How to Transport Propane Tanks Safely
- Secure the tank upright
- Do not transport more than four (4) propane cylinders in an enclosed vehicle
- Do not transport more than 90 lbs of total propane weight in an enclosed vehicle
- One (1) cylinder can only have up to 45 lbs of propane total when in an enclosed vehicle
- A pickup can transport up to 1,000 lbs of propane, ideal for large tank transportation
- Do not smoke while transporting propane
- Never leave propane tanks inside a vehicle
Is it Safe to Transport Propane in a Car?
Yes, it is safe to transport propane in a car. The best location to transport your propane tank is in the trunk or hatchback of your car. To properly secure the propane cylinder use a tank stabilizer, like the EZGO® Propane Tank Holder and Stabilizer or Tankfoot. These tank holders fit tightly around the propane cylinder – or lock into the cylinder’s foot ring – making them safe and secure. For additional security, use a rope, twine or a ratchet strap to secure the propane cylinder in the vertical or upright position, but make sure you have a good anchor point in the car like the trunk wall.
Our U-Haul propane certified team members care about your safety and will not fill more than four propane cylinders in a sedan or SUV at one time. No single cylinder should contain a propane capacity of more than 45 pounds, and the total combined weight of all the cylinders in a vehicle should not exceed 90 pounds. All propane cylinders must be secured in the upright position.
Transporting 100-lb Propane Tank in a Pickup
A 100-pound propane cylinder is heavy and should be loaded carefully and with the help of another person. A full 100-pound cylinder can weigh up to 180 pounds, so be sure to ask for assistance in getting the tank into your vehicle safely. Never transport a 100-lb cylinder in a sedan or SUV or on its side.
You may transport up to 1,000 lbs of propane in the back of an open pickup truck or trailer. However, our certified propane team can only fill 100-lb cylinders if they come in and leave in a secured and upright position.
Once the propane cylinder is loaded into the back of the truck in the upright position, find the anchor points of the vehicle. Use twine, rope or other tie-downs to secure the cylinder at the base, near the foot ring and at the top to secure the cylinder in the vertical, upright position. There are ratchet straps and other tie-downs available for people who are not comfortable tying knots.
Though forklift cylinders are designed to be used in the horizontal position, make sure customers know they should still be transported in the vertical position. When secured to a forklift, there is a pin that locks the cylinder into a specific position, keeping the pressure relief valve in the vapor space of the cylinder. If transported on its side, the cylinder may roll and shift the pressure relief valve to the bottom, in the liquid space of the cylinder.
Safely Store Your Propane Tanks
- Never store propane tanks inside a home, shed or garage
- Make sure the tank is shut off
- Keep tank in a well-ventilated area outside
- Check for leaks
- Do not cover the propane tank
Where to Store Propane Tanks
If you are using your propane tank to fuel a grill or other outdoor appliances, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. If you store the grill outside, keep the propane tank connected, but ensure the tank is turned off when you’re not using it. If you store the grill inside, turn off and remove the propane tank. Do not store your tank inside a home, garage or shed. Store your tank outside in a dry, well-ventilated area and check for leaks periodically.
When storing your tank outside, make sure that the storage area is flat and ideally out of the elements as much as possible. Keep your propane tank in a Tank Foot or EZGO Propane® Tank Holder and Stabilizer for added stability which helps keep the tank in an upright position and protects it from weather elements that end up on the ground.
No matter the age of your propane cylinder, always check your tank, valves and connector hose for leaks or other signs of wear and tear. Don’t worry, checking for leaks is easy. Use a spray bottle filled with a non-abrasive soap. Spray the mixture on the tank and around the valves and hoses. If you see bubbles, there is a leak in the tank or tank accessories. Make sure the cylinder valve is closed, then tighten the connection hoses and repeat the testing process. If you continue to see bubbles then there is a leak. Call 911 and alert them to the problem.
If you feel more comfortable having a professional check your tank, find your local U-Haul propane location and have a certified team member give your tank a free inspection. U-Haul can also refill your tank or sell you a new tank if your old one is deemed inoperable or unsafe to use. With over 1,100 locations, U-Haul is the best choice for your propane needs.
