Tire mount and inside propane

[outsidezion]

Are you ware of any type of outside tire mount that would also be strong enough to support a spare tire bike rack? http://www.discountramps.com/blue-devil-spare-tire-bike-rack/p/BC-8407-2/ I would consider mounting on the front face of the trailer and get two birds with one stone.

Also, no one transports their propane tanks inside the trailer. I'm assuming this is bad. Leakage? I'm considering a tongue box but annoyed at how expensive they are. I don't want to leave the tanks exposed as some schmuck simply has to spin the handles and I'm out $40.

As an alternate, I'm considering maybe some type of tongue box http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-48-in-Job-Box-BMJB4824/203645735#customer_reviews that can hold the tanks and can support a bike rack on top.... http://www.rockymounts.com/PitchFork_p/0436.htm

Regardless, all these options require an investment.

[Redneck Teepee]

The blue devil looks like a one size fits all for your bike spare application, as far as your propane tank You do not want it inside. a simple cable lock will secure it for the opportunist.

[halfdome, Danny]

That bike rack could loose the bikes with the action of a trailer.
It was meant for the rear of a car.
A trailer moves about more than the tow vehicle because of a single attachment point at the tongue and it only has 2 wheels.
We had one with that type of hook years ago on the rear of the teardrop.
It had a locking top cap over the bikes cradle & it failed.
If it wasn't for the cable lock I placed around the bikes and carrier, the bikes would have been all over the freeway.
It was a huge wake up call.
We carry our propane in the tongue box and it's vented.
There's several ways to carry bikes safely so do your research well.
Danny

[GuitarPhotog]

Modern propane tanks equipped with OPV valves won't release gas unless there is a suitable connector mated with the valve. More safety devices to protect us, mostly from ourselves.

And if you are paying $40 for a 5 Gal tank of propane you are really getting ripped off.

<Chas>

[outsidezion]

And if you are paying $40 for a 5 Gal tank of propane you are really getting ripped off.

<Chas>

3 tanks, 15 gallons, $2.79 gallon.... Please do tell how you are saving money.

[abqlloyd]

They don't just steal the propane, they kinda take the whole tank. $40 to $50 to replace.

[abqlloyd]

They don't just steal the propane, they kinda take the whole tank. $40 to $50 to replace.

[Rainier70]

Locks only slow the unprepared ones down, but it is at least something.

You could use a sealed propane locker that is vented to the outside. The regulators do off gas pressure.

[GuitarPhotog]

They don't just steal the propane, they kinda take the whole tank. $40 to $50 to replace.

When I'm at home and the trailer is in the driveway, I remove the propane tank and store it in the yard behind the fence with all the others. Never store propane indoors. My tank is locked to the trailer when I'm on the road, but I'm least worried then.

Propane prices are on their way down, along with gasoline prices. Time to travel ;-)

<Chas>

[Mike S]

I've thought about making a sealed propane compartment within the my trailer (sealed from the inside and vented to the outside). ALL truck campers use this method to carry propane. They use a composite plastic box sealed to the camper wall. The door to the outside is vented. I'm not sure that installation would save any money though. I've never seen an externally vented storage box for sale. One thing you could do it get one off a truck camper that is being salvaged. The doner camper I'm using has a bottle box but the propane bottles are in the horizontal position. So for now I carry my two 5 gallon bottles on my tongue. The mount cost $25 at my local RV store. http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Cargo-C ... /1801.html
A plastic cover cost another $25: http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/it ... hite/49349 .

As for the bike rack, I don't think you'd save any money with your method. You could buy or fabricate a strong tire carrier that's mounted to your tongue. But it would have to be over built to accept a bike rack. And I think those racks need a bigger tire to work. Plus they seem kind of cheesy. You'd be better off buying a separate bike rack. How about welding a small section of 2x2 metal tube to the tongue and then use a receiver hitch style bike rack? http://www.yakima.com/shop/bike/hitch. Personally, my bikes ride inside my trailer

I do like your idea of mounting a tongue box to carry the bottles and a tray mounted bike rack on top of that. It would be the most professional looking option. Maybe also the most expensive. To play the devils advocate though; be careful of your turning radius. If the bikes stick out too far they could hit your tow vehicle.

[abqlloyd]

My old truck camper had a compartment in the back made of plywood. Around the edges it was sealed with plain old caulk. Somehow it worked for years. The door was louvered aluminum. The connection went through the plywood.

[MtnDon]

Remember propane is heavier than air and will flow out any leaky areas in the bottom of wherever it is.

[abqlloyd]

So something like this, underneath the floor, facing rearward, might be enough to vent any gas that settles?

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1419453356.308219.jpg (152.39 KiB) Viewed 6055 times

[hankaye]

abqlloyd, Howdy;

Merry Ho-Ho! The propane compartments in my 5th wheel have 8" dia. holes under each tank
(one on each side of the trailer), also the 'Code" that the RV manufacturers follow calls for the
doors to be non lockable for access in an emergency. Just some thoughts for you to consider ...

hank

[outsidezion]

You all provided some interesting answers. Certainly, inside tank storage is an option if done correctly.