Van Life - Under mount Propane Tank Install

[@DustinandBritt]

So proud of you Trevor for opening such an awesome shop and sharing your skills and talents with the world. Very cool! Keep on keeping on 🤙

[@PrimalOutdoors]

He really has opened an awesome shop, and I can really see his commitment to making high end custom gear. I look forward to continuing to work with Trevor he has a lot of passion. Jason

[@malikchris9786]

Sorry to be off topic but does anyone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the login password. I would love any assistance you can offer me.

[@kasonnikolas7672]

@Malik Chris instablaster ;)

[@malikchris9786]

@Kason Nikolas thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@malikchris9786]

@Kason Nikolas It worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass :D

[@OverlandPNW]

I'm rewatching some of your past videos. Brother, someone seriously needs to give you your own TV show !

[@THEBOULDER236]

Trevor friggin ROCKS!! Long live Dirt Road Garage!

[@dogsbyfire]

Nicely done! Thanks for showing so much detail.

[@steveleonard5206]

Thanks for the video. We are replacing the existing tank in the 1990 Leisure Travel Van that is waaaay too rusty with the same tank in this video. It’s just 2" longer than our original tank. The access door looks like a good idea given the poor access now under our wide running boards. We were lucky to find our tank as I’ve been told that Manchester is backlogged a year or more. Thanks again.

[@davidluster6877]

The rig is coming along great.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Yes this is going to be a nice upgrade

[@MrJfred78]

Cool idea! I would definitely want to add a box inside the rocker panel to seal out the holes that were cut in it to keep water, mud, mice and anything else for getting inside the walls of the van.

[@lilklondikeoutdoors4116]

Good job. Nice addition

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thank you, I am really excited having an external propane tank is going to be really nice

[@softroadingthewest]

Nice, that turned out great! Your propane systems have definitely got me thinking about how I can incorporate some of your ideas in my next build. Dirt Road Garage looks to be a great resource as well.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I can't wait to see what you come up with 👍

[@evilcam]

I really like that Trevor fella. He gave a clear and concise description of everything he did and was doing. He is as good at explaining what he is doing as a professional television host, like Bob Villa or Bobby Flay. I don't know if he has a youtube channel, but he might do very well filming and explaining his mods, because he has what looks like a natural talent for it.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Yeah, he did a great job and one take every time as well. Jason

[@jad21964]

That looks great! Really cool how high up you were able to get it mounted. That will be really nice not having to worry about it when you are off-roading.

[@TheDenisedrake]

Holy Cow! You probably only need to fill that once a quarter. Awesome.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I probably won’t have to fill it all summer, and it will definitely extend my range when I am heating the van in the winter. Jason

[@jaylen8822]

I'm a HVAC Tech in the Portland area and I plan on building my 2000 GMC Yukon 4WD SLT. We had a major snow storm this weekend and thing was a beast. First thing , Eaton/Detroit LSD TruTrac front and rear. Thanks for shouting these guys out.

[@MrEvodio65]

Do gas freeze in very cold weather?

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Yeah, we are dealing with the same storm here, the four wheel drive in the van is definitely coming in handy. Jason

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I haven’t had a problem using it down to -6F, but it does have issues at very high elevations. Jason

[@ThatBaldwinLife]

Funny we actually took the propane tank out of our Westy and replaced it with the refillable 1lb propane bottles. We only use the propane for the indoor stove so they last a while. Our old tank was leaking and we didn't want to spend the money on a new tank. With as much propane as you use a big tank like that is well worth it. nate

[@brucel399]

That was a great installation. Make sure you keep your gas line for your 20lbs tank in the van though. One problem my inlaws have with their RV propane tank like yours, is getting ot filled in remote locations. A lot of stores might not be open or have the equipment to refill a mounted unit. This has happened several times when they have traveled into the back country or very small campgrounds. CHEERS from Colorado

[@mverick160]

Exactly what I was worried about. And I can swap a 20lb cylinder anywhere. It's why I don't swap to 30lb cylinders.

[@0HARE]

A very useful modification, well designed and executed. Happy Trails

[@Earthcraftfabrications]

Have Manchester tanks on both my Vanagons. 30 years old and still operating with no worries. Media Blasted surface rust and powder coated after 6 years in costa rica now its sweet again. Going to install the larger option vanagon tank under my E350 4x4. A bit smaller with more clearance than the one they used here. Go Westy has on their Web site for sale.

[@bagheerab278]

Just put one under my 4Runner. It's working great! 👍

[@PrimalOutdoors]

That is awesome, I think this is a great upgrade, if you use propane. Jason

[@johnscherer376]

These guys were certainly pro’s. Knew what they were doing. Great job!

[@MattHalpain]

Great upgrade and interesting process of installation

[@MrTortureandtorment]

Good luck on your new tank installation Jason. Trevor did a neat installation and I am sure it will fill your needs.

