Another question about oxyacetylene welding - tank transportation

[rfdecarter]

What is the best way to go about it?

I've read all sort of conflicting info on the web...can't tranport acetylene tanks on their sides.....yes you can transport acetylene tanks on their side....

So, how do all of you go about it? I've got a truck, is there some easy way to secure the tanks to the side of the truck bed?

Thanks again.

[LDW]

Here is a previous thread on this subject. I did a search in forums for acetylene tanks and found it. I keep mine in the cart and made a bracket to fit the bottom of the cart then attached it to the truck bed and put some eye hooks on my tool box to put a ratchet strap in.


Oxy/AC tanks, hauling safely, and storage

[MooseRidge]

depending on how many tanks, you can cut some V's in two 2x6s and wedge them in the bed of the truck, then strap the tanks to the boards.....

smaller/shorter tanks may require a third 2x6 in the middle.... the V's keep the tanks from rolling....

make sure that the tank is resting in the V... NOT the release stem!

[Thomas Dean]

Any welding supply will tell you DO NOT LAY ON THE SIDE. They will not allow you to lay one on the side at their store. For those that insist on laying an act. bottle on the side you need to let the liquid settle for at least 24 hours, longer is better, or you will have an oily residue coming from you torch...not good. Oxygen and other gas bottle are no problem to lay on their sides. Years ago it was not uncommon to have to lay a mixed gas bottle on the floor and roll it around to remix the gases due to settling during extended periods of nonuse. Also it is AGAINST THE LAW to transport any bottle inside of a car or other vehicle, no matter the kind of gas.

[Rutterbush]

Not exactly what you asked for, but interesting.

http://www.oseh.umich.edu/OSEH%20Pre...ons/Rhonda.pdf

[Finnr]

rfdecarter. You are not far from me. I'm about 45 minutes South of Eau Claire. Back to the question. We always have hauled tanks in an upright position Just plain safer.
Finnr

[rfdecarter]

So, do you build some sort of rack for your truck to secure the tanks?

[aametalmaster]

I just hauled mine in the front seat of my car. Prob no more dangerous than hauling a can of gas for my mower in the trunk...Bob

[ThomasPowers]

Try rolling the vehicle and then making the same statement!

My wife has laid down the law that I can put an anvil on the floor of the passenger side when taking the forge to an event even if it does help balance the load! I knew a fellow who and filled up his car with starter and alternator cores to return them to the store and rolled the vehicle on the way---can you say ball mill?

[Rutterbush]

Thomas makes a perfect point.

BOB,
Of course, with all of the free info on the Internet about not transporting compressed gases inside of a vehicle I'm sure you're just joking.

DOT is in charge of gas cylinders. Their rules say the cylinders may be transported laying down or standing upright, but must be secured in the back of an open vehicle.