CO2 Tank Stored on Roof Dangerous?

[Kanger328]

Hey guys, I recently bought a Rola Rack for my Runner. Been thinking about storing my CO2 tank up there on trips to make space inside. Is this dangerous in terms of heat build up from the sun? I'm doing a 4 day Mojave Desert run in October (should be cooler by then), but am unsure if direct sunlight over a long time will risk the integrity of the tank. What y'all think?

Pic:
https://flic.kr/p/oTgyP2https://www.flickr.com/people/22443523@N08/

 

[KidVermicious]

When was it last pressure tested? That testing certifies it to heat well in excess of the summer sun. I think if the cert is current you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Kanger328]

When was it last pressure tested? That testing certifies it to heat well in excess of the summer sun. I think if the cert is current you have nothing to worry about.

Thanks for the quick replay man! Don't quite remember, but I'm pretty sure it's currrent b/c I swapped it out at Airgas.

 

[KidVermicious]

It should have a sticker or a stamp with the date it was last tested. If it doesn't, or if it's out of date, go swap it with one that does. Ask Airgas while you're there, see what the experts say - they'll probably tell you to keep it out of the sun if you can and if you can't then not to worry about it.

eta - more reading:
http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6706
http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/mounting-a-co2-tank-on-the-roof-in-direct-sunlight.303042/

 

[BlackCat914]

you could probably wrap it in a blanket to keep it out of the direct sunlight while it's up there.

 

[Doc2012]

1 major question?


Do these have bursk disks on them to protect them from overheating?


If they do, keep it inside. Ever play paintball? You loose a burst disk, there goes all your gas.

If they don't have a burst disk, then I would still keep it inside. Wouldn't trust it in the sun like that...

 

[2014 Warthog]

If at all possible you never keep a compressed gas tank inside any closed vehicle.

Yes, certified CO2 tanks come with a burst disk, but if that went off inside your car it would be a frighteningly loud POP and instantly flood your interior with CO2 which is HELL when it hits your eyes, nose and lungs. It could be pretty ugly if it happened while driving.

Now normally heat alone would not cause a certified and properly filled tank to vent, I see them stored in the sun full all the time, but there are a lot of stories out there of tanks being improperly/overly filled and those WILL vent with very little provocation, so the roof is definitely a lot safer for you(Assuming it is WELL secured up there, that's a lot of weight when full!).

 

[Kanger328]

Thanks for the info guys. Yeah, I was worried about the possible bursting inside the vehicle also. Figured it's better to keep it outside in the off chance that it does go off.

 

[nevada]

ive seen many burst discs randomly pop. they are independent of the tank certifications. sometimes they are slightly weaker, or just old.

the extra pressure from the heat may be just enough to cause a problem. I think I would wrap it with something to keep it out of the direct sunlight.

 

[Doc2012]

Thanks for the info guys. Yeah, I was worried about the possible bursting inside the vehicle also. Figured it's better to keep it outside in the off chance that it does go off.

If you keep it in the truck, keep the back window cracked and you'll be ok. It'll be scary as shit(either way, inside or out), but that crack will keep the CO2 from killing you.

 

[IBallEngineer]

1 major question?


Do these have bursk disks on them to protect them from overheating?


If they do, keep it inside. Ever play paintball? You loose a burst disk, there goes all your gas.

If they don't have a burst disk, then I would still keep it inside. Wouldn't trust it in the sun like that...

One of my friends has run his CO2 tank in the sun for years with no problems. I stored all kinds of tanks in direct sunlight, O2, Helium, Argon, and CO2. I never considered them a problem, and I still don't. Now if you are using a paintball gun for your tank, better look in to it.