Looking for a propane heater for tanker trailer

Not having much luck with google. In finding anything decent.

Winter time is approaching and I don't want to deal with weed torch to thaw my valve/s. Specially come January.

I'd like to find a length wise heater. Preferably over the top of the valve where there's basically nothing there to fry.

It's too easy to melt an airline with a torch. Already had to do 4 repairs.

I'd rather run a heater and hang out in a warm truck for a few minutes waiting for the valve to unthaw. And the trailer for that matter.

It's a vacuum trailer. But my loads don't come completely off. I can park it at an angle. Front down. Create a vacuum and suck what i can up front. And leave the valve open. But it's not always cold enough for instant freeze and sometimes there's too much and runs back to the valve. It's not the best angle but it's better then nothing.

One idea I had would be a long drill. To poke a hole in enough to start loading up and the rest will melt. But I don't think I can get the angle I need to actually make it inside the tank. The 2 valves actually connect to a space under the trailer. In the back.

The pic is at an angle but you can somewhat see the space I"m talking about on the valves. The aluminum trailer is similar to my setup in the black trailer. 2 valves.

 

What about valve insulation to keep it warm? How long time between you got loaded to unload?

 

Would need to insulate more then just the valve.

Loads have some warmth and it's local work. We don't usually get down to zero. I haul 3 loads a day.

 

Could you use a flexible drill bit?

 

I"m not seeing any flexible drill bits. Something like a snake might be nice.

I think I"m going to look in to these ramps. Along with the parking angle. Should be able to get the back to sit about 12" higher then the front. Provided the tires will fit. The trailer axles are 10,000 lbs.


13,000 Lb. Portable Vehicle Ramp Set

Worse case scenario. I'll have to check but I think there's a plug where I load.
100' of extension cord + space heater might also work.

 

Cata-Dyne Explosion Proof Infrared Gas Heater. 12 volt, comes with a mounting bracket kit.
Mr Heater also has a direct fire unit, but it needs AC for blower.

 

Look up portable butane torch.

 

Can you only close the first valve (internal) I would assume. And leave the second one open in freezing weather......?

 

I always leave one valve open. Problem is. I can't get completely empty.
Last load of the day is noodles. And that crap leaves anywhere from 4k to 10k deadweight on the trailer.

I have a spot to park that's angled somewhat to bring the front down. But that only works if the deadweight is 4k or less. Anything more then that and it runs up back in to the valve.

One idea I have is a wooden ramp built from a 4x4x8 dunnage. Cut in half and nail the 2 pieces together. Raise the back up an additional 8 inches higher then the front. One end angled of course so the trailer can back up instead of climb up on the wood.

I have some cardboard I cut that I can lay over the valves as a blanket to trap the heat.
Turns out there's a power outlet by the door. I can run a 50 ft. extension cord and use a space heater.
Or a small metal barrel for a portable fire pit.
Or a propane heater. Or butane.
Bossman supplies propane though with a torch.

 

I would assume you can dump the air on the trailer suspension....... you could also fit the tractor with a over inflation system.... it’s just like a dump valve only opposite.

Wooden ramps sound good but using them 3 times a day will suck.....