Simple 20Lb Propane Rack Mount Solution

[Wasting Time In The Woods]

I’ve been dragging a 20# tank out for unlimited campfires in fire season (which is pretty much constant in a lot of AZ now). I have smaller tanks but they just don’t run the campfire super long (6hrs/5# tank). I worked up a super simple way to mount it to my platform but need some help figuring out how to strap it down. I drop my bottle into a half crate and built some simple T-slot pegs to keep it from sliding. A single strap keeps it in place vertically but I need a way to strap it without it fraying and cutting through the strap eventually. The Rhino mount uses a special strap with a metal ring in it to loop over the valve but I can’t see spending $100 for that.

I’d love some crowd ingenuity on protecting the straps or another simple solution. Any ideas on protecting the strap from damage from the steel bottle handle?

Here’s what We’ve been doing:

 

[Correus]

Place a rubber pad in place under the strap.

 

[Wasting Time In The Woods]

Place a rubber pad in place under the strap.

That might work if I could keep from loosing them. If the pads were thin enough I suppose I could cut them and thread them onto the strap.

Any idea where Id source rubber materials?

 

[Correus]

Most DIY hardware stores would have it. An old tire inner tube, from something bigger than a bicycle. You could wrap the metal handle with the inner tube rubber, it wouldn't slip then.

 

[huachuca]

I use an adjustable bike cable lock on mine (through the tank handle and under the load bar) which also solves (to some degree) potential theft problems.

 

[Wasting Time In The Woods]

I use an adjustable bike cable lock on mine (through the tank handle and under the load bar) which also solves (to some degree) potential theft problems.

You use a bike lock as the tie down? That sounds interesting. Would you mind posting a pic if you have one? How does it keep it tight to the rack?

 

[Wasting Time In The Woods]

I think I’ll try some edge trim like the use around bumpers. I can get that cheap on amazon and then cut it to the tank handle size. Then it could just stay with the tank. Thanks for all the help!

 

[huachuca]

You use a bike lock as the tie down? That sounds interesting. Would you mind posting a pic if you have one? How does it keep it tight to the rack?

Actually, I’m not sure it’s technically a ‘bike lock’; that’s just what I first used it for. The cable passes through the lock mechanism and cinches down when the key is turned. I don’t have a good picture but search Amazon for ‘python cable lock’ and you’ll turn up several hits. It’s a Master Lock product priced from $12 up depending on length and diameter.

 

[Wasting Time In The Woods]

Actually, I’m not sure it’s technically a ‘bike lock’; that’s just what I first used it for. The cable passes through the lock mechanism and cinches down when the key is turned. I don’t have a good picture but search Amazon for ‘python cable lock’ and you’ll turn up several hits. It’s a Master Lock product priced from $12 up depending on length and diameter.

Just googled it. That's a fantastic solution and at $20 it's not much more than a self retracting ratchet strap.

 

[Road]

.

I use vinyl corner guards used in flooring where ratchet straps may chafe, when I don't need to lock something up. I got a bunch for free. Sometimes I cut them to the width of the strap; sometimes I just use them whole like this:



...



You can cut pieces and contact cement them where needed.
...


You could also use the cheap foam blocks used for canoes and kayaks, though I don't know how well they would glue in place:


.

 

[Wasting Time In The Woods]

I use vinyl corner guards used in flooring where ratchet straps may chafe, when I don't need to lock something up. I got a bunch for free. Sometimes I cut them to the width of the strap; sometimes I just use them whole like this:

That looks like it would work well. I just ordered a strip of this stuff:

Amazon.com: Edge Trim Black Large U Height - 21/32" U Height x 3/64" - 5/32". Grip Range (3 FEET): Home Improvement

Buy Edge Trim Black Large U Height - 21/32" U Height x 3/64" - 5/32". Grip Range (3 FEET): Weather Stripping - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

amzn.to

I'm just going to cut it to length and permanently attach it to the handle holes on all my tanks. It was $7.50 for 1 meter so I figure that should cover my two 20#'s and the 5#. I'll post a pick once I get it sorted.

