Looking for the right ways to store your camping propane? There are a few things to consider, let’s chat about that now.
When I first started camping and taking along portable gas-powered griddles and grills, I worried a lot about how to store camping propane tanks. It’s a natural concern.
You want to make sure you’re doing everything safely and storing them in a way that means they’ll work effectively too. Being stranded without them could make your camping experience a pretty miserable one.
But don’t worry, over the years I’ve learned that there really is no reason to be concerned when storing camping propane tanks.
Treat them with the respect they deserve and be sensible about how and where you store them, and you won’t run into any problems at all!
Read Up From The Pros at Amerigas with their Propane Safety Tips, read up here.
Storing Camping Propane Tanks Responsibly
If I’m taking along propane tanks whilst camping, I’m almost always reaching for the smaller backpacker propane canisters just so I can heat up some food or water.
At a push, I might take along the 1lb Coleman green propane bottle too, but that’s usually when I’m camping with a few others and we’re going to need a little more gas.
Luckily, the tips and advice I’m going to share with you here applies to both, so no matter what you choose to take with you, you’ll find something useful throughout this guide.
Store Them Upright
It doesn’t matter where you’re keeping them, they have to be kept upright. Failure to do so can lead to it becoming damaged.
In the best-case scenario this might mean that your propane tank simply doesn’t work, or doesn’t work effectively. But in the worst-case scenario it could mean a gas leak – which I don’t need to tell you is incredibly dangerous.
If you’re taking along one of the smaller backpacker options and you’re storing it in a backpack, then make sure it is cushioned in such a way that it won’t fall over in your bag.
Keeping them upright at all times is really important for the safety of yourself and everybody around you.
Keeping your canisters upright will also allow the pressure valve to continue working correctly, which is an important safety feature on the device that you need to make sure is working at all times!
Keep Them In A Well-Ventilated Area
This should go without saying, but never, EVER, leave your propane tanks inside your tent with you. Even with the most careful hand in the world, a propane tank can still become damaged and a gas leak can occur.
All it will then take is a source of ignition and a fire can start quickly. So, make sure you store your propane tanks in a well-ventilated area so that gas can disperse naturally and safely should a defect occur that causes a leak of some kind.
Whilst camping it can be difficult to think of safe places to leave your propane tanks where it is well-ventilated, but keep reading until the end and I’ll tell you how I store all of my propane tanks when I’m camping to make sure everything is as safe as it can be.
Do Not Leave In Direct Sunlight Or Anywhere It Can Get Warm
Another one you’d think most people would think of, but I’ve seen people on campsites leave propane tanks in risky places, and one of them is outside in direct sunlight.
Now I know I’ve just told you that your propane tanks should be kept somewhere that’s well ventilated, but they should never be kept outdoors.
The problem with this is that your propane tank can become very hot if it’s sat in the sun all day.
Propane and heat don’t mix well together when left unchecked, and you could potentially have a very dangerous situation on your hands if you aren’t careful. Propane tanks should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Heat sources are not limited to sunlight though. If you take portable heaters whilst camping or are near any sort of campfire, then you should be mindful of where your propane tank is being kept.
Never leave propane near heat sources of any kind.
Regular Safety Checks
This goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway. Just because your camping doesn’t mean you should forget all of your usual safety checks.
Ensure the valve is secured in the off position and use any protective plastic cap you may have to cover the valve of the canister to prevent any dirt or dust from damaging it.
You should also make sure that it hasn’t been damaged in any way, and that there is no sign of a gas leak.
It’s possible to pick up portable gas leak detectors to take with you on camping trips, and this can be a great way to give you some added peace of mind.
They are great to use in your trunk too if you’re packing some propane tanks into your car for your camping trip.
Where To Store Your Camping Propane Tanks
If you ask me, the safest thing you can do is purchase a metal storage box to store them in.
It locks securely, protects your propane tanks from the weather, and is generally considered to be one of the cooler, dryer places to store them.
After that, I think keeping them inside your car or truck is probably for the best. I’d also place a portable gas leak detector in your trunk for added reassurance too if you’re worried.
Personally, I just find being overcautious around propane tanks to be best. You never know what might happen if you store them poorly, so always make sure you pay extra attention and follow the advice I’ve given you throughout this article.
Final Point To Keep In Mind
Don’t get me wrong, propane tanks are a potentially dangerous thing, but not if you treat them in the way they ought to be treated.
You have no reason to be scared about propane tanks causing accidents if you’re somebody who is sensible and willing to treat them with care.
By doing so, you can be reassured that they are perfectly safe to take with you on camping trips, just as I have been doing safely for many years.