6 Best RV Propane Tank Mounts For Secure Travel
Secure your RV’s propane tanks with our top 6 mount picks. We evaluate durability and ease of use to ensure your fuel stays safe during every road adventure.
Hitting the road with an unsecured propane tank turn every bump on the highway into a nerve-wracking gamble. While interior aesthetics get all the attention in the tiny living world, the hardware holding your fuel supply to the chassis is what keeps your journey safe and legal. Investing in a robust, reliable propane tank mount is the ultimate insurance policy against dangerous road vibrations and costly structural failures.
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Stromberg Carlson JB-20: Best for A-Frames
Stromberg Carlson JB-246 Jack-in-A-Box Stabilizer Jacks Pair - Sturdy 5000 lb/ea Jack RV Slide Out Support & Camper Leveling Legs, Adjustable Height 20" to 46", Removable U-Top, Foldable...Space on a trailer tongue is premium real estate where batteries, jacks, and propane tanks fight for survival. The Stromberg Carlson JB-20 solves this spatial puzzle by elevating your cargo game, literally. It mounts directly over your existing weight-distribution brackets, creating a sturdy elevated platform above your 20-pound propane tanks.
Constructed from heavy-duty steel, this tray supports up to 300 pounds, making it perfect for holding a generator or extra gear right above the fuel source. However, this heavy-duty utility comes with a weight penalty that can drastically increase your trailer’s hitch weight. You must carefully calculate your tow vehicle’s tongue weight capacity before bolting this steel beast down.
If you tow a travel trailer with a crowded A-frame tongue and desperately need to stack your gear vertically, this mount is a game-changer. Do not buy it if you drive a motorized RV or have an ultra-light tow vehicle hovering near its maximum tongue weight capacity.
Flame King KT20-MNT: Best Heavy-Duty Value
Budget-conscious road warriors often get stuck choosing between flimsy generic brackets and overpriced premium hardware. The Flame King KT20-MNT breaks this cycle by offering a rock-solid, dual 20-pound tank setup that outperforms its modest price tag. It is a traditional vertical mount made of powder-coated steel designed to withstand relentless road spray and salt.
The simplicity of its design is its greatest strength, featuring a secure center hold-down rod and a sturdy base tray that bolts directly to your frame. The trade-off here is the basic zinc-plated wing nut assembly, which can be prone to rusting shut over seasons of coastal travel. Upgrading to a stainless-steel nut or applying anti-seize lubricant is a cheap, necessary preventative step.
This rack is the ideal choice for budget travelers looking to secure two standard DOT 20-pound cylinders without unnecessary frills. Skip this model if you use larger 30-pound tanks, as the center rod is sized specifically for standard five-gallon cylinders.
PowerPro 50007 Bracket: Best Single Mount
Not every rig needs a massive dual-tank setup, especially camper vans and small overland trailers where space is measured in inches. The PowerPro 50007 bracket offers a minimalist, single-tank solution that mounts securely to flat vertical surfaces like rear bumpers or interior cabinets. Its high-strength stainless steel band wrap grips a single 20-pound cylinder with absolute authority.
This single-point mounting system features quick-release over-center latches, allowing you to swap out empty cylinders in seconds. The primary drawback of any single-strap mount is its vulnerability to lateral twisting under extreme vibrations. Pairing this bracket with a rigid bottom support tray is highly recommended to prevent vertical slippage over time.
For solo van lifers, truck campers, or teardrop owners who run a single-tank setup and require rapid tank changes, this is the premier bracket on the market. If you are hauling heavy dual cylinders on a standard travel trailer tongue, look elsewhere.
Manchester Tank Dual Mount: Best for Classics
Classic Airstreams and vintage molded fiberglass campers demand a traditional aesthetic without compromising modern safety standards. The Manchester Tank Dual Mount provides that timeless, heavy-gauge steel tray design that has secured tanks on highways for decades. Its classic silver powder-coated finish blends seamlessly with polished aluminum or painted vintage trailers.
This mount is engineered specifically for Manchester’s own steel and aluminum cylinders, ensuring an incredibly snug, rattle-free fit. But vintage styling means vintage assembly methods; this rack requires manual alignment and bolting through your trailer tongue frame. The lack of rubberized dampening pads means metal-on-metal contact will eventually scrape paint and invite rust if left untreated.
If you are restoring a classic trailer or simply prefer a time-tested, heavy-gauge steel frame for your dual cylinders, this is your best option. Those seeking lightweight, modern quick-release designs will find this traditional bolt-together kit too cumbersome.
Smittybilt 2739 Bracket: Best Off-Road Option
Pavement ends where real adventure begins, but washboard dirt roads will quickly destroy standard street-oriented tank mounts. The Smittybilt 2739 Bracket is built to withstand violent jarring, featuring a fully enclosed, wrap-around steel band and heavy-duty locking hinges. It is designed to mount horizontally or vertically to roof racks, roll cages, or overland trailers.
This bracket features a lockable toggle latch, preventing both road-induced releases and opportunistic campsite theft. However, its heavy-duty off-road pedigree means it is built specifically for smaller, 10-pound (2.5-gallon) cylinders popular with overland rigs. Trying to adapt this ultra-rigid mount to a standard 20-pound residential cylinder will not work.
