My weekend project. Gas bottle rack for my work van

[triggerman]

Here is my latest welding project. Thought I'd share it with y'all in hopes of getting some feedback.

I started with 1/2" X 3" strap and slices of 8" schedule 40 pipe for a heavy, solid base. The top rails are made of 3/4" stainless square tube (because that's what I had) and the clamps are made from 8" pipe hangers, 1/2" cold rolled rod, 1/2" threaded rod and OTS knobs from Grainger.

[triggerman]

There slots for 4 bottles so that I can add a nitrogen cylinder when I get my 375 X-treme . The clamps can be hung from the top or bottom of the rack and the knobs make a great place to hang leads. Any comments welcome.

[ronnielyons]

I like it, cool idea.
Ronnie

[calweld]

I think it's a great setup, BUT, i'd hate to think of what could happen if one of those things wasn't tightened up properly; not quite square, you hit a bump, that bracket falls right out, being held in only by friction. I, personally, would consider wrapping a safety chain around each bottle . . . especially any that don't have the cap on.

[garth]

Hi there triggerman those look good but I would be cautious about that kind of weigth on the 1/4 screws that hold the top of that adrian bulk head to the 22gage roof bose of that van they are known to tear out if there is a lot of verticle push at the top . we do these at the day job all the time. if there is room between the seats at the area that should be the swing door If it was me I would try to put in a brace from that to the floor. I would hate to see that big bottle go through the front window if you were to get into an accident. other wise that is one great looking rack. take care and thanks for sharing.

[triggerman]

i'd hate to think of what could happen if one of those things wasn't tightened up properly

A keen eye you have. Part of the design of the clamps is even the ones inserted from the bottom will stay if loose. Even so, there is a backup. I have leads and extension cords, etc. hung from the tightening bolts and the straps securing them go around the bottles.

I would be cautious about that kind of weigth on the 1/4 screws that hold the top of that adrian bulk head to the 22gage roof

I appreciate the info. The next phase of this project will be to reinforce the bulkhead. I will post those pics next. To pull the bulkhead down, the roof of the van will have to be collapsed at two different ribs. I think that will be sufficient.

And thanks for the kudos, y'all.

[Darmik]

pretty cool I really like the idea but if this is on a truck what happens if god forbid you tip over? as you know sh!t happens.

[tommyj3]

I have always been told it is against DOT Regulations to carry cylinders in a inclosed vehicle, is this the case or not.

[triggerman]

I really don't know. However, every van on on the road for refrigeration, air conditioning, or plumbing service (and there are litterally millions of them) has gas cylinders. I will do some research and find out. Thanks for the heads up!

[Darmik]

I built a welding truck for Alberta about 3 months ago and I asked that very same question so I asked my manager and about 2 day's later he said you can as long as you take all the electrical out of the cabinet and plug up all the holes and put a vent at the bottom of the bin.here is a pic of the truck the bin is right behined the passenger the tall one.