There is no safety problem carrying loose propane tanks as long as they
are constrained and only b/c they can do some damage if in motion. The
propane is both a liquid and a gas in the tank. When you are ready to
use the tank, just let it sit upright for a few minutes so that the gas
can come to the top; liquid to the bottom. Some will say that an
external propane tank (BBQ type)  should not be used (stored) indoors
but I have used a BBQ tank as a source of heat indoors in the winter in
a propane heater, with no effects (ie leaking propane).
When transporting my tank to the depot, I have a wooden dolly that the
base sits in so it won't move around.
Darryl

Yoel and Tina Crane wrote:

> For you non-camper owners, how do you carry a lose propane tank for
> camping .. and feel safe doing it?  Do you just throw it in the back
> or strap it on top of the Vanagon .. or?
>
> Tina