Carrying gas bottles in vehicle

Submitted: Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 12:05

ThreadID: 55357 Views:4934 Replies:8 FollowUps:7

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Member - Norm C (QLD)

I know it is a 'no-no' to carry gas bottles inside a vehicle and I don't. But I do carry some inside the canopy of the Hilux.
Previously I carried a couple of small 1.25KG ones and wasn't too concerned. On next trip I will have these two, plus a 4.5KG in there.

I'm assuming the concern is gas leakage if the tap does not seal properly , or opens a bit during travel. Is that right? If that is the main issue, I suspect I'm OK, as I have strong plastic screw on caps that I screw onto the thread to prevent any leakage in this way.

Other than the possibility of leakage I have described are there other concerns with carrying gas bottles in a vehicle?

Norm C

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Reply By: Member - DOZER- Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 12:46

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 12:46

Norm, 99% of the time it is ok, but that 1% isnt worth the risk, insurance wise, your allowed to carry up to 2.5kg in the car, when i last carried a bottle it was 9kg inside the spare tyre on the roof racks.
The main problem with gas is when carried in an enclosedarea, it pools at the lower portions, and electrical energy will set it off like a bomb...one such photo ive seen is a camper trailer, where the roof was in the tree, and belongings everywhere, set off by the brake light.
Andrew

AnswerID: 291760

Follow Up By: hazo - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 12:57

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 12:57

So how are we supposed to get a fill or a swap and go for the Sunday barby if we cannot carry them in the vehicle?
I know when permanently fitted to a vehicle eg caravan, if in an enclosed compartment (front boot), it must be adequately ventilated.

FollowupID: 557088

Reply By: DIO - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 14:42

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 14:42

You might want to consider installing/constructing a suitable storage area for the LPG - similar to those on Telstra and many tradies vehicles. Apparently they comply with Occ Health & Safety requirements as they are ventilated and any leakage is expelled to outside. Could be worth the trouble for both legallity and peace of mind.

AnswerID: 291778

Reply By: Mike Harding - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 16:27

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 16:27

Bung 'em in the back and stop worrying - you'll probably be killed in a car accident before the bottles blow up.

Mike Harding

AnswerID: 291786

Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 20:09

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 20:09

Bloody oath!!!!

FollowupID: 557158

Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 17:33

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 17:33

Thanks guys, I suspected as much, hence the post. About to head off for 5 months to remote parts and carrying more gas (and everything else) than normal.

I've worked out a way to carry the 4.5KG on the draw bar of the CT. The 2x1.25 KGs will still go in the back of the Hilux, with screw on caps.

It works, and it is safer, so I guess that's the way I'll do it.

Norm C

AnswerID: 291795

Follow Up By: Kev & Darkie - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 17:37

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 17:37

I wouldn't have thought the back of the hilux was fully sealed so you would be able to carry the gas bottles without risk of gas build up in the tray. Unless of course you have sealed the tail gate.

Cheers Kev

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FollowupID: 557123

Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 18:01

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 18:01

I've sealed the back pretty well against dust Kev. It is not 'fully sealed', but sufficient for me to be a bit cautious.
For shorter trips, I would not have been too concerned, but hitting the road for a long period has got me more interested in managing risks where I can.

FollowupID: 557127

Reply By: Dunco (NSW) - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 17:54

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 17:54

And NEVER lay them down. Always have them standing upright as there is a seal inside the top valve that will be damaged if you carry them on their side.

AnswerID: 291798

Follow Up By: Member - Dennis P (Scotland) - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 18:04

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 18:04

Sorry Dunco, nothing to do with damaging a seal.
An upright cylinder has liquid, being heavier,at the bottom and gas, being lighter at the top, yada yada, should the seals blow in a fire, a gas fire is easier to contain than one fed by liquid.
Used to work at CIG and that was the reason given.
Dennis

FollowupID: 557129

Follow Up By: Dunco (NSW) - Monday, Mar 10, 2008 at 11:03

Monday, Mar 10, 2008 at 11:03

It's OK...I am no expert, just know not to store them on the side. That was from experts.

FollowupID: 557240

Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 20:16

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 20:16

Gday,
I wouldnt panic about it too much.
Test it with soapy water before you pack it, keep the test up to date and swap the plastic cap for a brass one and forget about it...I reckon there is more of a chance of a piece of skylab landing on your head than it blowing up and hurting you.

Cheers

AnswerID: 291825

Reply By: Holden4th - Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 21:31

Sunday, Mar 09, 2008 at 21:31

I always carry my gas bottle inside my vehicle - for safety reasons! I can secure it tightly with the secure points inside the Paj, I can put materials around it to stop it bouncing against other objects and it's not exposed to any direct form of contact from outside. The worst place to put a gas bottle has got to be a roof rack or the rear carrier bar of a 4BY. The only thing is to make sure that the bottle is properly turned off. The biggest danger of a gas bottle in your wagon is it becoming a very dangerous missile in a crash!

AnswerID: 291841

Follow Up By: Wayne (NSW) - Monday, Mar 10, 2008 at 07:23

Monday, Mar 10, 2008 at 07:23

Holden4th,

Just curious about your statement about it is safer to carry a gas bottle in the vehicle and that it is not safe to carry them on the roof rack.

I do the exact opposite, 2x 9kg gas bottles on the roof rack and do not and will not carry gas bottles in the vehicle.

Image Could Not Be Found

Wayne

FollowupID: 557215