7 Trailer Propane Tank Holders For Camping Built for Bumpy Backroads

You’re miles down a washboard road, the rhythmic thump-thump-thump of the corrugations vibrating through the truck frame and into your teeth. Suddenly, you hear a sharp CLANG from the trailer behind you. Your heart jumps—is that the propane tank for your stove and heater breaking loose? A secure propane tank holder isn’t just a convenience for your camp trailer; it’s a critical piece of safety equipment, especially when the pavement ends. Choosing the right one ensures your fuel source stays put, no matter how much the trail shakes, rattles, and rolls.

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Power Tank Bracket for Extreme Vibration Control

If you’re pushing your rig through high-speed desert whoops or crawling over technical, rocky terrain, standard mounts just won’t cut it. This is where a bracket designed for extreme vibration, like those from Power Tank, comes into play. Originally engineered to hold heavy, high-pressure CO2 tanks, these brackets are massively overbuilt, which is exactly what you need for a propane tank on a rough trail.

The design often features multiple latching points, rubber bumpers, and a full-band clamp that completely encircles the tank. This isn’t just about holding the tank down; it’s about isolating it from the constant, high-frequency chatter of the trail. The tradeoff is clear: these brackets are among the heaviest and most expensive options available. But for those who demand absolute, bombproof security, the cost and weight are a small price to pay for the peace of mind that your fuel tank will be in the exact same spot you left it, no matter what the trail throws at you.

MORryde LP Tank Tray for Heavy-Duty Stability

Imagine a long, grinding journey over hundreds of miles of gravel roads. The challenge here isn’t a single big impact, but the cumulative effect of constant, low-grade vibration. For this scenario, a heavy-duty tray like the ones from MORryde provides a different kind of security. MORryde’s expertise is in trailer suspension and chassis components, and that engineering focus on structural integrity shows in their designs.

These holders are typically tray-style, meaning they support the entire base of the propane tank, reducing stress on the tank’s foot ring. Combined with a heavy-duty top strap or clamp, the tank is locked in from both the bottom and top. This is a "set it and forget it" solution, ideal for a permanent installation on a trailer tongue. It’s less about quick access and more about providing a rock-solid foundation for your fuel supply on extended trips where reliability is paramount.

Expedition Essentials Quick Mount for Fast Access

You’ve finally pulled into that perfect dispersed campsite after a long day on the trail. You want to set up your portable fire pit 20 feet from the trailer, but your propane tank is bolted down with a threaded rod and wingnut. This is where a quick-release mount, like the Expedition Essentials Quick Mount (PROP), shines. It’s built for the adventurer who frequently uses their propane tank for more than just the trailer’s built-in appliances.

These systems use a secure latching mechanism that holds the tank firmly in place during transit but allows for tool-free, one-handed removal in seconds. The design is a brilliant balance of backcountry security and in-camp convenience. The primary tradeoff is mechanical complexity. While robust, a latching system has more moving parts than a simple bolt. You must ensure the latch is clean and fully engaged before hitting the trail. For those who value speed and flexibility in camp, this is a game-changing piece of gear.

Front Runner Holder for Modular Rack Systems

If your off-road trailer is already equipped with a T-slot style roof rack, like a Front Runner Slimline II, a dedicated rack-mounted holder is the most elegant solution. These holders are designed to integrate seamlessly into the rack’s ecosystem. They use brackets that slide directly into the rack’s channels, giving you incredible flexibility in where you mount your tank.

This modularity allows you to position the tank on the side of the trailer, on a tongue-mounted rack, or anywhere else you have slats. It keeps your setup clean, organized, and adaptable. The obvious limitation is that this solution is system-specific. It’s not a universal mount you can bolt just anywhere. But if you’re already invested in a modular rack system, it’s the cleanest and most versatile way to carry your propane.

Smittybilt Mount for Versatile Jerry Can Use

Sometimes, versatility is the most important feature. A classic steel Jerry can holder, like those made by Smittybilt, is a surprisingly effective and budget-friendly option for carrying propane. Many standard 10lb and 11lb "squatty" propane tanks have a diameter that fits snugly inside a holder designed for a 20L NATO or Scepter-style can.

This is a fantastic option for the adventurer whose needs change from trip to trip. One weekend you need propane; the next, you need to carry extra water. The key tradeoff is the fit. Because it’s not purpose-built for a propane cylinder, you may need to add a rubber pad or a small piece of foam to eliminate any rattling or play. It’s a multi-purpose workhorse, but you are responsible for ensuring the tank is truly secure before you lock the latch and head down a bumpy road.

Flame King YSN-201HOG for No-Frills Durability

For the DIY builder or the minimalist who believes simpler is better, it’s hard to beat the classic, no-frills propane tank bracket. The Flame King bracket is a perfect example of this philosophy. It consists of a sturdy steel base, a vertical support arm, and a long threaded rod with a T-handle or wing nut that clamps down over the top of the tank.

There are no moving parts to fail, no latches to get jammed with mud, and no complex installation. It just works. You bolt it to your trailer, drop the tank in, and tighten it down. The downside is a complete lack of convenience. Removing the tank requires slowly unthreading the entire clamp, which can be tedious. But for a tank that rarely leaves its mount, this simple, durable, and inexpensive design is often the smartest choice.

Worthington Dual Holder for Extended Backcountry Trips

When you’re planning to be off-grid for a week or more, especially in colder weather, a single 20lb propane tank might not be enough. Running a furnace, water heater, and stove can consume fuel quickly. A dual tank holder, often seen on larger travel trailers, is the solution for extended self-sufficiency. These trays are designed to hold two 20lb or 30lb tanks side-by-side.

Mounting a dual holder on an off-road trailer provides a massive fuel reserve and critical redundancy. The major considerations are weight and space. Doubling your propane adds significant tongue weight, which can affect your tow vehicle’s handling and suspension. You also need a trailer tongue or rack with enough real estate to accommodate the larger footprint. This is a serious upgrade for serious, long-duration backcountry travel.

AT Overland vs. Front Runner: Mounting Versatility

When looking at premium, system-based solutions, it’s helpful to compare mounting philosophies. AT Overland Equipment, known for their high-end campers, offers holders designed to mount to a flat, vertical surface. This is perfect for the side of a trailer box, a custom flatbed, or the headboard of a truck bed. The mount itself provides the structure.

Front Runner, on the other hand, designs its holder to leverage the structure of its T-slot rack system. The strength comes from its integration with the rack slats. The decision between them has nothing to do with which is "better" and everything to do with your trailer’s existing architecture.

• Choose AT Overland style if you have a large, reinforced flat surface to bolt to.
• Choose Front Runner style if you are building your system around a modular T-slot rack.

Your trailer’s design will make the choice for you. Both offer exceptional quality and security, but they solve the mounting problem from two very different starting points.

Ultimately, the best propane tank holder isn’t the one with the most features or the highest price tag. It’s the one that securely fastens your fuel to your rig, matches the demands of the terrain you travel, and fits your budget. Don’t let the search for the "perfect" gear stop you. Get a solid, safe solution mounted up, and focus on what really matters: planning that next trip and getting back out on the trail.