When I purchased my 2026 Paradigm 340 rl, I asked dealer to install 40 lb propane tanks in place of the 30 lbs ones. They did this, but they used ratchet straps in place of the metal ones that came with it. They said they could not get metal ones big enough. I think that's BS, and not even sure that's legal. They work themselves loose and I need to keep an eye on it and keep tightening it. I was wondering if anyone in the forum had similar problem or recommendations. It was not a factory option with Alliance but they sell the suggestion that there is enough room for upgrading the tanks to 40, so I did.
upgrade propane tanks
- Thread starter Tod & Pam
- Start date
George
Prominent Member
My metal straps never latched properly. I ditched them and bought 2" wide velcro straps.
I bolted on some oak pieces on each side of the tanks with a dado for straps to slide through.
After reading your comment I don't know if what I did was "legal" or not but it is definitely more secure.
I bolted on some oak pieces on each side of the tanks with a dado for straps to slide through.
After reading your comment I don't know if what I did was "legal" or not but it is definitely more secure.
George
Prominent Member
Thanks for the confirmation
Same here...ditched those darn metal straps and I now have 2x woven straps. Soooo much easier to get them on/off of the tank. In the 18 months I've been using them, not once have they ever come loose on their own.
Midnight Rider
Prominent Member
George
Prominent Member
Sorry no picture. I like the brackets Jim bought better though. I didn't think I could use them as the back of the tank sits against the back wall when the tank's bottom ring is in the tray. I didn't consider putting a filler in that tray so the tank could move away from the wall some.
sawendland
Member
I believe you are correct on this. 20, 30, & 40's same diameter, height difference. I thought I saw in one of the Paradigm videos they even either show or change them out?? I could be wrong, but I do believe they at least mention it's an easy change out.
Flyer32RLS
Well-known member
Fortunately our straps from the factory work perfect. Like the idea of having a lock on the tanks as the compartment does not lock and would be very easy and quick for someone to walk off with them!
With regard to a compartment lock, I was told by the salesman that mechanical code does not allow them to be locked. Must be OK to padlock the straps. Just as long as the tank can be shut off and piping disconnected. I’ve been considering locking one of the straps on each side.
Theft is not a big issue. I would use a carbineer to secure the latch vs. a lock. The lp compartment doors do not have locks on them to allow quick access to lp tanks in case of emergency. Likewise the tanks should not be locked in in case of fire they can be removed quickly.
Flyer32RLS
Well-known member
Good point, had not thought of fire aspect. Think I will leave locks on while in storage tho. Not sure about the theft issue tho. Comes down to how much you trust others. In today's world, not very far!!
Socal-Paul
Well-known member
Just my opinion, the access door on the propane tank is so you can get to the valve if the is a gas leak. If propane is already feeding a fire get out even if you get the propane shut off it may not be safe to reenter with extinguisher.
The tank does not have to feed the fire to create a huge problem. It maybe possible to simply remove the tank before a fire reaches it. . However if the tank is locked in place that may not be possible. That leaves the tank still locked in place, if the fire totally engulfs the RV the tank will explode making a bad situation worse.
Socal-Paul
Well-known member
Lantley your correct about the huge problem that said if you can't extinguish the fire with an extinguisher by the time you get the tanks out that might well be all you save of your rig. There is a large fire load in these rigs. My suggestion would be to: 1. Get everyone to safety. 2. Call the fire department 3. Make an attempt with the extinguisher if possible. 4. If your truck is connected or close get it out of the way if it can be done safely. Personally if hooked up I would just pull the lever and drive out from under it.
Getting the tanks off is not so much about saving your RV as it is about avoiding an explosion that could easily ignite anything near the RV.
The tank itself will become shrapnel which is also an issue. An exploding 30# tank is is a danger in and of itself that you want to avoid.
Consider you can evacuate the RV and disconnect your truck and still get hurt or be damaged by an exploding tank!
The tank itself will become shrapnel which is also an issue. An exploding 30# tank is is a danger in and of itself that you want to avoid.
Consider you can evacuate the RV and disconnect your truck and still get hurt or be damaged by an exploding tank!
sawendland
Member
Sounds like they damaged one or both straps, so they "replaced" them with something they had "handy"??? Just odd that they said that... doesn't sound like a very. honest "dealer".