Propane tank mat - quik mod

[Wayward]

I pulled a propane tank to get a refill and found tank bases are wearing through the paint on the steel tank base.

A nearby Tractor Supply store had propane for $2.50. They had some very heavy duty 4' wide rubber mat sold by the foot. It is 1/4" thick. I bought one foot for about 5 bucks with tax.

After cleaning the pan out I gave it a good spray of Corrosion-X, then traced the base and cut a pad for the tanks to sit on. Tough stuff to cut. Seems like it is made from ground up tires. I used sheetmetal scissors but a sharp utility knife would do.

[dznf0g]

Very nice! I just cut rubber fuel line lengthwise and slip it over the rounded foot ring of the bottles.

[Wayward]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I just cut rubber fuel line lengthwise and slip it over the rounded foot ring of the bottles.

That'll work too! Good idea

I may try that on the bottom edge of the propane tank cover.

[Skatiero]

Nice!!! Great idea!

[AtomicNo13]

Keep in mind that if you have an older unit with electric level gauges, the system depends on ground from the tank base in order to operate properly! Adding the mat will insulate the tank from the frame rendering the tank insulated! You can avoid this by running a ground wire from frame to one of the sending unit screws!

[dznf0g]

They still get a ground through the hold down bracket. Good catch though...if you ever get an erratic signal, clean the threads and clamps for the bracket.

[DJW]

Hi, thanks for the good idea. But... does it allow water to dry out that gets between the mat and the steel tray?

I'm looking for something similar. My A/S had a plastic grid between the propane bottles and the tray, but it's falling apart.

Don

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by DJW

Hi, thanks for the good idea. But... does it allow water to dry out that gets between the mat and the steel tray?

I'm looking for something similar. My A/S had a plastic grid between the propane bottles and the tray, but it's falling apart.

Don

This looks like a job for rubber link floor mat: Tire Link Floor Mats are Tire Tread Rubber Door Mats by American Floor Mats

A mat like this will allow liquids to drain through it.

[dznf0g]

Or this:

http://www.amazon.com/Crown-Safewalk...MYFJQ7W8212D4Z

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Or this:

Crown Safewalk-Light Rubber Anti-Fatigue Drainage Mat, for Wet or Dry Areas, 36" Width x 60" Length x 1/2" Thickness, Black: Floor Matting: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

That one would be easier to cut to the right shape, all right.

[DJW]

Wow! Great ideas all. And, it reminded me of something I used on my houseboat, years ago-

DRI DEK Dri-Dek Panels | West Marine

I can get 2 squares of this for under $15

There's a West Marine 10 minutes from my office, and it is always fun to look around anyway..

Thanks,

Don

[DJW]

Follow up report- Bought 2 of the Dri-Dek panels. $13.xx. Cut to fit- easy with a pair of tin snips. Fits and works perfectly, even color coordinated.

Thanks all,

Don