Installing TWO 20lb Propane Bottles On A V-Nose Trailer

I got tired of worrying about running out of propane in the middle of a cold night in our 6X10 cargo trailer and set out to find a way to mount two 20 pounders on the tongue. I couldn't find any information on the subject so I decided to share my findings with you and this is what I came up with. Hope it helps!
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[@cdlady54_95]

Smart move! I have been watching you all so much that you and I said at the same time - move that tongue jack! I am growing! Thank you for sharing and be safe.

[@gonagain]

Thanks cdLady54! I hope you're doing well.

[@StepvanDan]

That works fine ,now you can stay toasty warm ,nice job, thank you for sharing ,big hugs from MN

[@gonagain]

Thanks, Dan! Hope your weather there is more spring-like now. We had a nice sunny, warm day yesterday with hail.....

[@dennisroberts8329]

Great idea! We always enjoy your videos missed Linda.

[@alancummings5008]

Most farm and home stores sell a weld on jack mounting attachment. It could be placed further toward the front than your bolt on model. If the jack cant be folded up, it can simply be removed and placed in tow vehicles. I have used these weld on attachments for farm trailers for many, many years. Always use a qualified welder for attaching them.

[@chuckborghoff8443]

Can you build a frame over the jack mounts to install the battery. That may give you better weight distribution on the frame.

[@gonagain]

A person could do that for sure. On the inside, our refrigerator sits opposite.

[@leeroberts2255]

Dennis and I both love your videos!

[@gonagain]

Thank you Lee and Dennis!

[@garyaaron8425]

Pretty neat video and understand the dilemma. Per chance, could you have built a metal platform, with the v-neck area cutout, that could be not only wide enough for both propane tanks, but also able to put the battery wherever you'd like. Though, I'm not sure how to secure the platform...sounds like you didn't want to alter the frame in any way that may compromise its integrity, if you will. Perhaps even welding a metal platform that'd clear you rear bumper too may compromise the frame. FYI...I'm not a metallurgical specialist--I just slept at a Holiday Inn. 😄

[@AdventuringArthur]

Very creative sir. I loved the work you did on making it look clean even off centered. Great tip Thanks!!

[@gail-sw9xg]

I have a friend who built a frame and stacked the bottles vertically.

[@pjf7943]

Exactly...

[@Grumpyneanderthal]

Great video clarity

[@SamuraiMama]

Looks good and works good!

[@glenschumannGlensWorkshop]

Thanks. Did you explore whether or not there is another kind of tongue jack which could mount differently?

[@gonagain]

Hello Glen, I did. I couldn't put one in the very center of the vee because my hitch is solid there and I didn't want to cut it. The others wouldn't work for one reason or another.

[@jeffreygraf3358]

I went with two and I'm glad I did. Late November hunting gets cold in Wisconsin. I've been caught short before.

[@bidnow]

Excellent!!

[@ADONAIsays-so]

Thanks for sharing the tip on securing the access cover on the tank cover!

[@thompsonjerry3412]

Art is always asymmetric.

[@warsurplus]

Nice work. It looks from your video that you could have moved the entire assembly a few more inches towards the port side staying in the same line as the bottles already are, making at least the port-side bottle more centered on the tongue, and thereby making the entire assembly closer to centerline.

[@herniedog4641]

Nice and clean as always.

[@ernestpaul2484]

I have a sneaky suspicion that this arrangement is going to be changed. I say that with some confidence based on your tone and inflection of your last sentence before the video closes out.

[@Steve-Goff]

Curt manufacturing makes an adapter that goes into your hitch receiver that essentially gives you 2 receivers. One for your trailer and then an open 2”. It could be used as a bike rack or for a cargo basket which is what I used it for when pulling my camper. I would put firewood on it but you can obviously put whatever you want in a cargo carrier. Just an idea for you

[@gonagain]

Thanks for sharing that. Great idea!

[@d-arts7139]

check out sok batteries. im getting the 206ah soon. check will prowse vids on them. theyre supposably great lithium batteries.

[@bkad6238]

Going outside right now to zip tie the lid on my propane cover. Thanks

[@billcade3325]

Looks good

[@blueshere4u]

It looks good.

