LPG tanks on the drawbar

[Grandad]

I've just ordered 2 cradles for two 4kg LPG bottles. I have a vague recollection of reading somewhere that the bottles must not extend past the outer extremities of the drawbar itself. I've done numerous Google searches but can't find any mention of it. Has anyone got any knowledge if this is the case?

Complying with that requirement is easy enough to do but I've got a lot going on in that area so I may want to space the bottles so they overhang the drawbar somewhat in order to allow for something else.

Of relevance is the fact my caravan was first registered in 1969 and has been continuously registered ever since so I believe whatever laws are in place, I need only comply with what was required back in 1969. But, I'd like to comply with as many of the new laws as I can. Just to possibly avoid any arguments with cops, insurance accessors or similar.

Jim

[RobertNotBob]

Can not say regarding your OP, but if I upgrade it is always to the current law. Ring up your local caravan repairer and ask them.

[T1 Terry]

As I understand it from a gas regulations stand point, the bottles must be protected from impact and must remain within the vehicle body line and mounted in a way that the cut off is easy to access without the need for tools and be protected from projectiles thrown up by wheels or where they could come into contact with any object protruding from the ground including any approach and departure angles ...... not quite to the level as "clear as mud" but sufficiently ambiguous to cover any errors or omissions that could be used against the authority in a legal battle ... standard govt type specifications
There is also a bit about the vessel construction material and thickness but that is more to do with the thin stainless tanks and plastic tanks that were on the market at one time or another. These had to have additional shielding to prevent projectile damage. Strange that there is no provision for shading from direct heat like an automotive gas tank, the sun can get these bottles mega hot, but about the only restriction is they can not be painted a dark colour.

Just as a side note, be aware that there are 2 different size 4.5kg bottles, one type is easier to locate at a swap and go than the other, not that I consider the exchange bottle system to be a good thing, too many dodgy bottles slip through their inspection system.

T1 Terry

[Greynomad]

Not just the 4.5kg bottles.
Our two 9kg (nominal) bottles are a strange size, both height and diameter. Girt’s gas box is the absolute minimum size to fit them. So tight they can’t fit if at a slight tilt, and gas tails have to be held next to the neck.
Have to either refill or measure very carefully at the swap-bottle box. Even so, I’ve been caught short once or twice. Fortunately, both times my bottles hadn’t been returned to suppliers, so got a refund & went elsewhere for a refill, as they didn’t have any my size.

[Grandad]

........... and must remain within the vehicle body line

Well, I guess that raises the question of what is deemed to be the bodyline. One might see that as only the main body itself such as a front boot which would preclude any bottle on the drawbar.
I think logically, in this instance the drawbar must be included as being part of the body.

Take home message, for me is yes, they should be constrained inside the drawbar so that is what I'll do. Thank you.
Mind you, if I was talking 2 x 9kg bottles the point would be mute. They wouldn't physically fit in that space unless I put one in front of the other.

Just as a side note, be aware that there are 2 different size 4.5kg bottles, one type is easier to locate at a swap and go than the other,

I wasn't aware of that. The bad news is, too late. I've already ordered them. The good news is, I haven't purchased the bottles themselves so I'll just buy the appropriate size and hope it's a size easily swapped at swap and go.
I'm not sure about the rest of the country but you're hard pushed to find anybody who fills a bottle here. There is one but if you were a stranger in town you'd be hard pressed to find them. Can't imagine how a visitor could find them.

Thanks Terry

[Swisslulu]

Just as an aside, we use this website to locate gas refillers.
www.gasbottlerefills.com

We always refill, never swap and we have never not been able to find a refill. Of course, once one bottle is empty, I’m already searching for the next place to refill.

[Grandad]

Can not say regarding your OP, but if I upgrade it is always to the current law. Ring up your local caravan repairer and ask them.

I'm happy to go along with any reasonable safety issue but some new requirements are just not logical. I've spoken to our local repairer in the past about other things. It was enough to make me come to the conclusion he's not someone worth listening to. I'm sure he's very good at actual repairs and services but doesn't have a broad knowledge of other things.

Eg: We got onto the topic of solar panels at one stage. Told him I was using 2 x 6G for the feeds. "Nah mate. 6mm auto is all you need. That's all we ever use. Never had a problem"
A friend took his Jayco to him for assistance in initial setup of his WDH. The ball weight was a tad too much. "We can just move the two spare tyres to the rear bumper. That will counter balance the weight up front nicely. We do that all the time. Works a treat"

Jim

[Grandad]

Spot on Swisslulu.

Bookmarked. Thanks heaps

Jim

[Grandad]

Cradles arrived and had a trial fit with a borrowed tank from a neighbour.

It would appear I won't be able to fit both completely within the confines of the drawbar.

IMG_20200914_121509.jpg

That's as far back as I can have them to allow for removal of the bottles around the curvature of the body.

IMG_20200914_144749.jpg

I'll drag the bike out of the shed today and make sure the pedals don't interfere with the tanks.

One pleasant surprise, it looks like these cradles are adaptable to either size of cylinder. So, looks like they got that issue covered.

IMG_20200914_121531.jpg

Now I'm researching regulators and the connecting hoses. At this early stage I'm leaning towards THIS set. Apparently these S-Core hoses are the best. A bit more exxy but not outrageously so.

Cheers
Jim

[jon_d]

Hi Jim,

If got those cradles. Their good; My bottles are in a compartment under the bus so I had to weld a hinge into one of the arms. This allowed the arm to open wide enough to slide the bottle in.

The regulator set up is ok too. It has a pressure test point so the gas man will be able to check for leaks (leak down test). Just remember to mount the regulator higher than the gas bottles.

The van is progressing well. You should be proud.


If I can just suggest something, hit the flats and the angle an angle-grinder and shape the corners. It will stop any one from ripping their jeans or legs open on the sharp corners.