, where is the store in W. Leb? Do they charge for what you need or flat fee? The only place I've found that charges only for what you need locally is Tractor Supply in Rutland. When on the road and I want to top off I check for a nearby store. Raz

Propane Tank Refills at Tractor Supply Co.

[Paul O.]

Here we go, Raz:
Location and Hours - West Lebanon Feed & Supply Online

Make sure you have one of those little plastic covers on the tank valve, otherwise they charge you $1 for it and insist that it must be in place.

That $9 may have been a special event, but even so, their price was $12 the previous time. Maybe call first.

[Raz]

Thanks Paul

[Rich Ess]

I just replaced my tanks with one that have gauges to show how much is left. They use a float inside the tank, so I figure they're pretty reliable.

I've been thinking about where to get them filled. I pass Tractor Supply Co stores regularly, but never thought of them for propane. Raz, thanks for that info.

Rich

[WaltP]

Rich
Can you post info or links on your new cylinders?

Thanks,

Walt