Mounting horizontal propane tank under vehicle?

[vroom]

I like the idea of mounting a horizontal propane tank under the vehicle to save space inside. The only potential issue I foresee is getting it refilled. Where would someone go to get an undermount propane tank filled in the US, and would it be more trouble than it's worth?

Here's the propane tank I'd use:
Manchester Tank: RV Products

The attached image is an example of one mounted under a ProMaster from this YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/KG5mBYjQ3sQ?t=3m41s

[avanti]

Propane refill places are everywhere. They are often a bit hard to find, though. Our go to place for propane is Tractor Supply. Most of them sell propane.

[markopolo]

A vast majority of motorized RV's in North American would have horizontally permanently mounted tanks.

I've seen extensions (on the web) to make filling easier for the attendant if it is difficult to get to the tank.

[mkguitar]

Our chevy has the propane tank in front of the rear bumper, accessed by a door where the license plate might be.

for the person filling, they have access to the shut off valve, the filler, the overflow, the gauge and also ( and this is important) the certification.

fill locations, many gas stations, Flying J truck stops

[BobB]

My '99 VW has it on the driver side. Easily accessible. Looks about 1/4" steel plate protecting the valves, etc. Also a plastic cover, but that went long ago. Newer models may have a hinged fairing (like the new Hymer Aktiv) to hide all the valves.

Some RV's - like Mkguitar's above and some Roadtreks, maybe others - have it at the rear. Opinions differ, but IMO, rear end collisions IIRCC, are more frequent that getting hit on the side. I would not like a propane tank right behind the rear bumper.

[mkguitar]

yah, me too....I "hope" that the rear mounted spare tire and the receiver hitch would protect the rear propane tank from impact..

amused that the "fix" for the recent jeep fuel tank recall is installing a receiver hitch to protect the gas tank.

I think a sidemount safer.
Our rental in Ireland had the gas bottle strapped under the bed....

Mike

[BobB]

Originally Posted by mkguitar

yah, me too....I "hope" that the rear mounted spare tire and the receiver hitch would protect the rear propane tank from impact..

Maybe.......fingers crossed But then my first car was a '72 Pinto hatchback, exploding gas tank no extra charge

[mkguitar]

oh I thought that was an afterburner...


Mike

[vroom]

Thanks, guys. I found out about remote fill kits shortly after posting. Interesting debate about rear vs side mount propane tanks. Seems like the ideal option would be side mount with a hinged fairing to access all of the tank's valves and certification sticker.

[BobB]

Originally Posted by vroom

Thanks, guys. I found out about remote fill kits shortly after posting. Interesting debate about rear vs side mount propane tanks. Seems like the ideal option would be side mount with a hinged fairing to access all of the tank's valves and certification sticker.

That is what the new Hymer Aktiv has - mounted on passenger side with a hinged fairing.

[vroom]

Originally Posted by BobB

That is what the new Hymer Aktiv has - mounted on passenger side with a hinged fairing.

One more reason I love the Aktiv. It's SO close to my ideal Class B, but far enough away that I might have to build my own!