Tank Manufacturers

An important component of any propane vehicle system is the onboard tank for storing the propane. These tanks are pressure vessels operating at up to 312 psi. Propane tanks for vehicles come in many shapes and sizes depending on the vehicle application. In passenger vehicles, propane tanks are most commonly located in the trunk space of the vehicle or within the spare tire area of the vehicle. In pickup trucks, the tanks are usually installed in the bed of the pickup but where the bed space is required the tanks are installed under the vehicle, either beside the frame or at the rear between the frame rails. Vans, cube vans and custom chasses typically have the tank located under the body adjacent to the frame rails or behind the rear axle.

Tanks can be single vessels or multiple vessels joined together to conform to the space available. Traditional diameters range from 10” to 24” and lengths can vary up to 96”. Tanks are equipped with automatic shut-off valves to prevent overfilling and no longer require the fixed liquid level guage to be used, but it must be installed. Tanks are also equipped with electronic service valves that shut off the flow of propane to the engine when the ignition key is off.

Propane tanks for vehicles in Canada must be designed and manufactured to the CSA B51 Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping code and must conform to the requirements of Annex G. Tanks for use in the United States must be designed and manufactured to the ASME Code. In addition, Texas and California have supplemental requirements. Tank valves, fittings and appurtenances must conform to the CSA B149.5 Code in Canada and NFPA 58 in the United States.