I ended up mounting a horizontal propane tank sold by GoWesty as a replacement for the Eurovan campers. The main reason I chose it over the alternative "horizonal tank" options is that the diameter is about 8" instead of the 10" diameter of the others I found (like these). It's a 5.9 gallon capacity. So far I'm still at 80% full after several short trips. For reference I have a propane-powered cooktop/stove, Propex heater and a on-demand water heater. I haven't run the heater much (only for tests) since I'm in Florida but overall I feel like the smaller capacity will work out fine for my needs.

Here's a link to the tank I used:
http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=4323

And some photos of the installation on the driver's side of the van:
https://goo.gl/photos/dco8uLMPgkFypECY9

I've seen a few others who relocated their spare tire to be mounted on the rear doors/etc. and then use that space for a larger propane tank with a remove fill such as this one. However, I'm pretty sure the spare tire's pressure is monitored by the low pressure system in the van so I'm not sure how moving the tire would affect that.

 

How much ground clearance does it give you? does it seem safe?

 

There's about 7" from the propane tank to the ground which is essentially the maximum clearance of the van since the rear axle is (according to the specifications) 6.7" from the ground.

I feel like it's enough clearance but I just finished my conversion a month ago so I don't have a road time.

My last camper van was a VW Eurovan Camper which had really bad ground clearance. The propane tank was about 3 inches from the ground and I drove that all over the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Wyoming. Sometimes the "plate/guard" would scrape something like a rock but I never had any major issues.

 

Hi,
I'd give a little thought to mounting a regular 20 lb BBQ tank inside the van in a strong sealed container that is vented to the outside.
As detailed here: http://www.buildagreenrv.com/our-co...m/our-conversion/promaster-camper-van-conversion-installing-the-propane-system/

It does not take up much room, and the tank, valves, fittings and tubing are all protected from the weather. I had an under frame horizontal tank on a Coachman van conversion we used to have and it always seemed somewhat vulnerable to damage (although nothing ever happened), and it was always was muddy and we had trouble with the outside components a couple times.

I was a bit concerned about how long a 5 gallon tank would last with it being used for cooking and space heating, but it has been fine. This is our usage on a recent cold weather trip to Banff: http://www.buildagreenrv.com/trip-reports-experiences-and-lessons/banff-trip/

 

Hi,
I'd give a little thought to mounting a regular 20 lb BBQ tank inside the van in a strong sealed container that is vented to the outside.
As detailed here: Our ProMaster Camper Van Conversion – Installing the Propane System – Build A Green RV

It does not take up much room, and the tank, valves, fittings and tubing are all protected from the weather. I had an under frame horizontal tank on a Coachman van conversion we used to have and it always seemed somewhat vulnerable to damage (although nothing ever happened), and it was always was muddy and we had trouble with the outside components a couple times.

I was a bit concerned about how long a 5 gallon tank would last with it being used for cooking and space heating, but it has been fine. This is our usage on a recent cold weather trip to Banff: Banff Trip – Build A Green RV

Thanks Gary;

I did the internal propane locker with 20lb regular propane tanks.

The undermount tanks seem like a lot of work & expense. If there is a problem, what an issue replacing an undermount.

I think my new 20lb tank was $36 & typical fill cost @ Costco is $7 or $8. Problem with a tank on a road trip - just exchange it.

Your sentence;

I'd give a little thought to mounting a regular 20 lb BBQ tank inside the van in a strong sealed container that is vented to the outside.

Is a gem 👍

 

Forget propane go with all electric & solar with a butane stove for cooking. Safer, better, cleaner. Don't fall into the trap of "Everyone uses propane in their camper do I have to"

 

What do you use for a heater? I was going to have it hooked up to an RV furnace. Also I wanted to do an install cooktop and im not familiar with any butane ones?

 

These portable butane stoves are widely used for event cooking inside and outside and work incredibly well. One might be able to be mounted but cannot be recessed as far as I can see.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=butane+cooktop
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Po...ainless-Portable-Backpacking-NON-STICK-Carrying/dp/B00J904UOO/ref=pd_sbs_468_4?
There are double versions as well.
_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00J904UOO&pd_rd_r=2Y4VWMNPBH3J5XWFMJX8&pd_rd_w=8ctTg&pd_rd_wg=t4S4z&psc=1&refRID=2Y4VWMNPBH3J5XWFMJX8

I use an Espar D2 airtop furnace that runs on diesel drawn from my van’s fuel tank. There is an attachment provided on the tank for the purpose. There are gasoline versions too by Wabasto. MsNomer recently installed one. See:
http://www.promasterforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=57897

 

