Lightweight Propane Tank Mounts for Overlanding – Fast Access, Durable Design.

The 80/20 rule for propane is a safety guideline used when filling propane cylinders and tanks. It means that propane containers should only be filled to about 80% of their total capacity, leaving the remaining 20% as empty space for expansion.

Propane is stored as a liquid, and like all liquids, it expands when the temperature rises. If a tank were filled completely to 100%, the liquid propane would have no room to expand, which could create dangerous pressure levels inside the cylinder. By following the 80/20 rule, propane suppliers make sure there’s always a buffer of vapor space at the top of the tank.

In short, the 80/20 rule ensures safe storage, consistent pressure, and reliable performance of your propane tank in changing weather conditions.

A 5 lb propane tank holds about 1.2 gallons of propane, which equals roughly 110,000 BTUs of energy. On a typical 2-burner camping stove (20,000 BTUs/hr), that’s about 5–6 hours of cook time. On a small propane fire pit, expect around 3–4 hours of burn time.

Yes, propane tanks can safely sit in the sun, but there are some important precautions. Propane cylinders are designed and tested to withstand exposure to outdoor conditions, including heat and direct sunlight. They are equipped with safety relief valves that release pressure if it gets too high.

That said, it’s best practice to store propane tanks in a shaded, well-ventilated area whenever possible. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can increase internal pressure, which may cause the relief valve to vent small amounts of gas. While this prevents the tank from over-pressurizing, it can create strong propane odors and waste fuel.

Bottom line: occasional sun exposure is safe, but avoid leaving propane tanks in enclosed hot spaces (like a vehicle) or in areas where they cannot vent properly. Shade and airflow are always better for both safety and efficiency.

Yes, you can hook up a 20 lb propane tank to a camping stove, but you’ll usually need the right adapter hose or regulator. Most portable camping stoves are designed for 1 lb disposable cylinders. A simple propane adapter hose lets you connect the stove’s small cylinder fitting directly to a standard 20 lb tank.

Using a 20 lb tank has several advantages:

• Much longer runtime compared to 1 lb bottles

• Lower cost per pound of propane when refilling

• Less waste since you’re not throwing away small cylinders

Keep in mind:

• Always use a hose with a built-in regulator (or ensure your stove has one) so the pressure is correct.

• Check all connections for leaks with soapy water before lighting.

• Transport and store the 20 lb cylinder upright and in a ventilated area.

Bottom line: with the proper hose and regulator, a 20 lb propane tank is a safe, reliable, and cost-effective way to fuel your camping stove.

The safest way to transport a 20 lb propane tank is to keep it upright, secure, and well-ventilated during the trip. Bonus points for using our 20LB Propane Tank Mount. Propane cylinders are designed to be used and transported standing up so the safety relief valve stays in the vapor space at the top of the tank.

Steps for safe transport:

• Place the tank upright in your vehicle (never on its side).

• Use a milk crate, tank stabilizer, or cargo straps to keep it from tipping.

• Transport in the bed of a truck or in a well-ventilated area — avoid enclosed hot spaces like car trunks.

• Keep the valve closed and capped with the protective plug.

• Never leave a propane cylinder inside a hot vehicle for long periods.

Bottom line: always move a propane tank upright, secured, and out of extreme heat to prevent leaks or unsafe pressure build-up.

For most overlanders, an 11 lb or 5 lb tank is the sweet spot. They’re light enough to carry and mount easily, but hold far more fuel than disposable 1 lb bottles. A 20 lb tank works well for long basecamp trips but adds weight and bulk.

Propane tanks are designed with multiple built-in safety systems, and true explosions are extremely rare. The best way to keep a propane tank from exploding is to handle and store it properly so pressure never builds to unsafe levels.

Key safety practices:

• Store upright and outdoors in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

• Avoid extreme heat – never leave a propane cylinder in a hot car, near a fire pit, or close to open flames.

• Don’t overfill – tanks should only be filled to about 80% capacity (the 80/20 rule) to allow room for liquid expansion.

• Inspect regularly for rust, dents, or leaks. Use soapy water on connections to check for bubbles.

• Use equipment as intended – always connect through a proper regulator and hose, never bypass safety fittings.

• Close the valve tightly when the tank is not in use.

Bottom line: a propane tank won’t “explode” under normal use. By storing it upright, keeping it out of high heat, and checking connections for leaks, you dramatically reduce any risk and keep your fuel safe for cooking, heating, and camping.

It’s not recommended to store a propane tank in a vehicle for long periods. While small cylinders (like 1 lb camping bottles) are often transported in cars, leaving them inside a hot, enclosed vehicle can cause pressure to build up and may lead to venting through the safety valve.

Safe practices if you must transport or temporarily store a small propane tank in a vehicle:

• Always keep the tank upright so the relief valve stays in the vapor space.

• Make sure the valve is closed and capped securely.

• Transport in a well-ventilated part of the vehicle (truck bed or ventilated cargo area is best).

• Never leave a propane tank in a hot, closed car, especially during summer — extreme heat can cause pressure buildup.

• Remove the cylinder from the vehicle and store it outdoors in a shaded, ventilated location as soon as possible.

Bottom line: short trips with a small propane cylinder in your vehicle are generally safe if it’s upright and secure, but for storage, propane tanks should always be kept outside in a cool, ventilated area.

A propane tank should never be exposed to temperatures above 120°F (49°C). Once the metal surface of the cylinder gets hotter than that, the pressure inside the tank rises significantly, which may cause the safety relief valve to open and vent propane gas.

In practical terms, that means a tank left in direct sun or inside a closed vehicle on a hot summer day can easily exceed safe temperatures. While propane tanks are built with safety systems to prevent explosions, repeated overheating is unsafe and can shorten the life of the cylinder.

Safe temperature guidelines:

• Store propane tanks in shaded, ventilated areas where temps stay well below 120°F.

• Avoid enclosed spaces like car trunks, hot garages, or sheds with poor airflow.

• Occasional exposure to sunlight is fine, but prolonged heat buildup should be avoided.

Bottom line: if you wouldn’t sit comfortably in the space because of the heat, it’s probably too hot for a propane tank. Shade + airflow = safety.

Leaving a propane tank in the sun is generally not dangerous, because cylinders are built to handle outdoor conditions and include safety relief valves that release pressure if it gets too high. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the tank to heat up, which increases internal pressure and may cause the relief valve to vent small amounts of gas.

Best practices if your propane tank sits in the sun:

• Store it upright so the safety valve stays in the vapor space.

• Keep it in a shaded, ventilated area whenever possible.

• Avoid placing tanks near other heat sources, like fire pits or grills.

• Never store a propane tank inside a hot, enclosed vehicle.

Bottom line: occasional sun exposure is fine, but for long-term storage, propane tanks last longer and perform more reliably when kept in the shade.

Yes, most campsites allow propane fire pits because they are considered contained and smokeless. In many areas with fire bans, propane fire pits are still permitted, making them a safe and convenient alternative to wood fires. Always check local rules before you travel.

Yes, with the proper refill adapter, you can transfer propane from a 20 lb tank into 1 lb cylinders. However, it must be done carefully, outdoors, and following manufacturer safety guidelines. Many campers prefer switching to a refillable 5 lb or 11 lb cylinder for convenience and safety.