[@jakehamiltonv3093]

I live 2 miles from where this tank was built and I love these builds would love to se you and chad colab again

[@larrydavid1132]

Awesome idea !!

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thank Larry I am really excited about this upgrade

[@GrizzlyPath]

7:30 the van’s gonna get painted?! Awesome new propane tank, gonna be handy!

[@mtnbound2764]

I caught that little spoiler too!

[@medtech1a]

Looking good. I was worried about the clearance but that worked out perfectly.

[@OverlandPNW]

Great mod ! Propane on demand !

[@tobievermette802]

Awesome idea! The van project is really shaping up.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thanks it really is shaping up, I am really happy with how things are coming along Jason

[@racertracer12]

Hey I work for Manchester tank in action made that tank that your using on your Van on my line I hope you get a lot of your years worth out of it enjoy it!!

[@J57947488]

That’s awesome Jason

[@Bikerdad_85]

Great video man! 👍👌👍

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thank you

[@Bikerdad_85]

Y'all welcome. Do y'all know if they work on other vehicles other then van's? Just curious if they can do some custom bumpers on a truck.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

THAT TURNED OUT REALLY NICE . SOMETHING DIFFERENT . HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING GOOD ! LIKE TO SEE HOW EASY IT IS TO REFILL THE NEW TANK ? HOW'S THE WEATHER THERE ? BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ALL ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED ! THANK YOU !

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Looks great Jason...

[@raymiller764]

impressive work guys, very skilled it shows

[@kencraig7308]

Great Idea, I like it.

[@anthonycoffey9412]

Awesome 👌 your really selling van life for me 😆 id like to go diesel for engine & cabin heat, with a propane system like this for cooking. Seems like a simple & reliable system!

[@jcblackmon]

Great install! I thought we were gonna get an up close of those custom emblems....but it will be better after the paint! The van sure is coming together!!

[@PrimalOutdoors]

To be honest I did mean to mention them there at the end and totally forgot, but you will get to see them when we get them installed after paint. Jason

[@laurieberg2880]

I see CAD* in use! *Cardboard Aided Design

[@PrimalOutdoors]

It’s great technique for sure. Jason

[@kjy7440]

Nice install. Have a couple propane suggestions. Since the valve was removed the tank should get purges by a qualified propane supplier and the MEC green regulator you used will work but it has a vent built in with a screen. Being installed under the tank could lead to mud and/ or water getting into the regulator. Messing up the function. They make regulators with no vent that should be looked into.

[@lindalakota38]

Think you went to right place to have the work done looks like great shop always wanted to open shop doin same stuff little more fab work welding on any thing but i love doing any costome and syspension work like thease guys

[@garrybeard7718]

Looks fantastic job well done. Well done guys.👍🇬🇧🤘🍺

[@guidok3762]

Here in The Netherlands (Europe) you can put a tank with LPG (licquid gas) to run the engine of the car. The prices of fuel are sky high here in Europe, so the LPG is like a 1/3 of the price, so pretty economical. Good luck with the VAN, I own a Dodge b350 4x4 from 1991. Best regards from The Netherlands 🇳🇱❤️🇺🇸✌️💪👌

[@whiteturtleadventuresandphoto]

Nice looking install!!! I had a similar sized tank in my Class C and it would run a year with no problem between fills. That was with a hot water tank, furnace and stove top. Biggest drain on it was the furnace. The little bit of extra space will be nice... more junk to carry, or maybe that is just me that does that!

[@PrimalOutdoors]

The furnace is the biggest use propane for me as well I could run for months on a tank like this if all I was doing was cooking, but I imagine based on my 20 lbs tank use I will need to refill every 7 days give or take in cold weather. Jason

[@pawadventures5544]

Nice upgrade. 👍🏻 Looking forward to the new hot pink paint job. 😨 LOL! Good video. 👍🏻

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Paint starts tomorrow super excited. Jason

[@gringo3009]

Great mod!

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thank You

[@bosse641]

Awesome.

[@ericw5032]

Very cool!! 👍👍

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thank you Jason

[@pnw_element9822]

Very nice 👍

[@bdwillis8284]

Get on of those magnetic sensors so you know your gas level all the time. I have a 19.5 gallon, lasts all winter! I think you will be very happy.

[@metaxaanabeer]

Everybody has their favourite but I'm a fan of Fluid Film for rustproofing and corrosion resistance. I'd grab a rattle can or two and start spraying everything under there, especially where they cut. Fluid Film creeps, so it will go around corners, etc. I'm in the same weather as you...northern Vancouver Island. Rust free (honest) on a 16 year old vehicle and 10 year old teardrop....I'm saying that is because of Fluid Film.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Yeah, I used Rust oleum but already done and I used expandable foam seal off the rest of the body. Jason

[@michaelblock3998]

Trevor let the cat out of the bag!! New paint for the van!! What color you going for?