Propane Tank Install

The Gowesty tank is a little small IMO for a propane furnace (3.3 gallon). I just bought a 12" x 28" Horizontal ASME RV Propane Tank (12.2 Gallon) off of Ebay for just over $300. I have 160 watts of PV on the roof, but need all the PV for my DC fridge and other loads. I have owned both Espars and Webasto diesel heaters before, they are expensive to buy, and so are the install parts. They tend to need a lot of expensive repair parts if you use them for full time use. My plan is to mount the tank in front of the rear axle. The closer you can get it to the axel, the less clearance that is needed. My Axle is 7" off the ground, I am hoping to get it 8" off the ground. I will report back and let you know how it goes. If it won't work, I have an RV that needs a new tank, so I will install it there. Oh, and I will be using a remote fill attachment, to avoid crawling underneath to fill. I see remote fills are available on ebay, but I happen to have a brand new one, as I converted a truck to run on propane years ago and decided not to use the part.

 

The Gowesty tank is a little small IMO for a propane furnace (3.3 gallon). I just bought a 12" x 28" Horizontal ASME RV Propane Tank (12.2 Gallon) off of Ebay for just over $300. I have 160 watts of PV on the roof, but need all the PV for my DC fridge and other loads. I have owned both Espars and Webasto diesel heaters before, they are expensive to buy, and so are the install parts. They tend to need a lot of expensive repair parts if you use them for full time use. My plan is to mount the tank in front of the rear axle. The closer you can get it to the axel, the less clearance that is needed. My Axle is 7" off the ground, I am hoping to get it 8" off the ground. I will report back and let you know how it goes. If it won't work, I have an RV that needs a new tank, so I will install it there. Oh, and I will be using a remote fill attachment, to avoid crawling underneath to fill. I see remote fills are available on ebay, but I happen to have a brand new one, as I converted a truck to run on propane years ago and decided not to use the part.

Hey wondering if you ended up successfully putting this tank in. I'm going to be doing a propane install and looking to achieve something similar. Remote fill is a great idea.

 

I used a standard grill tank in my conversion that I have attached under a bath cabinet. I've got it piped with black pipe for the main line and have stainless steel lines to each appliance (cooktop, instant hot water heater, and refrig). It's easy to swap out for a new one when traveling and I've never worried about leakage. I keep my water and gray tank in the van also under the bed. I use a bilge pump to pump from the shower to the gray tank. The black tank is 10 gal. and sits inside the van directly under the low height toilet. I don't have to worry about anything freezing this way.

 

Is the tank in a sealed container that is vented to the outside with only low pressure lines in the living area?

 

I ran out of time last summer to complete this project, so it will be on the list for next summer. (only free time I have is summertime) I will post back on this thread with info and pics.

 

I just found this on the Propex website

25 liter tank undermount; (just over 1lb per litre = 25lb tank)

Underslung LPG Vapour Tanks - Propex Heating & Leisure

Underslung lpg vapour take of tank - VW t2 t3 t4 t5

www.propexheatsource.co.uk

edit update from a distributor;

So quick answer back. Tank is a no go, as it will not meet any certifications here. All of the fittings do NOT conform to anything here, and do not meet any propane gas certifications here.

 

I used a 3.3 gallon LP tank from GoWesty.com, Part number 253-070-601D and mounted it between the cross-struts. The muffler hangs lower than the LP tank. I installed a Nashfuel Propane Remote Fill Kit with Mounting Bracket so refills are not an issue. The mounting bracket was modified to add some road debris protection. Heat is provided from a Propex HS2000 which is also available from GoWesty.com. In theory the Propex will run for 70+/- hours on 3 gallons of propane and that has been my experience. I've had this setup in place since June, 2017 with no issues.

As an added note, I run a 136" high top, insulated with 1 inch rigid foam as many others do. At 10F degrees outside temperature the inside max temperature the Propex HS2000 can hit is 60F degrees. At -10F outside the maximum is 45 F. This is with the cab sealed off behind thermal drapes and the heater running continuously. You might want to consider the Propex HS2800 if you're in a cold environment or have a larger van.

 

I used a 3.3 gallon LP tank from GoWesty.com, Part number 253-070-601D and mounted it between the cross-struts. The muffler hangs lower than the LP tank. I installed a Nashfuel Propane Remote Fill Kit with Mounting Bracket so refills are not an issue.

@jimandboni This looks like a fabulous p[ropane tank install and now I'm interested in doing the same thing. Are you still happy with it, any troubles? I'm installing a Propex HS2800. Propane burner but also a butane stovetop. Any idea how long I might be able to go without refilling, what has been your experience on usage? Unlike everyone else here, I hate snow so only plan on being in that type of environment occasionally - and unintentionally.

