Horizontal RV/Forklift sized Propane Tank Mounted Under Truck Bed??

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I have been thinking of going to oxy/propane for heating purposes on the truck.  I don't have room on the truck for any normal sized propane tank though.  The diameter of the tanks are too large and I just don't have the floor space in the utility bed.   So, I'm thinking of trading a couple extra bbq sized tanks I have hanging around for a larger forklift or travel trailer sized tank that can lay horizontal and mount it under the truck bed outside the frame rail between the cab and the rear wheel.   Lengthwise, I should have enough room to fit one of the tall tanks there.  Width wise, I'm not sure, since I haven't measured the space between the frame rail and the lower bed side sheetmetal.  Anyways, assuming there is space there for the tank, what do ya'll think of this idea?  I was thinking a strap mount for horizontal tank on back of a forklift might work to mount the truck to an angle iron frame attatched to the side of the truck frame rail.   The tank would have to go in/out from below so the straps would have to do the job of holding up the tank since it cant go out the side unless I cut out the lower bed side sheetmetal.   The other idea I had was to cut out the sheetmetal and install an under-bed tool box in that location and put the tank inside the tool box.  I'm not sure I want to chop up my pickup bed though, it's in descent shape, but I really need the storage space so it could be an option.  I'm not sure I have enough space there to put a box big enough to hold a propane tank though, since the door opening size is usually at least a couple inches smaller than the inside size of the box.  I'm also not certain of the legality of storing or transporting a tank inside an enclosed tool box.  I think it would be safer in a crash to have it inside the tool box if I were to be t-boned, but it could be more dangerous being inside a tool box if it got a small leak in the valve, the fumes would build up inside the box instead of escaping easily if the tank were out in the open.This is wasted space on my truck now and it would be cool to make use of it, plus I really have no other place to put another tank or a tank of this size (diameter).  I was thinking too it might be better to put it on the left side instead of the right, since both gas tanks fillers are on the left and it might make it easier to fill the tank from the left, if it can be filled while laying horizontal and mounted on the truck.  Not sure on that, I've only ever seen them filled standing up and removed from the vehicle.   I know motorhomes have tanks mounted under the body that can be filled in their permanently mounted location.  Not sure how different those are from the tank I'm thinking of using.  Mounting it on the right side would be better for using it, since I usually work from either the rear or the right side of the truck, if parked on the street next to the curb.  Mounting on the left, I'd be running the hose underneath truck most of the time, which doesn't sound very convenient.Anyways, any thoughts on this?Last edited by DesertRider33; 12-12-2009 at 09:41 AM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:DesertRider, Do a search for diesel propane injection tanks.  They make a couple of tanks that mount to the frame rail for diesels, they add propane which helps MPG at normal driving and is also like nitrious when added to diesel.  I don't know if one of those tanks would work for you, they might be more expensive than a forklift tank.  But I'm pretty sure they are street legal and might give you some ideas about mounting and safety.
Reply:DesertRider, I do like the idea of the box to protect the tank. May I suggest checking with DOT to find out the regulations on this, it might be like a camper not sure. But coming from living in a 5th wheeler there are propane compartments for storage. I have never seen bottles between the skin and the frame (possibly not legal). The campers propane compartments are open at the bottom and the tank is supported with sheetmetal approximately 6" wide x the full length of the compartment. Also be aware propane tanks have a date stamped on the carry ring and DOT regs. state the tank has to be certified before being transported over the roads. If you get stopped the officer especially a trooper will check this date and if expired a fine will follow.      Best of Luck and stick with the compartment storageWeldor/ Certified Inspector
Reply:ditto what ponch said.    I have seen forklift size propane tanks mounted JUST where you want to put it on diesels with propane injection.    you can even rig up a remote fill and never have to drop the tank out from under the truck.  one of my old service trucks was set up with propane and oxy the little 3 gallon tank would outlast 3 large oxy cylinders.   a forklift sized tank would last you for years before needed refilled unless your doing massive amounts of heating.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Thanks.  I checked out the diesel performance and rv motorhome permanent mounted horizontal tanks, but they are very pricey.  I would rather stick with a portable forlklift style tank instead.I found out the vertical RV tanks are not the same as the horizontal forklift tanks.  The vertical ones must be used and filled in the vertical position, and the horizontal ones must be used and filled in the horizontal position, so I would need a forlkift style horizontal tank for my application.On the storage box, I can vent the box if needed, either with louvers or expanded metal or welded wire mesh.   