[@danielosterhout1286]

Another great video my friend

[@michaelhirz208]

Take some of that angle iron and bolt it to the landing leg and build up the other frame members until everything is level. Leave enough clearance for your landing leg to clear the tank cover. That's just my 2 cents

[@teresaf5480]

Great ideas, Great video, thanks for safety tips on inside batteries 👍👍

[@chrispycriter6682]

Great I'm going to do this thanks

[@dustinjohnson1410]

Regarding the battery: Remember the basics of economic evaluation. Do not let sunk costs influence your selection. The idea that you already spent money or time on something is an emotional path that leads to extra costs and efforts that were not necessary.

[@janebray9392]

Our tanks seemed to know when I was in the middle of cooking to decide to be empty!😛😆 I noticed your trailer hitch lock, did you do a video about it? I ordered a sticker..excited to get it! Sent extra to cover sending it to 🇨🇦🙋‍♀️‼️❤

[@gonagain]

Did you get your sticker, Jane? We appreciate you watching our channel!

[@Jixton]

There is a video about it, i think it’s called camp security or something like that.

[@janebray9392]

@@Jixton thx! I will watch it!

[@janebray9392]

@@gonagain WHOOHOO! Just got my sticker!!!😍❤🇨🇦🙋‍♀️‼️

[@shadowcastre]

It's quite the project! I know that you already purchased your parts for the project, but I do think there are 2 better options. 1) Buy a single 40 pound tank and mount it as usual... use the 20 pound as a spare. 2) Build a bracket for the jack to mount on the straight part of the tongue but make the jack removable when not in use. You can then mount your 2 - 20 pounders on center with room for the battery/batteries in front. Thanks for the video...

[@gonagain]

Great ideas!

[@rhall0805]

They make a front diamond wheel stand for your trailer. Easily installed and strong. Two different ones. A manual lever or battery operated. Just so you know. Enjoy your videos. Aloha

[@gonagain]

Mahalo for the tip, Bobby. I'll look for them and check em out.

[@ralphp3057]

Maybe a weld on jack instead and take wheel off . Then center the tanks . My thoughts 💭. I had a real nice cargo trailer!!! Was thinking about rebuilding it for camping. Sold it instead and bought a Casita. Just less hassles for me. Good luck! Good Video.👍

[@gonagain]

Casitas are nice little trailers.

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

OH OH, Crapinzola. If 'Only' I had known about your L.P. Tank Dilemma I could have offered a Super Cool Idea-Concept to mount Both tanks, Plus Still have room to keep the battery Up Front in the same area. Shucks. Well, one day I will share this Concept. Changes can Always be 'Changed Again', before you're 'Gonagain'.🤯✌🤗 (a certain someone 'Italian Designer' has you in his thoughts)😄

[@gonagain]

Nothing on my trailer is ever permanent! Thanks Vincenzo.

[@pwkulp]

Will that effect your turning radius? Thanks for the very fine informative video!

[@gonagain]

That's a good point, but the rear bumper will contact the corner of the trailer first so the tanks are clear. Others may need to check their own situation before installing. Thanks Philip.

[@michaelmckellar7620]

The answer is more toys and more money for more toys.LOL If you had purchased an electric jack, it might have resolved your issue... might have...because I'm not there with a tape measure to prove if you had the room you'ld need. Absolutely nothing wrong with your fabrication though. i've got an all alum. 8.5x20 with the extended tongue so it's not a problem. Plus mine has a flat front. Thanks for posting. interesting and informative as usual!

[@tm8747]

mount the battery under the vee frame behind the propane tank base plate. . its already in a plastic contanier,to protected the battery , and connections,. remember to drill a 1/4" hole in the bottom of the plastic holder box in each corner as a weep hole to drain rain out of the box. that what i would do on the propane tank and the battery. .

[@gonagain]

That could work!

[@ernestpaul2484]

Cold weather GOOD. Freezing one's posterior off BAD. Heat for comfort GOOD. The tongue on my Diamond Cargo trailer is very short from the V-nose to the coupler. I would have to great extremely creative to mount a couple of 20lb bottles on there. I do have two 20lb bottles on my hillbilly offroad tool cart grill setup w/my Weber Q though.

