Propane Tank Location

[ratchet]

I am converting my FJ40 to propane. I am going to use forklift propane tanks and am trying to figure out where to mount them. Many people bolt them to the floor behind the seats but I would rather not do that due to the loss of storage space. In addition I put the top on the vehicle and would rather not have them in the cab.

I cant find a place underneath the vehicle without modifying the frame/sheetmetal. My thought was to build a spare tire carrier similar to this (thanks Man a Fre)


Instead of the cooler rack/highlift on the passenger side I would mount one or two forklift tanks. The tanks are about 12 inches around and 28 inches long around so they would not stick out or up past the tire. It would be alot of weight (about 100 lbs if I can fit two) but generally the rear end is pretty light compared to the front anyway.

One of my concerns is safety. If I got rear ended the tanks would be right there. Also if I did an end over end roll the full weight of the vehicle could potentially be resting on them. I could build a little cage around them but then I am adding additional weight.

Anyway, if any of you guys have any (constructive ) comments I would love to hear them.

Richard

[yzftaco]

Put them in the cab, and build the rear bumper for the storage you lost...


I'd also be concerned about safety with them hanging off the back, what if you come down hard on a rock? Plus what you mentioned rear ended..

You could always build a rack above them, for extra storage space..

[cali-cruiser]

You may be able to squeeze one under the passenger seat where gas tank is? or driver seat? The only other place I could think of would be behind the rear shock mount cross member, you could tuck it up pretty high if you built a bump into the floor of the rear. Are you running a small block or a 2f? do you need 1 or 2 tanks?

The tanks on the rear would be sketchy to say the least.

[ratchet]

Originally Posted by yzftaco

Put them in the cab, and build the rear bumper for the storage you lost...


I'd also be concerned about safety with them hanging off the back, what if you come down hard on a rock? Plus what you mentioned rear ended..

You could always build a rack above them, for extra storage space..

I may end up putting them behind the seats but I was just trying to explore some other options. I think I can deal with the lack of storage if I have to.There is no reason for them to be leaking but I still would rather not have them in the cab if the top is on regularly.

Originally Posted by cali-cruiser

You may be able to squeeze one under the passenger seat where gas tank is? or driver seat? The only other place I could think of would be behind the rear shock mount cross member, you could tuck it up pretty high if you built a bump into the floor of the rear. Are you running a small block or a 2f? do you need 1 or 2 tanks?

I measured under the seats and there is no way that a tank will fit. I also thought about behind the rear cross member but I would have to change the angled frame supports at both corners of the frame. I would rather not modify the frame.

Although it has the stock inline 6 right now I would like to run 2 tanks. I was hoping to use propane as a long term alternative to fuel injection and plan on a v8 when the 6 dies. I could only fit one tank behind the shock crossmember and would still be stuck with one in the cab.

Originally Posted by cali-cruiser

The tanks on the rear would be sketchy to say the least.

I guess it may be but how is it any different than having a jerry can full of gas in that location? I actually mocked it up and am not sure I like the way it looks but only because it seems like a lot of weight hanging off the rear of the vehicle and the tanks are kind of bulky. Haven't decided yet...

Thanks for your input guys.
Richard

[TresYotas]

I wouldnt even consider mounting them inside. If there ever overfilled even a little or they get warm from the sun they have a tendancy to release some of there propane, sometimes allot of it. You DONT want that inside a cab with you. Might want to think about fuel injection