[@martinnightingale6033]

First viewer . That's a first for me . Nice tidy job .

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Thank you they did a nice job, and this is going to be a nice upgrade

[@jeremyfreeman6032]

What is the name of that access door? I'm going to do the exact same thing to my E350! Thanks for the awesome video.

[@agentorange1556]

Sasquatch is beginning to look like a top tier rig. Is there not a need for a removable skid guard to help protect the tank?

[@PrimalOutdoors]

As I mentioned in the video the tank is so far up out of the way, there is very little risk of hitting it, the fuel tank sits lower than the propane tank does. Jason

[@GiantMeteor2024]

Cool addition. It wouldnt work here on the east coast. The road salt would devour that.

[@beverlybickelman720]

I couldn’t agree more!! I don’t know where you are on the EAST coast, I’m in Delaware and the road salt is horrible!! Love the addiction to the van but salt here would kill it,

[@GiantMeteor2024]

@@beverlybickelman720 I'm in the Buffalo-Niagara area. We have more salt than snow 😂

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I am not sure how you folks even have cars over there😅

[@thomasrut378]

Take a trip over here to the east coast! Love to meet ya man!

[@davidcooper3957]

You could install aircraft flush latches new flush Lever Latches Part Number: C2-32-31 Southco Compression Chrome

[@dangeroustoman]

Safety wise I would change that rubber line to copper at least to inside the van.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

If anything I would use black pipe, but the rubber hose is completely safe and adds a lot more flexibility. Jason

[@craigmclaren5885]

Great channel, I have recently started watching from Australia. Will you have a gauge or an electronic read out on the dash for the gas level in the tank?

[@ozmanfidaar6311]

Awesome install. What's the cost of the installation?

[@jerrytaggart7615]

Awesome video as always! Any backup plan for really cold times since it's outside now? I cannot keep pressure in my gas grill below 10 degrees to cook, and it's been down to -20 for a week now here in ND.

[@lindalakota38]

Only problem is some times might have troble filling tanks depending on area in the spot im at i know a few places close to home but for most of time we have blue rhino tank exchange give old tank and get new full tank but their are places who fill tanks still

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I have never had a problem and filled up at multiple locations. RV tanks are pretty standard and reputable propane dealer should be able accommodate. Jason

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

I want to do an automotive propane conversion to dual fuel for the engine, and carry 30 + gallons, plus my gas tank.

[@СергейКулиш-ц5е]

Good morning Ser! I have Manchester Tank 6817 Permanent ASME Propane Mount Tank, 11.3 Gallon engine generator onan 2500LP. Please tell me what pipes I need to connect? please help me out

[@KairaRacing]

Thats looks good. But I was thinking did they cut your chassis? In europe you have to strenght that cutted hole. And show that to inspector. Hopely that installation dont cause any issues for the chassis.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Where they cut is non-supporting there is no need reinforce, this kind of modification is done regularly to van conversions. Jason

[@blackrockbrewing5141]

Do you have the model number of the Manchester tank? Thank-you.

[@malifestro3319]

First thing that comes to mind is how dirt it's going to get around those connectors.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

No doubt dirt will get around that area, but I am stickler about washing the under carriage often, so I really don’t see that as being an issue. Jason

[@bagheerab278]

I put one under my 4Runner (the 3.3 gallon version) and a simple aluminum cover keeps the gunk from splashing up on the fittings. The whole setup is working awesome.

[@Datzneat]

Store could make some money selling the brackets, doors, and fittings as a kit.

[@shawnbailey.parkie7585]

Hey Jason are you concerned with ice, snow, water, dirt getting into the cavity where they cut? That looks like a concern for rust? I like the ide of the undermount tank, but that access door has me thinking. Thanks for sharing. I'm planning on the propex HS 2000 for my E250. So I'm interested in this tank mount.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

It definitely was that is why I went back in and sealed the area off from the rest of the body with expandable foam and covered that with Rust Oleum primer. Jason

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

Anybody notice that sasquatch sign Jason is holding in his hand? Is that new?? 🤔

[@mtnbound2764]

I dont see it, what time?

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

@@mtnbound2764 7:48

[@mtnbound2764]

@@Mr.Ramirez95 Aha! i see that, I thought it was some special tool or something!

[@donb3064]

Would a skid plate be of any bebefit?