[@normanmallory2055]

I don't blame you , pull the tank and weigh it , dump hot water over it . nope i don't do that .. For my needs i found the single tank was the answer so i went from 20 pound tank to a 30 pound tank and it was much easier to go up on my frame rather then out .. Worked out fine for me .. Propane weighs 4.25 pounds per gallon so it was worth it to gain over two more gallons of propane ..Only thing i have been told was, the cost is so much more to refill the 30 pounds tank vs a 20 pound tank.. Not that much i found out .. The other thing i did for some time was carry a extra full 20 pound tank in my truck , not a problem for me ..

[@scottgorman7166]

You need the jack in its location so you can open your tailgate.....correct? Gel battery or AGM, I agree. Plus inside it will keep it out of the cold at night. I would put a lock and chain around and through those tanks....(boondockin and bad guys)

[@gonagain]

Hi Scott. When I moved the jack in front of the tanks it didn't fit in the horizontal position. Instead it hit the straight piece with the ball hitch. Good tip on the chains!

[@avelezusmc7929]

Works for me

[@donaldsmith6717]

Could you have moved the bubble level and mounted them front and rear bottles? Seems like a small sacrifice to move the level. I have a feeling the rough country you go into will shake apart the weld on the black support. Good luck. Enjoy the videos.

[@gonagain]

They would have been too long on the short tongue of my trailer. That could work with a longer tongue for sure.

[@davidmaslanka3145]

Suggestion; leave the battery where it was, move the tongue jack to the other side, and offset the tank mount to the drivers side.

[@iamhis937]

Welding offers the solution. Find a DIY welder, he/she will fix it quick, likely by going up.

[@xmavrick]

An elevated bracket could be fabricated and the tanks would be centered with battery centered below. How much clearance would be needed too clear the jack? We use 2 30LB tanks for extended off grid camping. Thanks for your video!

[@gonagain]

I think about 18" or so.

[@tm8747]

on most propane tanks above the std. 20# 4.4 gal tanks , the above tanks have a gauge built in to show you how much is in the tank. one more thing about loading the tank the proper way, . when filling the tanks most places like costco, az !!! or in moab utah!!! dont open the bleeder value, hoping you dont know anything about there fillings. if you dont open the bleeder valve, your going to get 70/30 , thats 70 percent air and 30 propane, . it takes air to move propane, open the bleeder valve before filling tank, and tell the person NOT TO TIGHTENED IT DOWN TILL AFTER IT STARTS TO SPIT A FULL STREAM. , THEN TIGHTEN DOWN THE VALVE SCREW AND CONTINUE TO FILL UP. one time in costco, avondale,az, the guy closed the valve before filling and i stopped his machine, he said that i didnt have the right to close the machine, but i told him do it right . i would called his manager,. I told him to do it right your there not going to have a propane station after im done with them? its A FEDERAL LAW IN PUMPING PROPANE INTO A CONTAINER , ITS DONE RIGHT OR THEY WILL BE FINED 25,000.00 AND LOSE THE PROPANE STATION. I TOLD THE MGR. HOW HE DID IT, AND HE TOLD THE WORKER THAT HE WAS DOING IT WRONG, SO I SHOWED HIM AND AFTER THAT HE WOULD DO IT. THERE MANY PEOPLE MAD AS HELL AT ME , FOR WAITING, BUT I TOLD THEM YOU WANT AIR OR PROPANE?????

[@gonagain]

Good info t m!

[@lawmandod233]

Awesome!

[@brianhill1866]

Maybe try two 3 gal or a 5 & 3 gal bottles. Get you a little more centered.

[@joerabid8313]

Now you can fit a quiet 2000 watt portable generator on the front. in that space.

[@3generations393]

This Granny is learning & I appreciate your filming these videos. Is this why some people swear by extended tongue? I have heard ext. tongue tow better but also seems like the extra length could come in handy or does the length compromise the strength? Thank you 👍.

[@beach3girl459]

Looks like a very sturdy addition, but will it effect stability when driving along, since it is off-center?

[@gonagain]

No, it won't. Remember, the battery used to sit off on the right side and it weighs about 20lbs or more. It'll be ok.

[@michaelconner7497]

Someone mention stacking them vertically. I’d consider that with a small 5 lb bottle on top as a reserve tank. Easier to lift. Battery gets its old resting place back.

