Propane is a necessity in the life of many individuals. Propane is a necessity for people to live and enjoy themselves, from heating houses and running generators to firing up the grill on a Sunday afternoon. Refilling tanks and transferring them in a vehicle is an essential feature of using propane.
Proper propane tank transportation is critical to your safety and the safety of others around you. However, with numerous tank sizes and propane tank transportation rules, there are other things to consider. Use this article to learn how to move full propane tanks legally and safely.
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Can I Transport a 100 LB Propane Tank
A 100-pound cylinder should never be transported in a sedan, SUV, or on its side. Find the pin-points once the propane cylinder has been loaded into the back of the truck. Use twine, rope, or other tie-downs to secure the cylinder at the base, near the foot ring, and at the top to keep it vertical and upright. Special fixed tanks on agricultural equipment, huge RVs, and line striping trucks are the only exceptions to the norm. These tanks are built to lay horizontally and feed liquid propane.
Limits on Propane Transportation
There are restrictions on how much propane you can transport at one time. These guidelines are in place to keep you safe in an accident. Following these rules provides you the best chance of safety when you transport your full propane tanks from the fill station back to your home or company.
Those who are not engaged in business (for example, homeowners) are not subject to DOT (DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION) laws. Corporations, on the other hand, can transport propane under the “Materials of Trade” (MOT) permit When 440 lb is exceeded (for organizations), the load is fully restricted.
Propane transportation restrictions vary on the vehicle. Common propane transportation vehicles often fall into one of two categories:
Enclosed vehicles:
Enclosed cars include sedans, coupes, SUVs, and medium automobiles with closed roofs. These vehicles are popular modes of transportation, but strong regulations limit the amount of propane they may carry. Because of the compact construction of these vehicles, several risks exist and need additional controls.
Open trailers or pickup trucks:
Transporting propane tanks on truck beds or open trailers is subject to its own set of laws and restrictions. Because the tanks are in the open air in these cases, you can transport more propane every trip. But ensure you’re following the proper shipping protocols — more on that later.
Everything you need to know about propane transportation limits
1. The amount for covered vehicles: An enclosed vehicle can transport up to four propane cylinders.
2. Weight of propane: The overall weight of propane transported in an enclosed vehicle cannot be more than 90 pounds.
3. Cylinder weight: Any cylinder in an enclosed vehicle must be under 45 pounds.
4. Propane tank sizes: The propane tanks in an enclosed vehicle might be different sizes, but the overall propane weight must be less than 90 pounds.
5. The amount for open trailers and trucks: A pickup truck or uncovered trailer can transport up to 1,000 pounds of propane. These alternatives are ideal for carrying tanks weighing more than 90 pounds or multiple tanks at once.
Transporting Propane in Various Vehicles
Depending on the sort of vehicle you’ll be driving, you’ll need to follow specific procedures for transporting propane. Here are some pointers to keep you legal and safe while driving an enclosed car or a pickup truck.
Propane Tanks Being Transported in Cars or Other Enclosed Vehicles
Here are some suggestions for transporting propane tanks in a car or other enclosed vehicle:
- Always keep your propane tank upright and vertical.
- To keep the tank from tipping over during transportation, use a milk crate or tank stabilizer.
- A propane tank can also be safely trapped between the front and rear seats. Check that the fit is tight enough to keep it stable over any bumps in the road.
- If your back seat is already occupied, you can put your propane tank in the trunk. The same tank stabilization rules apply.
- When transporting propane tanks in an enclosed vehicle, use bungee cords or rope for added security.
- Do not smoke while transporting propane.
Transporting Propane Tanks in Trucks
When transporting propane tanks, Trucks have some advantages over closed vehicles, but make sure you follow the proper protocol. Here are some pointers for transporting propane tanks in trucks or open trailer beds:
- Because pickup trucks have a higher weight limit — up to 1,000 pounds — you can transport more and larger tanks. The popular 50-pound and 100-pound propane tanks are examples of such containers.
- Because one-hundred-pound propane tanks are extremely heavy, always have a second person available to assist you in lifting one into your truck.
- Tanks must be kept upright and vertical at all times.
- Tanks should be appropriately secured to the truck with adjustable straps or ropes and a strong hook point.