 

[Road]

That looks like it would work well. I just ordered a strip of this stuff:
View attachment 197054

Amazon.com: Edge Trim Black Large U Height - 21/32" U Height x 3/64" - 5/32". Grip Range (3 FEET): Home Improvement

Buy Edge Trim Black Large U Height - 21/32" U Height x 3/64" - 5/32". Grip Range (3 FEET): Weather Stripping - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

amzn.to

I'm just going to cut it to length and permanently attach it to the handle holes on all my tanks. It was $7.50 for 1 meter so I figure that should cover my two 20#'s and the 5#. I'll post a pick once I get it sorted.

.
Oh yeah, I didn't think of that stuff!

It comes in all kinds of configurations with bulb seals for vehicle doors, edges of pop up roof tops, etc. I have a bunch too, though too large of a seal to use for propane canisters.

That should work perfectly.
.

 

[Wasting Time In The Woods]

That looks like it would work well. I just ordered a strip of this stuff:
View attachment 197054

Amazon.com: Edge Trim Black Large U Height - 21/32" U Height x 3/64" - 5/32". Grip Range (3 FEET): Home Improvement

Buy Edge Trim Black Large U Height - 21/32" U Height x 3/64" - 5/32". Grip Range (3 FEET): Weather Stripping - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

amzn.to

I'm just going to cut it to length and permanently attach it to the handle holes on all my tanks. It was $7.50 for 1 meter so I figure that should cover my two 20#'s and the 5#. I'll post a pick once I get it sorted.

.
Oh yeah, I didn't think of that stuff!

It comes in all kinds of configurations with bulb seals for vehicle doors, edges of pop up roof tops, etc. I have a bunch too, though too large of a seal to use for propane canisters.

That should work perfectly.
.

Now my tank smiles at me every time I say ‘let’s go camping’ : ) This stuff works great! Problem solved.

 

[Road]

Now my tank smiles at me every time I say ‘let’s go camping’ : ) This stuff works great! Problem solved.

.
Perfect! A great hack for hauling and strapping down propane when needed, and a good reminder of re-purposing something meant for another application.
.

 

[Tackleberry]

Now my tank smiles at me every time I say ‘let’s go camping’ : ) This stuff works great! Problem solved.

I love this idea! I'm betting that this would work on the bottom of the tank too. Then I could strap it down directly to the aluminum tongue of my trailer.

 

[Wasting Time In The Woods]

Now my tank smiles at me every time I say ‘let’s go camping’ : ) This stuff works great! Problem solved.

I love this idea! I'm betting that this would work on the bottom of the tank too. Then I could strap it down directly to the aluminum tongue of my trailer.

Yep, stuff works great. Been using it all summer, stays put and cheap.

 

[genocache]

Probably too complicated, I built a mount for my 5# cyl.
Land Rover 109 propane tank mount

I too used some of the rubber bulb to keep rattle and wear down;

Propane tank mount for 109, page 2

OK that was weird. Sorry out of my control. When we last left out intrepid hero fabricator it was late afternoon on 21 May 2020 he was in ...

poppageno.blogspot.com

 

[gritt]

Now my tank smiles at me every time I say ‘let’s go camping’ : ) This stuff works great! Problem solved.

Add some googly eyes and you're all set!

 

[Wasting Time In The Woods]

Now my tank smiles at me every time I say ‘let’s go camping’ : ) This stuff works great! Problem solved.

Add some googly eyes and you're all set!

Once I got the tanks smile fixed, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

 

[Tackleberry]

Probably too complicated, I built a mount for my 5# cyl.
Land Rover 109 propane tank mount

I too used some of the rubber bulb to keep rattle and wear down;

Propane tank mount for 109, page 2

OK that was weird. Sorry out of my control. When we last left out intrepid hero fabricator it was late afternoon on 21 May 2020 he was in ...

poppageno.blogspot.com

View attachment 207753View attachment 207754

Yeah- a bit more complicated than what I'm hoping to do for this application, but I enjoyed reading that. It sparked some ideas.