Something to look put for

[Comanchecreek]

I have a Crusader 315 RST fifth wheel with propane bottles mounted on each side. I live on a dirt road, 7 miles to my house. I have found a number of times that one of my propane bottles rotates inside the strap until it stretches and stresses the connecting propane line. So far no problems with the line, bu I plan to replace it, and I need to come up with a plan to stop the bottle from moving when on rough roads. Could be ugly if the line were to break or the fittings were to pull apart. Any ideas?

[Phreak480]

get a bicycle inner tube and cut it open and make a piece to glue to the tank strap. it will add minimal thickness but lots of friction.

[Comanchecreek]

That's a good idea. I may also glue a rubber pad to the base plate the bottle sits on for the same reason., I wanted to get this out there for others to check in their rigs. At first I thought it was just a one time deal, but have since found it several times.

[Cost4133]

id start with the inner tube, that probably will do it, if not, id weld a hook on the strap that locks into a hole on the handle

[NMWildcat]

Interesting. I do believe every fifth wheel I have owned or helped others with their propane bottles had a thumb screw and plate type lock through the handle as well as a strap. Now I will have to pay more attention to that

[Iwannacamp]

Maybe some of that “non-slip” sandpaper stuff you put on steps and other surfaces to lessen the slip and fall chances.

Yes I am an idiot as I have used it, but I cannot name it.

[Phreak480]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

Maybe some of that “non-slip” sandpaper stuff you put on steps and other surfaces to lessen the slip and fall chances.

Yes I am an idiot as I have used it, but I cannot name it.

Grip tape.

Although I wouldn't want to be sanding the paint off the bottles which then invites rust to form.

[5picker]

Thanks for the heads up.
None of our many R/Vs ever had a strap that didn't tighten securely onto the bottle.
In fact, many we've had to pull the strap open to get the bottle in and out even with a 3" bolt and wingnut between the strap halves.

Something to watch for in the future.

[Comanchecreek]

No thumb lock of any kind, just a strap. Oddly the other side does not do it. Both straps tighten down properly, but the straps are metal, and the tank is metal so just not enough friction to keep the bottle from slipping under the vibration. These are also the larger bottles. Here's a picture of the current setup. I have turned the bottle back to where it should be, but it rotates counter clockwise to stretch the hose between the regulator and the bottle outlet.

[Comanchecreek]

Originally Posted by Cost4133

id start with the inner tube, that probably will do it, if not, id weld a hook on the strap that locks into a hole on the handle

On the handle of the propane bottle? Not to sure about the wisdom of welding on my propane bottles, but I get your idea. Might be more inclined to drill a hole in the handle portion and put a strap to the sidewall of the compartment.