Propane Tank Transportation Do’s and Don’t’s
A list of dos and don’ts is sometimes easier to remember than a long list of rules and regulations. Use these pointers to help you comply with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) propane tank regulations.
Do the following when transporting propane tanks:
- Secure them in a vertical position to keep the tank upright.
- Make sure the propane cylinder is well-ventilated: Place it in a well-ventilated area of your enclosed vehicle. To help with ventilation, crack the window.
- Close the valves: Close the valves before moving the tank.
- Proceed directly to your destination: Get to your destination as soon as possible.
- Keeping a propane tank in your vehicle for an extended period of time puts you at risk of dangerous conditions.
- Remove the tanks right away: When you arrive at your destination, unload the propane tank from your vehicle.
Don’t do the following when transporting propane tanks:
- Keep them on their sides: Do not leave the propane tank on its side. Traveling this way is too dangerous, so take a few moments to ensure the container is secure.
- Exceed the limit: In an enclosed vehicle, no more than four propane tanks should be transported.
- Exceed the weight limit: In an enclosed vehicle, do not transport more than 90 pounds of total propane weight. Similarly, do not transport more than 1,000 pounds of propane total weight in a pickup truck bed or open trailer bed.
- Do not smoke cigarettes in your vehicle while transporting propane tanks. This increases the possibility of a fire or explosion, especially if one of the propane valves is left open.
- Leave propane tanks unattended: Never leave propane tanks in a vehicle. If you must leave for a short time, open your windows, but make every attempt to get the tanks from your vehicle as soon as possible.
Can I keep a 100-pound propane tank in my garage?
Have you ever recognized storing propane tanks in your garage? Look no further. We’ve got your back. Garages are convenient places to store many items, but they may not be the best place to store your propane tanks.
Although storing propane tanks in a garage is safe if precautions are taken beforehand, many people fail to take these precautions, resulting in an unsafe situation in their homes.
So, can I keep propane tanks in my garage? Experts advise against storing propane tanks in garages that are directly attached to your home. However, storing propane tanks in a garage that is not connected to your home is safe. This is just one of the requirements you must meet if you want to store your propane tanks inside the garage.
Because garages aren’t always the best option, consider outdoor storage instead.
What’s That Have To Do With Propane Tank Storage in Garages?
Well, storing your propane tanks in your garage can create a severe crisis. Because propane is flammable, it should not be stored near electrical items or in extreme heat. This can result in heat or a blast.
Garages, for example, are rarely temperature controlled. This means that the temperature inside the garage can rise to dangerous levels, endangering the propane tank.
Because propane tanks are so sensitive, you must go above and beyond to ensure that they are placed in a secure location. If you want to store propane tanks in your garage, here are some important dos and don’ts to remember.
DO’S
- Make sure the garage has air circulation.
- Make sure that the garage is temperature-controlled.
- Keep propane tanks away from electrical equipment and heat sources.
- Set the propane tanks down on the ground.
- Make sure that the propane tanks are upright.
- Maintain the propane tank and make sure there aren’t any leaks.
DON’TS
- Do NOT store propane tanks in unventilated garages.
- DO NOT place propane tanks in garages without temperature control is not recommended.
- DO NOT store propane tanks on wet ground or any other wet area, as this can start causing rusting and pitting, making the tank useless if not dangerous.
- DO NOT STORE propane tanks on their sides, as this can result in the release of liquids and vapors.
- Do NOT store propane tanks in or near your home, including garages built into your home.
NOTE: A garage should not be your first choice for housing a propane tank, but it is appropriate in certain situations. The garage is a suitable storage location if it is well-ventilated, temperature-controlled, and not attached to your home. Otherwise, do not store your propane tanks in your garage.
Final Thoughts
Whether you use propane for your grill, patio heater, camping stove, or in your home, it is critical to understand the safety precautions that will keep your family, home, and belongings safe.
If a family member, friend, or anyone else you know is attempting to transport a 100-pound propane cylinder in a sedan or SUV, or if the customer positions the tank on its side, take a moment to educate them on why this is not safe and the hazards that could result from improper propane cylinder transportation. Assist them in correcting their error or keep their cylinder until they can return with the proper equipment and/or vehicle.
Simply keep the propane tanks out of direct sunlight, and they should be perfectly safe and healthy for everyone and everything involved.