straps to hold propane tanks in place

[drjjj]

For ten years I have fought the metal "spring straps" that hold the propane tanks in place. They are starting to get "sprung". I am a retired veterinarian and when I was practicing we used nylon straps to hold our large oxygen tanks against the wall. Has anyone replaced the metal straps with something different? Any reason not to consider doing this?

[RV6A]

Originally Posted by drjjj

For ten years I have fought the metal "spring straps" that hold the propane tanks in place. They are starting to get "sprung". I am a retired veterinarian and when I was practicing we used nylon straps to hold our large oxygen tanks against the wall. Has anyone replaced the metal straps with something different? Any reason not to consider doing this?

Home Depot or Lowes has humongous wire ties in the electrical compartment. These could probably work. You just have to cut them and replace them at each tank fill. A nylon strap with a ratchet may work also.

[DQDick]

I lock my tanks and the metal, while it's no guarantee, does make it harder for the average thief.

[mlh]

If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Lynwood

[1retired06]

Have never had an issue with propane tank straps.

[Mudchief]

We are on our 3rd Montana and have never had a problem with the straps.

[phillyg]

The Op Indicated his straps were getting "sprung," which means they need replacing to me. I see nothing wrong with using a nylon strap with a rachet to replace the originals as long as their mounting to the sidewall is adequate. Mine are very difficult to close so perhaps this will be a mod in my future.

[Lenny K]

If you are having difficulty with the straps maybe take a look where they are attached to the trailer and adjust them them if possible. Put another self-tapping screw if too loose or like on mine they had two screws and I had to move them closer together because I had difficulty closing them.

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by phillyg

The Op Indicated his straps were getting "sprung," which means they need replacing to me. I see nothing wrong with using a nylon strap with a rachet to replace the originals as long as their mounting to the sidewall is adequate. Mine are very difficult to close so perhaps this will be a mod in my future.

I tried to edit my response but it didn't work. Here's my edit: On second thought, perhaps the metal straps act as a grounding point to prevent static electricity, in which case a nylon strap would eliminate a safety feature. Is there a bottled gas professional on board who can opine?

[uhftx]

Correct in the metal straps providing a ground as suggested by phillyg.
But the base of the tank is metal to metal contact.
And if you consider paint then it could be electrically isolated.

I know mine are problematic since the stamped steel that connects the two straps want to close or open vertically. I have taken pliers to reform them. My tanks are past their expiration date.
NO gas companies locally will re certify them. I'm at a point of having to spend 80 bucks a piece to replace.

Plastic tie wraps will not hold up to the over the road lifestyle. It is the weak link in the chain. There are other solutions out there . I would like to find straps that we use to hold propane tanks on our forklifts. Strong sturdy and stainless steel.
A quick web search will show you straps.
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C....0.uDx0wBn8JqM

[jcurtis934]

Like chris, the closures on my tank straps have fallen off multiple times and have had the pliers mod as well. I did have to re-do the screws mounting the straps done by the factory as that caused much of my issues.

[WaltBennett]

Right on the metal strap not providing a ground through all that paint. Another option I've been looking at is 2" wide double sided Velcro. If I leave about 6" - 8" of overlap, it will hold quite well no matter how rough the road is. It would have to be secured to the wall so it wouldn't wear out there, but it would work.

[drjjj]

DQDick: how do you lock your tanks? The doors on my 2007 3400RL do not lock as I have been told that is not legal for some reason.

[uhftx]

Originally Posted by drjjj

DQDick: how do you lock your tanks? The doors on my 2007 3400RL do not lock as I have been told that is not legal for some reason.

Having witnessed a 5er on fire at a state park. A lock on the propane doors is illegal if not, then it is a hindrance at best.

When the Fire Department showed up.

The first thing they did was open up the propane compartments and Disconnect the tanks and hurled them far away from the RV.

This was even before the other fire fighters had all the water hoses off the truck.

I believe this is the only reason why and as a matter of safety it makes sense.

[mhs4771]

My understanding is that the Compartment can't be locked, to allow access, but you can place a padlock on the latch of the strap holding them. Now I could be all wet and totally wrong, it's just what I have been led to believe.