Gas cylinder storage

You can ask your Fortuner related questions here. Also feel free to show us the modifications you did on your vehicle.
Post Reply
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

I just bought a 3kg gas cylinder after using bonsai cartridges for a long time. Being true followers of the open fire, the gas stove is basically used for a coffee and eggs in the morning. Therefore the limited capacity never was a real problem. Since the small cartridges are not always and everywhere available, moving to the standard gas cylinder appeared quite logical to me. Now I realized that I had not completely thought through all aspects of the issue:
Since I use a hardshell roof tent (Impi) on my Tuna, all the space on top is spent and the standard brackets as manufactured by frontrunner etc have to be ruled out. The second spare occupies the space on top of the rear bumper. Transportation inside the vehicle is not recommended. The big question is, where to put the gas cylinder while on the road? Does any of you guys have a solution for my peace of mind?
User avatar
WayneSchalk
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 2139
Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2009 10:22 am
Town: Krugersdorp
Vehicle: 2019 Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 4X4 DC Auto
Real Name: Wayne
Club VHF Licence: X117

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by WayneSchalk »

Ralf is it not a possibility to make a bracket that goes onto the spare wheel carrier?
User avatar
ChrisF
Top Web Wheeler
Top Web Wheeler
Posts: 8188
Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:56 pm
Town: inniedorp
Vehicle: Toy
Real Name: Chris

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by ChrisF »

a few spare gas cartridges may well be the easiest solution .....

Will the 3kg (or even a slightly smaller unit) not fit inside the hard shell ?? This may be the best way to get the gas outside the vehicle while driving (though you will be storing the gas here at night when using the RTT)


Next would be making a bracket that fits to the roof bars, or to the spare wheel swing arm .... neither will be nice ...
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

WayneSchalk wrote:Ralf is it not a possibility to make a bracket that goes onto the spare wheel carrier?
Wayne, I've thought about that. "Inside" the rim there is not enough space and on the outside you obviously expose the cylinder to impact in case of an accident.
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

ChrisF wrote:a few spare gas cartridges may well be the easiest solution .....

Will the 3kg (or even a slightly smaller unit) not fit inside the hard shell ?? This may be the best way to get the gas outside the vehicle while driving (though you will be storing the gas here at night when using the RTT)


Next would be making a bracket that fits to the roof bars, or to the spare wheel swing arm .... neither will be nice ...
Thanks for the input, Chris, maybe the smaller (1.7kg ?) cylinder could be squeezed into the hardshell, no way with the 3kg. To just pack more of the small 250g cartridges is probably also not advisable - you end up with a similar volume of liquid gas but in much weaker containers. There is definitely some charme in the idea of a (custom) bracket on the roof rack (I have a frontrunner rack mounted) but you will be limited to the sides (on the back you need the space to swing open the rear hatch) but still the Impi sticks out approx 8 cm on each side. It could work from the mechanical point of view, but you will have the cylinder sticking out about 25cm sideways over the vehicle clearance.
User avatar
ChrisF
Top Web Wheeler
Top Web Wheeler
Posts: 8188
Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:56 pm
Town: inniedorp
Vehicle: Toy
Real Name: Chris

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by ChrisF »

Maybe a photo of your roof rack, and how the hard shell sits on it ....


IF you have a SOLID edge of the roof rack available it should be easy enough to make a custom bracket - may very well find one in the Frontrunner cataloque ...
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

ChrisF wrote:Maybe a photo of your roof rack, and how the hard shell sits on it ....


IF you have a SOLID edge of the roof rack available it should be easy enough to make a custom bracket - may very well find one in the Frontrunner cataloque ...
here are 2 pics illustrating the situation:
_1100864.jpeg
Attachments
DSC_0016.jpeg
User avatar
ChrisF
Top Web Wheeler
Top Web Wheeler
Posts: 8188
Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:56 pm
Town: inniedorp
Vehicle: Toy
Real Name: Chris

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by ChrisF »

uhmmm jaaaa ....

three options :
- sides .... not a real option, as this would make the vehicle wider and just be a target waiting to be hit ...

