Front Platform Side Propane Tank Mount

db_cooper · February 2020

I'd like to carry a spare 20lb tank (or smaller) on the front platform (2015 Outback). For our last trip I strapped one in a milk crate to the platform and ran a cable lock through everything. I'd like something a bit more elegant. I'm not seeing anything searching for RV tank mounts or off road mounts. Anyone carry a spare on the front platform? The tank is mainly for a fire pit, but also emergency backup to the one in the tub.

FWIW, we just spent a week skiing with the T@b, after 5 nights using the Alde in 20 degree temps, fridge, and stove, we'd used 2.4 gallons of propane. Could have made it the last few nights, but I wanted to be safe, and it was a good check of our usage.

Denny16 · February 2020

I did a search looking for a good tank support for the front tongue, several were available, one stainless steel, with partial cage. Good ones were pricey, around $125-200.
See https://powertank.com/products/propane-tank-bracket-for-20-lb-steel-bbq-propane-tank-power-tank

db_cooper · February 2020

Thanks @Denny16 , that's what I'm looking for. Man, you think for $175 they could throw in a lock!

Stainless or aluminum would be preferable, came home from this trip covered in road salt.

MuttonChops · February 2020

@db_cooper ; A Timely Topic

I'm also considering placing a spare propane tank on the Outback Platform. Am thinking a 5#, 1.2 gallon, 8-inch diameter would be good. Some reserve fuel while boondocking with cooking, Alde, Fridge running would be nice to have.

The 5# is of course lighter than a 20# but the empty tanks cost 2X a 20#, mounting brackets are slightly cheaper.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/rs/zkpkar2hm8zz.png

Shadrax · February 2020

I bought this rack at Amazon and bolted it to the propane/battery box. I spent 2 months traveling thru Canada and Alaska to the arctic circle and never needed the second tank so removed it.

MuttonChops · March 2020

@db_cooper ; I've finalized on adding a 5# propane bottle.
Did consider the small Coleman Stove bottles which are easy to store and large enough to keep the stove cooking but have too small a gas volume to run the Alde. Also ruled out a second 20# bottle as overkill for my needs.

As part of adding the 5# bottle, will be changing to a Group-27 AGM battery and shifting my small gas generator/invertor to the Outback Platform from the tow vehicle. Had hoped to moved the rigid solar panels instead of generator but could not come up with a sane arrangement.

Parts are now on-order. Expect final to look something like:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/44/0r9ffaqg1zsg.png

Another goal was to keep the Outback Rack Weight Distribution, wheel-2-wheel, near the original single 20# and Group-24 battery. By shifting the battery out of the tub and using the 5# bottle in the tub the results are promising.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/st/pb6v89vq3cd9.png

MuttonChops · March 2020

MuttonChops said:

@db_cooper ; I've finalized on adding a 5# propane bottle. . . .
Parts are now on-order. Expect final to look something like:

Grp-27 Battery Box is mounted.
5# Propane Tank now in Tub.

5# Tank Pictures.

Front Platform Side Propane Tank Mount

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