How to Safely Transport Propane Tanks

Safely transporting propane tanks requires a couple of simple yet critical steps. The rules for transporting propane tanks are set by the Department of Transportation, so read on for a quick summary of these guidelines.  

How To Safely Transport Propane Tanks  

Propane Tanks Must be Transported in a Fully Upright Position 

• Tilting or laying a propane tank on its side can compromise the effectiveness of the tanks built in safety feature, the pressure relief value.  
• U-Haul recommends using a Tank foot Propane Tank Holder Stabilizer or an EZGO Propane Tank Holder & Stabilizer to secure your tank in this position.  

Propane Tanks Must be secured to the vehicle  

• To prevent tanks from shifting, rolling around, or becoming a projectile in an accident, tanks must be secured to your vehicle using straps or twine. 
• For 20-lb BBQ tanks and 30-lb tanks, U-Haul offers Tank Ties, a comprehensive strap system that can affix to various points in a vehicle.  
• If you do not have straps, U-Haul offers twine, free of charge. Safety is the backbone of our propane services, so we provide this to all customers.  

Propane tanks must be transported in a well-ventilated vehicle.  

• Open pickup truck beds or open trailers are recommended.  
• When transporting propane tanks in the back of an SUV or car, vent your windows and take them to their final destination as soon as possible.  
• Never leave a propane tank in a closed vehicle, especially on a hot day.  

How Many Propane Tanks Can I Transport at One Time?  

For SUVs, vans, and cars, you can transport a maximum of four propane tanks. However, there are some caveats to this: 

• No one tank can carry more than 45 pounds of propane.  
• A maximum amount of 90 pounds of propane is allowed across four tanks. For example, a 20-lb BBQ tank can hold up to 19 pounds of propane, so you could safely transport four full 20-lb BBQ tanks. 

For pickup trucks, open bed trucks, and open trailers, you can transport up to 1000 pounds of propane.

• This would include larger tanks, forklift tanks, and tanks that range from 40 lbs up through 100 lbs.
• Due to their size and weight, large tanks should not be lifted alone. Plan to have someone with you to load and unload large tanks.
• To secure these tanks in place, we recommend ratchet straps, which are available at U-Haul.  

Following these U-Haul guidelines will help ensure the safe transportation of your propane tanks while complying with industry safety standards.