- front .... certainly would be the only gas canister mounted over the windscreen .... so not a real option

- that leaves only the back of the vehicle .... open the back door and see what space is left to mount the gas bottle ... guessing the bottle would end up being the highest point of the vehicle, NOT an option.



So by process of elimination :
- IN the hard shell, maybe ...
- mounted to the side of the roof rack .... unlikely
- mounted to the spare wheel .... possibly the best option. Just need to figure out a theft proof removable bracket, that keeps the gas bottle above the bumper line of other vehicles ....
- easier bracket may be a clip-on to the towbar system, but this will always be low and in the impact line ...
- would it be possible to move the hard shell forward, to create space behind it for the gas bottle ?? (that would mean you would have to access the hard shell from the side)
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

Thanks for all the brains! I believe I will follow the "bracket on the spare" idea. Moving the shell forward would end in 30cm + (don't forget the space for the rear door to open). I will post when I have a presentable solution.
User avatar
ChrisF
Top Web Wheeler
Top Web Wheeler
Posts: 8188
Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:56 pm
Town: inniedorp
Vehicle: Toy
Real Name: Chris

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by ChrisF »

Ralf take off the spare wheel and have a close look at the sparewheel mounting - often possible to change out the studds that hold the spare in place.

Replace 1 or 2 with longer studds - the bottle bracket could then be tightened onto this. Some rubber on the bracket should protect the rim, maybe best to construct it such that it presses onto the tire.
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

Chris, my studs are welded to the carrier, but I believe there will be a proper way to get the bottle holder fixed to it - even without rocket technology.
User avatar
ChrisF
Top Web Wheeler
Top Web Wheeler
Posts: 8188
Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 2:56 pm
Town: inniedorp
Vehicle: Toy
Real Name: Chris

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by ChrisF »

VW183 wrote:Chris, my studs are welded to the carrier, but I believe there will be a proper way to get the bottle holder fixed to it - even without rocket technology.

but you ARE strapping a rocket to the back of your wagon .... :tease: :twisted:

coyote_rocket_by_mreiof-d5va4sl.jpg
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

...got a light for me?.:-))
User avatar
Haboob
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 2484
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:57 pm
Town: King Williams Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Edge
Club VHF Licence: HC129

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by Haboob »

You have a problem with space Ralf and not easily solved...
What I would do, has already been lobbied around here and discarded, but I do not think that you have any other safer chioces...
The area is between the front of the awning and the roof rack. Make a bracket that fits there and PM First Geer (Tony) for a method to lock the gas bottle on, using wheel lock nuts, thus taking out the problem of illegal shopping (Theft). You buy one set and the extra's can be used to lock your spare wheel into pla and anything else that is mounted to the outside of the vehicle.
Having it od the sides with the roof rack already wider than the vehicle makes it dangerous to passing traffic.
Having the gas bottle at the back, lower down, makes it dangerous & more succesible to rear impact accidents.
Having it in front only makes it dangerous for roll over accidents (not as common) and it can be removed when you are not using the vehicle for overlanding.
This will also negatively effect the streamlined shape of your vehicle (wind resistance), but for overlanding with lower speeds, especially off road, this will virtually have no impact what-so-ever.
Hope you find an amicable solution to your problem.
Image
HABOOB means "Dust Storm"
Whisky
Low Range 4WD
Low Range 4WD
Posts: 195
Joined: Mon Aug 17, 2009 10:17 am
Town: Durbanville
Vehicle: 2009 Toyota Hilux DC 3.0 D -4D 4X4
Real Name: Ben
Club VHF Licence: HC 136

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by Whisky »

VW183 wrote:Transportation inside the vehicle is not recommended.
Why is it not recommended to transport the gas bottle inside the vehicle? Todays gas bottles comply to strict safety regulations. If it is closed and securely secured what would the problem be? If the vehicle is involved in an accident the bottle is not going to explode unless exposed to extreme heat.
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

Whisky wrote:
VW183 wrote:Transportation inside the vehicle is not recommended.
Why is it not recommended to transport the gas bottle inside the vehicle? Todays gas bottles comply to strict safety regulations. If it is closed and securely secured what would the problem be? If the vehicle is involved in an accident the bottle is not going to explode unless exposed to extreme heat.