For off-road enthusiasts, overlanders, and weekend warriors tackling rough trails with a compact 10-pound tank, this indestructible bracket has no equal. If your rig relies on standard, larger DOT cylinders, this mount’s specialized dimensions will be useless to you.
Camco 57236 Dual Mount: Best Quick-Access Kit
Swapping out propane tanks in the middle of a freezing night is a rite of passage no RV owner wants to prolong. The Camco 57236 Dual Mount streamlines this frustrating task with an ergonomic, quick-spin wing nut and a lightweight, durable thermoplastic base. It accommodates both 20-pound and 30-pound dual cylinder setups with ease.
Unlike heavy steel mounts that rust after one wet winter, Camco’s use of corrosion-resistant materials ensures long-term smooth operation. The compromise here lies in the plastic components; while highly durable, they lack the sheer impact resistance of solid steel in front-end collision scenarios. It is crucial to inspect the composite base regularly for UV degradation if left uncovered in harsh desert environments.
This kit is perfect for the average weekend camper who values fast tank swaps, rust-free maintenance, and versatility between cylinder sizes. It is not recommended for rugged off-roaders who subject their rigs to constant rock strikes and extreme structural twisting.
Key Factors for Choosing the Right Mount Size
Propane tanks are not universally sized, and assuming any mount will fit your specific cylinder is a recipe for returns and loose cargo. Standard RV cylinders typically come in 20-pound (5-gallon) or 30-pound (7.5-gallon) capacities, which differ significantly in height and diameter. A mount designed for a 20-pound tank will leave a 30-pound tank sitting dangerously high, shifting the center of gravity.
Weight distribution is another critical factor that many DIY rig builders overlook when upgrading their mounts. Upgrading from single to dual tanks, or from 20-pound to 30-pound cylinders, adds significant tongue weight to your trailer. Ensure your trailer frame and vehicle hitch are rated for this additional static load before committing to a larger mount.
Finally, consider the mounting footprint and clear clearance zones on your rig. * Tongue Mounts: Require clear clearance for weight-distribution spring bars and jack handles. * Wall Mounts: Must align with internal wall studs or chassis framing members, not just thin fiberglass skin. * Bumper Mounts: Need to be rated for the twisting torque that a cantilevered tank exerts during bumpy drives.
RV Propane Safety and DOT Regulations to Know
Propane is an incredibly safe fuel source, but only when handled under strict regulatory guidelines. The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the design and transport of portable cylinders, while the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 1192) governs RV safety. One of the most critical regulations dictates that propane tanks must always be mounted in an upright position.
Mounting a vapor-withdrawal cylinder horizontally is extremely dangerous because it can cause liquid propane to enter the regulator, leading to catastrophic fire hazards. Additionally, regulations require that all external propane tanks be protected from road debris by the vehicle frame or a robust guard. This is why tongue-mounted setups often feature integrated steel trays or protective covers.
Furthermore, any compartment housing propane tanks must be vapor-isolated from the living space and vented to the outside. If you are retrofitting a camper van or tiny home, never mount your propane tanks inside a cabinet without a sealed, bottom-vented locker. Failure to follow these rules can lead to rejected inspections, denied insurance claims, and deadly gas accumulation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Secure Mount Installation
Proper installation is the difference between a secure fuel source and a projectile bouncing down the interstate. Begin by positioning your mount on the trailer tongue or mounting surface to check clearance for all moving parts, including jacks and sway bars. Use a center punch to mark your drilling points precisely on the steel frame.
Drill pilot holes using a sharp titanium bit, applying cutting oil to prevent overheating the steel. Bolt the base plate down using Grade 8 hardware, nylon-locking nuts, and heavy-duty washers to distribute the clamping force. Never use self-tapping screws for propane mounts, as they will eventually back out under constant road vibrations.
Once the base is secure, position the cylinders and install the center hold-down rod or retaining straps. Tighten the assembly until the tanks are completely immobile, then shake the cylinders vigorously to ensure there is zero play. If the trailer frame flexes instead of the mount shifting, your installation is successful.
How to Inspect and Maintain Your Mounts on Road
Highway vibrations act like a slow-motion wrench, silently loosening bolts over hundreds of miles. Make it a habit to perform a quick physical shake-test of your propane tanks during every rest stop fuel-up. A loose mount can wear a hole through a steel cylinder via friction, creating an incredibly dangerous hazard.
Seasonal maintenance should include checking all threaded rods and wing nuts for thread stripping or corrosion. Apply a light coat of silicone lubricant or anti-seize compound to the threads to keep them spinning smoothly through winter road salt. Inspect any rubberized pads or straps for dry rot and UV cracking, replacing them immediately at the first sign of degradation.
Finally, look closely at the welds and structural steel of your trailer frame around the mounting bolts. Hairline cracks in the paint around bolt holes indicate metal fatigue from excessive vibration or overloading. Catching these structural issues early saves you from a catastrophic highway failure and keeps your mobile lifestyle rolling safely.
Securing your propane cylinders is a foundational element of responsible mobile living. By choosing a high-quality mount tailored to your rig’s specific layout and maintaining it diligently, you protect your home, your investment, and your fellow travelers. Keep your tanks tight, your fittings sealed, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a rock-solid setup on the open road.