 

Yea, I wish I had gotten the 2800 Propex silly me, next season I will probably install a gas siphoning heater as a secondary heat source.

 

I chose the 5.9 gal tank from GoWesty because #3 the biggest that would fit between the frame rails , #2 the "on" valve is on the right / curb side and reachable , #1 medicineman4040 did it ! ! ! And had to use the remote fill ports too $$$ .
Quite a project , heat shields , splash shields , chew proof hoses , remote on/off (don't work smooth , back to the drawing board) .

 

We went with a Manchester 6814 7.9 gallon tank that is 10″ in diameter and 23″ long.

We stuffed the tank in behind the axel, in front of the spare tire, tucked up between the ribs, secured with custom mounting brackets. The clearance appears to be good. Perhaps only 1 inch lower than the spare.

Full write-up here: Mounting a propane tank under our Ram3500 van

We used the usual Nashfuel Propane Remote Fill Kit with Mounting Bracket:

We positioned the remote fill close behind the passenger-side rear wheel.

Full write-up here: Propane Remote Fill

 

@drek4621 Nice install. It is interesting how similar our approaches are !

Did you come up with a way to do a shutoff?

I was thinking of a pully over the valve, pulling a cable would spin the knob to close the tank.

How did you do the remote fill?

 

We did the same thing as several people in this thread, thanks to those of you who posted pictures and info, it was very helpful! We made a video of the process:

We have to add the extension kit for filling up, but we're super happy with it so far! We did the HS2000 for our Promaster Van (159" WB, High Roof). With the 2 of us, and our tendency to avoid super cold weather, we thing the HS2000 will be perfect. @gehughes We're not sure about how long we can go without filling, because it will depend on how much we have to use the heater. But with only cooking and minimal heater use, we expect about 6 months!

 

@drifterjourney LOVE the video, you guys rock! Just subbed to your channel as well. Did you ever do the second video of the install completed? I'd love to see how you hooked up your fill as well as supply lines. Did you add a two-stage regulator and how are you protecting that. Thanks! - Glenn

 

We finished up the video about the remote install kit and the rest of the propane connections! I hope it helps!

 

Ive had undermount and now have bbq tank in propane locker inside the van. The propane locker does take up a ton of space in the van. If you were making it yourself you could make it load from the side. This summer I took out the propane locker and hooked up a 1# green coleman cylinder to free up space. 1# is plenty for cooking, lasts my family about a week for cooking.

Other than expense/installation one problem with undermount tank is getting it filled. Often its hard to find a place that fills the tanks and they;re not open when you need them to be. Sometimes the fillers dont know how to fill an undermount tank or refuse to fill them. Suggest getting a large undermount tank so you have more time between fillups. Being able to swap the bbq tank at a grocery store is really nice.

 

Undermount Propane is not easy or cheep . A GoWesty 5.9 gallon (24.7 lb) is up to $715. but it fits nicely up between the crossmembers . A remote fill with the nice box from NashFuel is $200 . And a regulator , fittings , correct copper lines , get fancy with QDs from Tejas Smokers you'll be well north of a grand to do it right / safe .
I copied Medicineman4040's install with a few tweak's . See their album : Campervan conversion from the beginning
And DIY should read propane codes : Free access NFPA codes and standards

 

Undermount Propane is not easy or cheep . A GoWesty 5.9 gallon (24.7 lb) is up to $715. but it fits nicely up between the crossmembers . A remote fill with the nice box from NashFuel is $200 . And a regulator , fittings , correct copper lines , get fancy with QDs from Tejas Smokers you'll be well north of a grand to do it right / safe .
I copied Medicineman4040's install with a few tweak's . See their album : Campervan conversion from the beginning
And DIY should read propane codes : Free access NFPA codes and standards

Everything on this van costs at least $1000. I don't care what it costs. Ordering the tank from GoWesty. Will post photos after install.

 

The instructions were literally useless!! Best of luck on the install and testing!

 

Anyone have experience with an undermount tank/remote fill assy south of the border? Mexcio and all points south? Ive heard the 20lb grill tanks can get filled with an adapter, but have no reports on functionality of the remote fill assembly in Central and South america.

 

Here's two reads for you. Take a picture of your tank label to show the attendant.
Propane in Latin America | PanAm Notes
Buying Propane in Mexico (rversonline.org)

 

Great Info thx

 

Here’s a video of our goWesty the propane tank installed under a van as well as our Propex heater.

 

Excellent Video @gehughes 🙌🙌

 

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