Storing 5# propane cylinder in trunk of car?

[Scoot]

I'm putting a winter survival kit together for my wife's car. I was thinking about putting an small propane heater with a little 5 lb. Coleman tank in the trunk of her car. I would be putting the tank in the middle of a rolled up sleeping bag to protect it in case of a collision to the trunk of the car.
Is this a mistake? I watched a buddy of mine shoot one of those tanks from about 100 yards with a 22-250... bad idea. Pieces of shrapnel flew past us! I'd hate to see something like that happen inside my wife's car. Maybe I should just put a handful of candles in the kit like usual. What do people think?
Scoot

[klbowe]

I was at Coast to Coast last week and Coleman makes a survival kit for your car that includes a emergency propane car heater.
(looks a little risky to me)
Check them out but make sure she understands that she will need to keep a window open and not fall asleep with the heater going.

I would not worry so much about storing the tanks in your car in the winter however make sure they are out of the car before summer comes ! KA-BOOM

[Bob Horn]

Propane is suppose to be safer than gas. I seen a tv special on this and when propane explodes it burns in the direction that it was punctured . I am not 100% on this but 95% sure. I use a fish trap and I leave a propane tank in the car until ice out. If you wrap the tank with something be sure it is`nt going to cause any static electricty.

[Guest]

I am kinda torn on that one Scoot? How about asking a HP or the insurance guy what they think once on that one?

I am still not overly certain a rear end collision would not be a bad deal with a #5 in the boot? Or the possible CO2 danger?

Sleeping bags have saved more folks then heaters! A gall lasted a week up in the SD hills in one last year, remember that?

If she always carries a cell phone then be sure there is a power adapter in the vehicle so a dead cell phone is not as much of a concern. Even if the main starting battery is too low to start the vehicle, it will likely have enough juice to power the cell phone.

Heat packs are safe and can be placed near that new family addition to keep the kid warm when bundled up. Pack a bunch of hi-test food in a coffee can or two, maybe a few diapers for the little one too.

Pack a set of boots for her. Woman tend to forget boots and wear street shoes in the winter. I bought Mickeys years ago just for my girlfriend just for her trunk. I tucked in 2 pair of heavy wool socks in one boot and a stocking hat with mittens in the other boot. Woman like to not wear hats too in my experience. Those tiny feet size Mickeys, they about give them away, they are cheap at Sportsman's guide.

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Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

Backwater Guiding
"ED on the RED"
[email protected]
><,sUMo,>

[cwmn]

This sounds very unsafe, maybe a coffe can and some 15 hour candles, will give off good heat and candles won't explode in a accedent.
And please make sure she understands that she needs to open the window for a air supply.

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Have a good one!
CWMN

[Guest]

It dosen't sound like a very safe plan to me having propain in the back. A few years ago me and my dad were out on mille lacs, ice fishing and the propain was leaking but he didn't notice it. before you knew it the house exploded on him, he started on fire, then quickly rolled around in the snow to put it out. Like the other guys said I would go with the candle method, much safer.

have fun fishin.

[Scoot]

Great- thanks guys. I was kinda thinking it wasn't too bright, but the fact that Coleman makes a survival kit that needs a propane tank in it made me think maybe I was thinking poorly. I'll go with candles, food, handwarmers, socks, boots, mittens, hat, and sleeping bag.
Scoot

[Guest]

Carry a couple cans of Sterno gel or Emergency candles they are much safer than gas. Use the coffee can that all is stored in to burn in. It wont heat like propane but it will keep you from freezing. Also to keep in mind are other survival items such as extra gloves a hat energy bars and always keep a complete extra change of winter clothes including boots and socks in the trunk. A good sleeping bag wouldnt be bad either and a shovel.
Best bet? A good cell phone or OnStar..

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Don't worry you'll get the next one.

[Northlander]

Im with these guys. Anything gas or propain like is not good in the trunk. The sleepingbag and wool blankets idea is best. Extra warm clothes and food and water too. My wife doesnt go anywhere without her cell, food/water, boots, gloves, hat and extra clothing and a couple wool blankets. Also make sure your loved ones know not to open the door for anyone but a rescue person. If someone comes to help ask them nicely to wait in their vehicle until rescue people arrive. Most people understand and will do so. This is real important for women for obvious reasons. Of course if you are seriously hurt it changes everything.

[Guest]

Sterno...hay that is a wise idea.

Great shelf life, easy to use, and has a long burn time. Cheap to stock up on too.

Good idea!

I have a nifty 5 gal pail Sportsman's Heater that runs on Sterno, it is great! You can even cook up MRE's in it. (That's military Meals Ready to-eat if you have never seen them. They are mostly eatable...mostly.) The heater is definitely KEWL though. Thanks again Stu!

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

Backwater Guiding
"ED on the RED"
[email protected]
><,sUMo,>

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 12-01-2003).]

[Nozzlejocky]

As a Firefighter/Paramedic, I strongly urge you not to put the propane tank in the trunk. I use propane for numerous things, as it's very safe when used properly. But a full tank in the trunk is extremely dangerous.
The risk of explosion and fire far outweighs the benefit of it's heat. Others have posted numerous options you'd be much safer with in the car, with perhaps the best thing to carry being a charged cell phone. Plus, that big tank would take up so much room, that she couldn't buy you as many new ice fishing goodies for Christmas!

[Coach Dog]

I'd go w/ the candles just to be safe. On another note: I will think twice about target practicing w/ a gun at propane tanks .

Coach Dog