[@williammccaslin8527]

Who cares what it looks like, as long as its solidly mounted an safe, that's all that matters. The only idea I had was, split the bottles an place them higher on each side of the front of the V-nose. It would entail makeing brackets to hold each tank. Think like attached to your aluminum rock guard or slightly above it depending on the frame structure of the trailer. That way you could recenter your battery bracket in the center of the tongue. An your jack would stay in the same place an wouldn't interfere with anything. I'm sure somebody sells ( AMAZON ) single bottle covers to protect them from the elements, but they maybe a soft cover, not a hard plastic cover, just my .02

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the ideas William!

[@wrbruce6100]

I was wondering, could you get one of the jacks that go on the tongue like they use on those big heavy bass boats. They hook right behind the ball on a lot of them. You might build out of electrical unistrut a piece that goes all the way across the bottom, ninety up on each side of your tongue and set a plate on top of each one and put battery in the middle. What’s good about unistrut you can bolt it all together with brackets and it is strong stuff , take care my friend.

[@gonagain]

Thanks for the tip on the unistrut WR. Maybe for a project in the future.

[@veulmet]

Could a board be added sideways next to the jack to set the battery at an angle next to the centered tank? Or perhaps a board added straight across the front of the tanks over the more narrow part of the hitch frame?

[@gonagain]

It could maybe be possible with some careful measurements. It also depends on the trailer frame measurements because they're all different.

[@jimb5113]

Always a day late and a dollar short but "if" unable to go out the directions left are up/down. Most likely up.

[@gonagain]

Hello Jim b! we just got back from a month on the road with the new propane set-up and it worked out really well, it finally took away the anxiety of not knowing when we were going to run out! Two 10lb bottles would do the trick too in that respect.

[@williambreen4915]

Love your video's, but don't know about this propane bottle setup being offset.

[@gonagain]

The offset bottle weighs the same as the battery I removed and that's been ok. I think it will be fine, but time will tell.

[@TheAugiedoggie1]

Just curious had you considered using a single #40 tank and carry a #20 for back up? The #40 would have mounted in the same spot as the #20. You may have too extend gas line bit that should have been it.

[@gonagain]

The 40 would be more than I would want to handle at my age and I don't have a place to stow the extra 20. It could work for someone else though!

[@TheAugiedoggie1]

@@gonagain That's true a #40 is quite a bit heavier. I have two of them but only use one with my camp stove and use a #20 for backup. I'm getting closer to completing my CTC build so I need to make a final decision of do I want to continue using my 40 or just stick with two 20's.Hope to see you out camping soon. I really enjoy your travels and history lessons!

[@randytaggart914]

I just used one 40 lb bottle, same diameter as the 20 only taller

[@babybunny1967]

But it weighs more and is harder to carry and lift.

[@randytaggart914]

Way simpler and cleaner, keep it simple

[@gonagain]

If I did that I would still have the same original problem, not knowing exactly how much was left and having that on my mind. This way I can use one until it's empty and then switch over. I could have even used two smaller bottles, but they cost more. 20lbs is plenty for my needs, but I kept having to top off a half full bottle.

[@tm8747]

what about installing a 30 or 40# tank. 20 # is 4. gals on most new tank, 30# is 7.1 gals. and 40# is 9.2. its easier to install a larger tank then to have 2 tanks. now at most places out in the u.s., they charge a flat fee to fill propane tank at 20# or 4.4 gals. , with is a higher rate per gal. but on the 30 or 40 or larger the cost is less , about a 1.25 a gal less, because your buying more. this is the way to go.

[@babybunny1967]

Bigger is heavier and harder to lift when full.

[@Jixton]

Then you have the same problem of knowing how much propane is still left in the tank. Two tanks, when one is all empty you plug the other one and still have some time to have the other one filled up

[@gonagain]

Exactly!

[@gregchewie3059]

I mounted two 20 lb tanks centered on my 6 by 12 trailer but my Jack is in the center not off to the side like yours.

[@gonagain]

You might have noticed that my frame wouldn't allow me to do that. That would have definitely solved the problem.

[@gregchewie3059]

GONAGAIN you are the BOMB!!!

[@tedjones112]

what did you use to plumb propane after regulator hose? Copper or black pipe?

[@gonagain]

The BBQ hose I used went all the way inside to the heater.