Hi Whisky, I am not at all a gas expert. That is probably why I find the stuff somewhat scary. All "official" websites state clearly that transportation of gas cylinders in a closed vehicle is illegal. If that is not enough, when you travel with a wife with a glowing cigarette you will probably start thinking of gas leakages.
They also warn you not to leave a gas cylinder in a hot vehicle in the sun.

If someone can convince me that there is nothing to worry about - problem solved!
User avatar
Stef
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 3125
Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 12:54 pm
Town: Pretoria
Vehicle: '98 LTD
Real Name: Stefan
Club VHF Licence: X107

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by Stef »

I've seen okes fit high lift jacks next to the spare wheel on the bracket. Depending on the room you have you could follow suit. I agree that the spare wheel bracket is probably the most feasible idea.

Maybe a pic of the spare wheel swing arm could help...looks like there is room on the bumper right or possibly on the swing arm on the hinge side
User avatar
FIRSTGEER
LR4WD, Lockers, Crawler Gears
LR4WD, Lockers, Crawler Gears
Posts: 1536
Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2010 6:00 am
Town: King WilliamsTown
Vehicle: 2,5 D4D Singlr Cab 4X4 Full OME suspension. snorkel.GMA aftermarket bullbar.
Real Name: Tony Geer
Club VHF Licence: HC 109

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by FIRSTGEER »

I would really consider the bottle mounted above the spare wheel.Design a removable bracket which you can attach above the spare wheel when needed and then it can be removed and stored when not needed.I have gone this route but my bracket is permanently attached with the gas bottle in place.Pm me your cell no so I can send you some photos of my set-up and method of locking the bottle on.A few photos of of your spare wheel set up from diff angles will assist one with designing a bracket.
Image
User avatar
Haboob
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 2484
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:57 pm
Town: King Williams Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Edge
Club VHF Licence: HC129

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by Haboob »

"Why is it not recommended to transport the gas bottle inside the vehicle? Todays gas bottles comply to strict safety regulations. If it is closed and securely secured what would the problem be? If the vehicle is involved in an accident the bottle is not going to explode unless exposed to extreme heat".

I have been told somewhere or I read that Regulations in the European Union & America will not allow gas to be transported in an inclosed area, because of the very real dangers of leaks. Also the heat build-up inside a vehicle can very quickly escalate to over 50*C. This is also half way to boiling water right, so not very hot?
Ai-Ais hot water spring is about 55*C and that water is too hot to wash your hands in.
A gas bottle is like a bomb with a good layer of schrapnel and a real danger. Anyone who has experienced a gas explosion will know what I am talking about. Many people have succumbed to gas explosions, hence the heavy regulations in First World Countries. These will surely spill over to our shores sooner than later, so be prepared.

First Geer (Tony) wrote:
"I would really consider the bottle mounted above the spare wheel."

This is a good point and can be extended up, from the swing-arm and fitted above the spare wheel, as it will swing out with the spare wheel when the boot of the Fortuner is opened.
My small brain was under the impression that it would have to swing up as though the spare wheel was mounted on the back door (like my camper), which is obviously not the case.
Image
HABOOB means "Dust Storm"
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

Haboob wrote:"Why is it not recommended to transport the gas bottle inside the vehicle? Todays gas bottles comply to strict safety regulations. If it is closed and securely secured what would the problem be? If the vehicle is involved in an accident the bottle is not going to explode unless exposed to extreme heat".

