Propane torch

I carry them in my plumbing truck all the time. Along with 2 tanks of gas that are about 2' tall. If it's a small handheld one shouldn't be an issue at all. Just don't tell anyone when you go through a tunnel or no hazmat area. Hide it well. Border crossings might be a bit different. But campers have them and lots of people carry camping stoves so shouldn't be an issue. A driver that knows hazmat road rules will know better.

 

I carry one in my tool box, but I get the feeling you think it's a good idea as a self defense item.In which case bad idea. There is not a reason to have it in the drivers compartment going down the road.

 

when i run to alaska in the early 70s canada was really hot about us trucks with aux propane heaters. or some hot to trot dot man writes you a ticket for propane in the cab of the truck. that being said i carried one in my tool box in the jump box for years without any trouble. have a safe trip

 

Just be careful with the thought to much heat is bad for rubber parts inside the valves. Also remember water always gathers in a low spot so look for a dip in the lines and try there. They also work if your brake shoes or drums were wet and froze together. I have never had any air line freezing trouble but being an O/O I get to say what is fixed so to speak. I won't put up with any air leaks, I want my truck to hold air all night, the more the compressor runs the more moisture it creates. I also change my drier filter regular. Of course pull my tank valves before I shut down every day.
Naturally a company driver can't be so demanding, and it will depend on how the last guy took care of the air system. If water ever gets in the smaller lines for the air bags and such its hard to get out. Just thought I would pass on little ways to prevent using the torch. Just because I said I never had my lines freeze don't mean I don't have one in the side box just in case.

They also make DOT certified push in connectors that self lock for plastic airlines. If you could get a couple of those to keep in the truck if you had a oops and got the torch too close with a pocket knife odds are you could be back on the road in a minute or less. No that I ever got the torch too close or anything when I was doing a road call.

 

I currently haul spring water in a tanker trailer running local using a day cab tractor. We absolutely MUST carry a propane torch this time of year to thaw out the connections, valves, and vent. No place on our trucks to store it but inside the cab. So, for me anyway, there is certainly a valid reason to carry it in the cab.

 

I carry two tourches and 6 bottles because 3come in a pack.

Here is some advice never keep the bottle and torch screwd on together. I had mine leaking in my sleeper compartment. I smelled something strong I stopped shut the truck off and heard a leak took me a minute to realize what was going on.........p.s so glad I dont smoke

 

A little off topic but along the same line. A small butane torch works good for soldering and shrink tubing electrical wiring. Butt connectors and scotchlock connectors are great for temporary repairs but need to solder and shrink tube the repairs