[@HOMEFORD-np4lx]

Have you considered a vertical stack?

[@gonagain]

No, but it's a possibility. Lots of great ideas here in the comment section!

[@larsenran]

Is there room to mount one tank in front so it appears balanced? Battery may have to move anyway but it shouldn’t matter. Just a thought.

[@gonagain]

No, there isn't enough room that way to mount the tanks one in front of the other. Thanks for the input, tho, appreciate it.

[@randalllarsen3848]

Well, on the positive side your AGM or sealed battery will do better inside for winter camping . Good luck

[@SoonerGirlTravels]

It pays to know what you are doing.

[@GypsyJvan]

what did u do with the battery ??. where did u mount it ?? Gypsy J van..

[@gonagain]

I bought an AGM battery because they don't give off fumes and mounted it inside the trailer. It's working great.

[@Jixton]

Will it interfere with turning radius?

[@gonagain]

Not on my particular trailer, but something to keep in mind if you're thinking of doing the same thing.

[@bryannorcross9352]

Use a lithium battery?

[@gonagain]

Lithium is nice, but too expensive for my small needs. I do have lithium power stations, like the Jackery, that I use.

[@jlrilea3083]

Curious, how long does a twenty pound tank last

[@gonagain]

Traveling when it's still cool out and needing a little heat in the mornings and evenings, we get at least two weeks out of 20lbs. Of course, it's only a 6x10 insulated trailer.

[@jlrilea3083]

Thanks

[@alanjackson4646]

How has this affected your nose weight ? Regards AJ

[@gonagain]

It's heavier but not too much for my tow vehicle (GMC Yukon) so I don't need any suspension upgrades. Also, I can just move my water containers back a little to make up for it.

[@pjf7943]

I'm not agreeing with the solution.. While watching it dawned on me, why not mount one on top of the other and Bob's your uncle..?? I thought of a larger tank, but the problem of reserve remains the same..

[@gonagain]

You got it! It's having the reserve tank that I was after, not more capacity.

[@pjf7943]

@@gonagain I made the 'maiden voyage'/shake-down cruise overnight to Lake Mead with my mini Dachshund, Lola! She made out better than I did as I was worried and attentive to her 1st time out needs and she came through like a real 'short legged' trooper (consistency through training is the trick)..! I made the biggest and most unforgettable mistake I could have ever made and that was to forget the coffee..!!! I would have stayed another night, but the thought of missing coffee two mornings in row was too much to bear..! LOL! I want to thank you again for the many tips and tricks you and Ms. Linda have passed down, as I for one, have benefited from them.. I also want to apologize for my post two videos(?) ago.. Sometimes, for me, today's politics are too much too bear..

[@missouritraveler6401]

I would not want the battery in side no matter what kind of battery it is!!!

[@jimmybutler3728]

WHY NOT IN LINE ONE IN FRONT OF THE OTHER TAKE ON YOUR MOUNTING PLATE WELDED TO TONGUE AND KEPT YOUR BATTERY WHERE IT WAS?...

[@gonagain]

Now you tell me! Actually, there's not enough room.

[@jimmybutler3728]

@@gonagain I could not say to you that sooner; for I had no idea you had that problem to work out and it look like the metal plate would go both ways with no problem...

[@jimmybutler3728]

Thanks for your reply maybe you can be happy any way you choose do have it...

[@gonagain]

Yeah, the trailer tongue is too short for the width of the bottles.

[@jimmybutler3728]

@@gonagain do understand that but the length ifa different story...

[@markparr7224]

You could have just put them up a bit higher.

[@gonagain]

Weight becomes an issue for these old bones.

[@bryannorcross9352]

maybe 40lb bottles?

[@gonagain]

Too heavy for these old bones. Also, that wouldn't fix my original problem of not knowing when it would run out. I'd actually be fine with two 10lb. bottles, but they're more expensive and I already had two 20s.

[@dwcarc]

I don't know about this one. I know you come from a hardy people, but time will tell if your plan holds up to hard use 🧐

[@johnpruitt2534]

Why bother, except to make a video. Just get a single 30 or 40lb tank. Problem solved.

[@gonagain]

The point was that you don't know when you're going to run out no matter what size the bottle. When you have two tanks you can switch over and then get the other one filled. You'll always have the peace of mind by having a backup.