I think it will be ok mounting the tank on the side of the truck like that cause alot of motorhomes and class B camper vans have the tanks outside the frame rail with the valves accessed either from below the body or through a compartment door at the bottom side of the body.  Putting it in a storage box would further protect the tank, plus keep anybody from messing with it.  Inside a storage box, nobody would know it's in there either, including an officer doing a traffic stop, so if it's not seen, no questions would be asked, I assume.  Whatever tank I get, it will have current certifications, since the welding shop doesn't supply out of date tanks and I will be getting a different tank every time I take it to exchange it for a filled one, so should be no problem with out of cert tanks.  As I remember with my campers, the cert on the tank lasts for a long time, much longer than it would take me use up the gas in it and take it in for exchange.I don't know if the tank could be filled while inside the box.   I can think of times when maybe I need gas and it's faster/easier to just get it filled at a gas station or other place that fills propane tanks for rv's or bbq's.  If not, I could take it out so it can be filled.   I can mount the tank inside the box with forklift tank straps to keep it from rolling around.My truck is 'commercial' because all pickups in California are 'commercial', but mine is not a full-fledged commercial vehicle, since it has a pickup bed on it.  I  don't have to stop at the scales on the highway or show a DOT number or weight number on the truck.  I stopped at the scales once just weigh it and they scolded me and shooed me away and told me to never come there again, so that tells me they don't consider me to be commercial in the true sense of the word.  I would think the same rules that apply to RV's carrying propane tanks would apply to me carrying a propane tank then...?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by Dualieditto what ponch said.    I have seen forklift size propane tanks mounted JUST where you want to put it on diesels with propane injection.    you can even rig up a remote fill and never have to drop the tank out from under the truck.  one of my old service trucks was set up with propane and oxy the little 3 gallon tank would outlast 3 large oxy cylinders.   a forklift sized tank would last you for years before needed refilled unless your doing massive amounts of heating.
Reply:personally a storage box seems like more PITA than it could possibly be worth.    especially in Southern California.  IF you were in the rust belt then MAYBE it would be worth it.   you might want to look into an aluminum tank.   Their a bit more costly but the wight savings will more than make up for it when your trying to stuff a loaded propane tank back under there.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Check to be sure but I think a propane fuel tank from a forklift is plumbed for liquid use, I could be wrong.Wasn't there a post on here  awhile back that somebody working  in a scrap yard wanted to run cutting gear off their forklift tank so they wouldn't have to carry acetylene just oxygen.....Mike
Reply:Hmm.. plumbed for liquid draw..  that would be a consideration that I hadn't thought of before...MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Another welder told me a few things about using propane and it appears he agrees with Dualie, I could easily get away with a regular bbq-size vertical tank, which might fit standing up inside a storage box.  I think I'll go that route, since I already own 2 of those tanks that are just sitting around here doing nothing, since the bbq has a tank on it too.So now I just need a propane regulator for use with a rose bud torch and the right hose and hopefully one of my torches (old Smith and old Purox) will work for propane and then I can get the rose bud tip for whichever torch they still make parts for.  Probly the Smith.  I don't want to take apart the Victor torch setup, rather just leave that set for oxy/acetylene.The Smith is an MW-5 body, with an MC-509 cutting head on it.  I don't have the Purox here handy to check the model.  It's quite old.Anyone see any problems with this?Last edited by DesertRider33; 12-12-2009 at 06:10 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I did some checking around on the Smith website and it looks like the MW-5 has been replaced by the WH-100 and CW-5A, which are both compatible with my MC-509 cutting head.  They list the MT-600 series heating tips as compatible with WH-100 and CW-5A, so it should fit my MW-5, I would think.  They list the MT-615 as the correct rosebud for oxy/propane for these torch bodies.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I setup 2  welding trucks this year using a similar setup and have used propane on service trucks for years.First thing  forklift tanks DO feed liquid out of the gas port.Forklifts use what is called a J  converter that changes the liquid into gas .Your torch won't work with this .On the otherhand though RV propane tanks feed gas off the top of the liquid like a regular vertical propane tank ,They work great for torches .I set one up on top of a steel  flatbed F350 I built a setup to secure it with the oxygen mounted horizonaly behind the headach rack and the 7 gallon end feeding RV tank mounted on a bracket horizonaly above  it. The hoses wrap up on a post that also holds a 3 gallon Igloo drinking   water jug.The other truck has the propane under the bed in a side box that I cut 4  - 2 1/2 inch holes inthe rear face just a little above floor level for vents ( propane is heavyer than air ,it sinks) Next I made 4 mud filters to cover the holes using  12 gauge sheet for a holder /cover  and screenwire and common scothbrite pads for the filter  and Tek screwed them over the holes  .It lets it  breath but keeps out mud