[@mverick160]

Hmmm, Now you can only get it filled at a RV place or truck stop. When swapping tanks out at anyplace including a Walmart or gas station could happen before. I considered 30 gallon tanks but those don't swap out easy either. I would love a dual undermount 20 gallon tank. Maybe where the old spare went. That way you swap them out. If they get corroded from road salt a bit you just swap them out anyway. Hmmm, makes me rethink using the spare tire area for another diesel tank. Or just put 2 20lb propane tanks up there. Run out, swap tanks. So if you stay up with it, you will never run out of gas. But with a single tank you still can. Not sure this is a better deal. I agree it's nice to get it out of the van. Just seems like filling will be more of a pain in the butt. I have RV tanks on other vehicles and getting someone to come out and fill the tank. Is an ordeal. Probably why I like Diesel. I can use the regular diesel tank for a Chinese heater. I can use it for a stove too. Just those are stupid expensive. So one 20gal mounted on the back door above a outside box that also holds a yamaha 2000 watt genset is better for me. Or a 20lb tank mounted up under the vehicle where the spare used to go.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Swapping tanks is way more expensive than having them filled at least in my area. We also don’t road salt like the east coast. I have had very little issue finding locations to fill a tank, propane is widely used so most of the rural towns have stations. Plus, now I can hold more propane than when I just had the 20 lbs bottle so I can go longer between fill ups. I am confident this will work out a lot better for me, but everyone needs to make their own decisions on how to setup their rigs. Jason

[@mverick160]

@@PrimalOutdoors Yea, here propane at the Flying J truckstop which is the easiest to get is $3.20 a gallon. A 20lb cylinder holds 4.6 gallons and is $14.92 on exchange at Walmart. To fill it would be $14.72 at $3.20 a gallon. And if I can fit 2 under the van where the spare tire went I can change the empty one when one goes empty and not have to run to town. Splitter regulators will pull from the primary first and only go to the second tank if the primary is empty. And don't have to buy a $400 tank. Just 2 $30 tanks. You can also run a small generator from Propane too. Just propane doesn't have as much energy per gram so you'd use more then gas. But propane is cleaner. Central Illinois is where I'm at. But I do agree. Piping everything in is very sweet. And not having to change a bottle under the van is too. I'd just have to remember to keep it filled up before a trip. Can you get a gauge that tells the amount in the tank to mount on the dash?

[@Earthcraftfabrications]

What bumper is that?

[@robpivato4227]

Can’t find a link to this tank, any leads?

[@PrimalOutdoors]

I have talked to quite a few folks that have tried to find them since I made this video and apparently they are out of stock everywhere🤷‍♂️

[@donb3064]

Sorry, I meant benefit.

[@BirdPhish]

less trips to town....my kind of upgrade

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Exactly👍

[@jimmyr1683]

How is it less trips if the old tank is 20lbs and the new tank is 7lbs?

[@BirdPhish]

@@jimmyr1683 I was thinking in comparison to the smaller tank he mentioned... but you are correct he went from a 20lb. tank inside to the 7lb. external, so it'll be more space inside the van but more trips to town for propane... not less...my bad. He's using the same Propex heater as I have in my trailer so he should get about a week or so worth of burn time with the 7lb tank.... I can go almost 2 weeks cooking and heating on a 11lb tank. In the summer when not running the Propex heater and just cooking it'll last months.

[@chuckrf1502]

How does 7 gallon equate to pounds? I use a 20 pound tank when I camp and just wondering.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

To be honest I don’t know the exact formula but a 20 lbs tank is roughly 4.6 gallons. Jason

[@kevnrob1]

@@PrimalOutdoors My 30# bottles on my 5th wheel fill up to 7.1 gallons at 80% fill. My 20# portable fireplace tank fills to right around 4.4 gallons at 80% fill.

[@williamlesh109]

Propane weighs 4.24 pounds per gallon.

[@jefferyconklinjr7149]

Send me information on a propane tank and the shop you are at now in you tube video plz

[@PrimalOutdoors]

All that info is in the video. Jason

[@blazer2797]

No corrosion protection on any of the body cuts or holes drilled , that will rust fast. 🙁

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Actually all that has been done👍

[@ronaldcarrender6136]

Trying to find video you did , about possible Sasquatch encounter ?

[@renegade7493]

Why put such a huge bomb sort of speak. Why not get a S Bar which taps into your fuel. Use small bottles for cooking.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

Small bottles are hugely wasteful. I believe S Bar does make a unleaded version but the Propex 2200 I have works better than those types of heaters. I carry 30 gallons of unleaded fuel I would be far more concerned about it blowing up than propane. Jason

[@williamlesh109]

Those tanks are heavy. 1/4 inch wall thickness. Very strong.

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

I'm glad your girlfriend didn't have that installed on her van. Propane on vehicles make me NERVOUS!

[@PrimalOutdoors]

She actually did have propane in the van Jason

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

@@PrimalOutdoors 🤯 she got hit on the same side you installed your tank. That scary stuff man, stay safe Jason.

[@OregonMike]

So you worry about propane but not gasoline or lithium batteries in a wreck? Ahhhh the internet... 😆

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

@@OregonMike 2 lithium batteries vs 2 25 pound bombs.