I have been told somewhere or I read that Regulations in the European Union & America will not allow gas to be transported in an inclosed area, because of the very real dangers of leaks. Also the heat build-up inside a vehicle can very quickly escalate to over 50*C. This is also half way to boiling water right, so not very hot?
Ai-Ais hot water spring is about 55*C and that water is too hot to wash your hands in.
A gas bottle is like a bomb with a good layer of schrapnel and a real danger. Anyone who has experienced a gas explosion will know what I am talking about. Many people have succumbed to gas explosions, hence the heavy regulations in First World Countries. These will surely spill over to our shores sooner than later, so be prepared.

First Geer (Tony) wrote:
"I would really consider the bottle mounted above the spare wheel."

This is a good point and can be extended up, from the swing-arm and fitted above the spare wheel, as it will swing out with the spare wheel when the boot of the Fortuner is opened.
My small brain was under the impression that it would have to swing up as though the spare wheel was mounted on the back door (like my camper), which is obviously not the case.

Haboob, I decided to follow that road, as indicated by Firstgeer. I still will have to move the bracket more to the left, since the center part is already taken by (another) bracket holding my Maxtrax (see picture I posted in this thread yesterday.
:thumbup:
User avatar
Haboob
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 2484
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2011 9:57 pm
Town: King Williams Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Edge
Club VHF Licence: HC129

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by Haboob »

Nice Ralph, good looking vehicle you have there...
You need to give us some advice on nice places to see that you know of in your country...
Image
HABOOB means "Dust Storm"
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

...will happily do so! Please allow me some time - I am pretty much tied up the next couple of weeks.
In the meantime have a look at my OTHER car. https://www.flickr.com/photos/rtk-pictu ... 2922443235
Stay tuned!
User avatar
Family_Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 12692
Joined: Tue May 22, 2007 10:09 am
Town: Klerksdorp
Vehicle: Hilux DC SFA, Hilux 2.7 DC, Hilux 2.7 SC, Prado 95 VX
Real Name: Eric
Club VHF Licence: HC101
Location: Klerksdorp, NW
Contact:

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by Family_Dog »

Whisky wrote:
VW183 wrote:Transportation inside the vehicle is not recommended.
Why is it not recommended to transport the gas bottle inside the vehicle?

Very dangerous from a safety perspective. I had a friend who was returning from Tarlton, brand new tyres on his Jetta. He had a blow-out, lost control of the car, slammed into a stationary car parked on the island between the two lanes of the dual highway and the gas bottle in the rear of the car broke his skull when it came flying forward after the impact.

For this reason, I would not want any loose heavy object inside any vehicle.


-F_D
Image

White Fang: 1999 2.7i DC Raider 4x4
Bull Dog: 1987 4Y-EFI 2.2 DC 4x4
Pra Dog: 1998 Prado VX 3.4
Hound Dog: 2000 2.7i SC 4x4


One Staffie, One Jack Russell, One Ring Neck Screecher, 17 Fish of questionable heritage


Image
User avatar
VW183
High Range 2WD
High Range 2WD
Posts: 15
Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:06 pm
Town: Henties Bay
Vehicle: Fortuner D4D 3.0
Real Name: Ralf

Re: Gas cylinder storage

Post by VW183 »

Family_Dog wrote:
Whisky wrote:
VW183 wrote:Transportation inside the vehicle is not recommended.
Why is it not recommended to transport the gas bottle inside the vehicle?

Very dangerous from a safety perspective. I had a friend who was returning from Tarlton, brand new tyres on his Jetta. He had a blow-out, lost control of the car, slammed into a stationary car parked on the island between the two lanes of the dual highway and the gas bottle in the rear of the car broke his skull when it came flying forward after the impact.

For this reason, I would not want any loose heavy object inside any vehicle.


-F_D


Searching the web for a solution I came over these pics. Recommended to all non-believers in the community:
http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.ph ... as-bottles
Post Reply

Return to “Toyota Fortuner 4x4 Forum”