Propane Powered Aztec

[cuffs054]

The cabin uses a 100 gal (pound?) propane tank for the range. It's about 5 ft tall and as big around as my thigh (yeah, I'm a biggin) anyway, I want to get it filled. I'm getting all kinds of mixed advice. Some say I can lay it flat in the back of the car some say no. Anybody know for sure? I can borrow a truck but would rather not.

 

[mattl]

I see no reason you can't lay it on it's side. In our balloon the propane tanks are in all positions, during setup we lay the basket on it's side, and stand it upright and fire up the burners right away.

Many guys have enclosed trailers where the balloons are stored and the tanks go in with the balloon. I'd just be careful, make sure the tank is sealed, propane is heavier than air and will puddle if there is a leak, you don't want to be around that. Not sure I'd be totally comfortable with it in the car with me, trunk maybe.

 

[earthling177]

It will depend quite a lot on what kind of safety valve(s) the tank has, some kinds, like the small 20-ish pound tanks for barbecues can be transported safely in any position, some of the tanks like you describe (probably 100 pound) are designed to stand at all times, the float inside might release the gas if on the side.

Also, make sure you can in fact transport it in a passenger car, the propane stations around here post signs on the maximum weight of propane a passenger car can transport and I think it's way less than 100 pounds, probably just 2-3 tanks of 20 pounds each. You may have to call a commercial place to either refill the tank for you or bring you a filled up tank and swap for yours.

Good luck!

 

[cfz2882]

100 lb propane tanks

i use 100 lb propane tanks to fuel the unit heater in my garage-no problem at all transporting the tanks horizontal,
they weigh around 177lb full and i haul them in the back of
my dodge raider.AFAIK,100lb size does not have the"OPD"valve
(overfill protection device)
i hooked an hour meter to the draft blower on the heater's
burner and use that to recon how much propane i have left
-get around 95 hrs per tank.

 

[cuffs054]

Earthling, thanks for the reply. I tried that idea already. None of the gas companies want to come out for such a small delivery even though there are 4-5 of us who want filling. There is a commerical truck stop nearby that sells propane, no limit.
Cfz, thanks for the info. Why there is no gauge is a mystery, but a flow meter makes more sense than a pressure gauge that is affected by temp etc. Your hour meter would work if the range pulled power when the burners were lit. The oven pulls power all the time but not the top. If you ever build one, I'll buy it!!

 

[cfz2882]

flow meter

a flowmeter is a good idea for use with that stove-might be
able to find a suitable one on Ebay or someplace.
before i put the hourmeter on my heater,somtimes i would get
lucky and the conditions would be just right for a frost line
to form on the tank and indicate the remaining fuel...

 

[laundromat]

I am part owner of a propane gas shop (Little Gas Shak) and we frown at those who lay their tanks sidewaise.that's because , if there happens to be a leak,because lp gas is a heavier fuel, the leaked gas will go to the lowest area and stay there. If you strike a match or their is a spark, it can ignite the gas and cause a severe combustion and be deadly.Those who have the larger tanks usually place them upright in either their pick up truck or a trailer that's attached to the back of their vehicle.If they have it strapped down and on a trailer,we can get in and fill it w/out having to remove it from the trailer. Otherwise, it needs to be taken down onto the ground and put back once it's filled.The largest one I have filled is a 100 gallon unit that a customer refills once every three months. That he has to use a lift to put on his trailer and remove it after filled and taken home.That tank is horizontle not vertical.Morte than likely, you should be o.k. as long as you make sure your valves are tightly closed before and after you leave.