Are you transporting your propane tanks safely in your car or SUV? Seems like a self-intuitive question. But if you quickly answered yes — are you sure? Your car’s safety – and more importantly, the safety of you and your family could be at stake.

Small propane tanks are used for a variety of outdoor activities, such as heating, cooking, or grilling and swimming. Many propane users get them refilled at local refilling stations throughout the summer. If you are one of them, it’s important to know the rules and regulations for transporting these tanks to prevent a dangerous accident.

Do’s and Don’ts for Transporting Small Propane Tanks

It is very important to handle small propane tanks with care when transporting them. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are roughly 600 propane tank explosions per year. While not all of these occur in vehicles, transporting a faulty or leaking tank and leaving it in a hot car greatly adds to the likelihood an explosion will occur. Here are some important transportation tips to consider when traveling with propane tanks or taking your propane tank for refills.

DO:

Secure the Tank

Make sure you secure your propane tank in an upright position. You do not want the propane tank to roll over, fall, or shift when driving as it is a safety hazard to drive with the tank turned on its side. Doing so could cause the cylinder to roll and shift the pressure relief valve to the bottom. The safest way to secure a cylinder in a vehicle is with a propane tank holder and stabilizer. Tank holders fit tightly around the propane cylinder or lock into the cylinder’s foot ring. Some people prefer using a milk crate to keep the cylinders in the vertical position. You can also secure the tank with rope, rope or a ratchet strap, but make sure you have a good anchor point in your car.

Provide Ventilation

Place the tank in a well-ventilated area of your enclosed vehicle. Crack the window to help with ventilation.

Close the Valve

Close the tank’s valve tightly before transporting it, and any time it’s not in use. Even when the tank is empty, the valve should be sealed.

Go Directly to Your Destination

Make picking up the tank your last errand. Do not drive around with the tank in your vehicle more than is necessary. Keeping a propane tank in a vehicle for an extended period of time increases the risk of safety issues.

Remove the Tank from the Car Immediately

Take the tank out of the car and soon as you reach your destination. Never leave your propane tank inside a closed vehicle for long periods of time and never leave a propane cylinder in a hot vehicle.

Store the Tank Outdoors

Store propane tanks outdoors only, and away from direct sunlight. Return the filled propane cylinder to a secure and upright position. Do not put the tank in a shed or garage. And never store your propane tank in your living area or in any spot that’s attached to your home.

DON’T:

Exceed the Propane Amount

According to regulations for the safe handling of propane, you cannot carry more than four propane cylinders in a sedan or SUV at one time.

Exceed the Weight Limit

No single cylinder may contain more than 45 pounds of propane. And the total combined weight of all the cylinders in an enclosed vehicle cannot exceed 90 pounds. More than 90 lbs. of total propane can only be transported in the back of an open pickup truck or trailer.

Smoke Cigarettes

Do not smoke in the vehicle while transporting propane tanks. If you do, there’s a high risk of fire or explosion, especially if the tank valve is accidently left open.

And Another Do:

Choose Levco and Have Your Tank Delivered

An even safer way to endure safe transport of your propane tank, is to enroll in a propane delivery program, like Levco’s Propane Exchange. With this service, customers don’t have to put the tank in their car, travel to a local dealer, wait on line or pay high, marked-up prices. Levco transports every tank safely and conveniently right to the customer’s home. And ensures that it is up to code and meets federal, and state required guidelines.

Levco offers automatic propane delivery using tank monitors, installation of new propane tanks, as well as our Propane Exchange program. Whether you use propane year-round or just in the summer months, Levco is the premier choice! Thousands of homeowners have trusted Levco to keep their tanks full since 1980! Give us a call at (203) 533-8249 or contact us today!

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LEVCO’s MISSION

TO SOLVE PROBLEMS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS, OFTEN BEFORE THEY EVEN KNOW THEY HAVE THEM – YOU CAN LEAN ON US!

Levco is the premier provider of heating & cooling service as well as fuel oil and propane delivery in Fairfield County, CT.

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CT Lic. 303607
HOD 194 / DOT 663660

55 Merritt Blvd, Trumbull, CT 06611

Phone: (203) 533-8249

Email: service@levcooil.com

Do’s and Don’ts for Transporting Small Propane Tanks Safely