Tank Monitors and Accessories | Mounting Equipment: The Complete 2026 Guide

Looking for the right mounting equipment for your propane tank monitor? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know-from mounting brackets and straps for steel and fiberglass tanks, to weatherproof enclosures, sensor mounting hardware, magnetic mount adapters, riser pipe accessories for underground tanks, and how to choose the correct mounting equipment for Generac, Mopeka, SmartTank Pro, and DIY ESPHome propane monitoring systems.

Tank Monitors and Mounting Equipment: Quick Answer

The short answer: Mounting equipment for propane tank monitors includes mounting brackets, straps, magnetic adapters, weatherproof enclosures, riser pipe hardware, sensor mounts, and leveling devices. The right mounting equipment depends on your tank type (steel or fiberglass), tank orientation (horizontal or vertical), tank location (above-ground or underground), and monitor model (Generac 7009 LTE, Mopeka Pro Check, SmartTank Pro, or DIY ESPHome). Using the correct mounting hardware ensures accurate readings, a secure installation, and a weatherproof seal that lasts for years.

Why it matters: A propane tank monitor is only as good as its installation. Even the most advanced sonar sensor will give inaccurate readings if it's mounted at the wrong angle, on a dirty surface, or in a position where vibration loosens it over time. The $10–50 you spend on proper mounting equipment is the difference between a monitor that lasts 10 years and one that drifts, fails, or falls off within two years. This guide covers every type of mounting equipment available for every major propane tank monitor so you can install your system correctly the first time.

Understanding Your Tank Type and Mounting Requirements

Tank Classification and What It Means for Mounting

Before choosing mounting equipment, you need to identify your tank type, size, and location. Different tanks require different mounting approaches:

By tank material:

Steel tanks are the most common in residential use (home heating, grilling, RVs). The Generac 7009 LTE's magnetic mount is designed specifically for clean, flat steel surfaces. If you have a steel tank, this is your easiest mounting option.

By tank orientation:

By installation location:

Magnetic Mounting Equipment

When and How to Use Magnetic Mounts

The Generac 7009 LTE uses a built-in rare-earth magnetic mount designed for quick, tool-free installation on steel propane tanks. Here's everything you need to know:

Built-in magnetic mount (Generac 7009 LTE):

Type: Integrated rare-earth neodymium magnet

Holding force: Approximately 40–50 lbs pull force

Tank compatibility: Clean, flat, steel surfaces only

Installation: Place label-up on bottom center of tank

Tools needed: None

Installation time: Under 2 minutes

When the built-in magnet isn't enough:

Magnetic mount adapter plates (for weak magnetic hold):

Steel adapter plate ($15–30) that you mount with straps or bolts first

The Generac monitor then magnetically attaches to the plate

Gives a stronger hold on curved or slightly uneven surfaces

Useful for tanks with powder-coated finishes that reduce magnetic strength

Magnetic mount strengthening kits:

Multiple rare-earth magnets in a housing ($20–40)

Attaches to the tank first with hose clamps

The monitor then magnetically attaches to the kit

Provides 2–4× the holding force of the built-in magnet

Best magnetic mounting practices:

Bolt-On Brackets and Sensor Mounts

Permanent Mounting Solutions for All Tank Types

Bolt-on brackets provide the most secure and permanent mounting solution, compatible with both steel and fiberglass tanks:

Universal sensor mounting brackets ($15–35):

Steel or aluminum bracket with pre-drilled holes

Mounts at the tank's monitoring port using the existing threaded fitting

Compatible with Mopeka Pro Check, SmartTank Pro, and similar bolt-on sensors

Includes gasket or O-ring seal for weatherproofing

How they work:

Remove the existing plug/cap from the tank's 1/2" or 3/4" monitoring port

Apply Teflon tape to the bracket's threaded fitting

Thread the bracket into the port (hand-tight, then 1/4–1/2 turn with wrench)

Attach the sensor to the bracket per manufacturer instructions

Seal with gasket or O-ring

Tank monitoring port adapters ($10–25):

Adapters that convert one port size to another

Essential when your monitor's port size doesn't match your tank's existing port

Common sizes: 1/2" NPT to 3/4" NPT, 3/4" NPT to 1" NPT

Material: Brass or stainless steel (propane-compatible)

Universal tank straps with sensor mounts ($20–50):

Heavy-duty steel straps that wrap around the tank

Integrated sensor mount bracket attached to the strap

Works on any tank without needing to tap existing ports

Ideal for fiberglass tanks (no magnetic mount) or tanks without accessible ports

Installed with a tensioning tool or ratchet mechanism

Weatherproof Enclosures

Protecting Your Electronics Outdoors

All outdoor propane tank monitoring equipment needs weatherproof enclosures. Here are your options:

IP65/IP67 waterproof enclosures ($10–30):

Plastic or metal housing rated for outdoor use

IP65: Dust-tight and protected against water jets

IP67: Dust-tight and submersible in water up to 1 meter

Sizes range from small (fits ESP32 + sensor) to large (fits full electronics)

Includes gasket seal and mounting holes

Choosing the right enclosure size:

NEMA-rated enclosures ($20–80):

NEMA 4: Indoor/outdoor, watertight against rain and hose-directed water

NEMA 4X: NEMA 4 + corrosion-resistant (coastal areas)

NEMA 6/IP67: submersible, for flooded or buried applications

Metal enclosures provide EMI/RFI shielding for sensitive electronics

Required for underground or buried monitoring installations

Enclosure accessories:

Underground Tank Mounting Equipment

Riser Pipes, Extensions, and Ground-Level Access

Mounting a monitor on an underground propane tank requires additional hardware to bring the monitoring point from the buried tank to ground level:

Riser pipes ($20–80):

Vertical pipe that extends the underground tank's monitoring port above ground

Standard sizes: 1.5" or 2" diameter

Material: Steel or plastic (propane-rated)

Length: Varies from 6" to 24" depending on burial depth

Connects to the tank's existing top port via threaded fitting

Riser pipe installation (requires a propane technician):

Propane technician excavates around the tank's top

Removes the existing tank fitting

Installs the riser pipe with proper sealant and threading

Re-seals and tests for leaks

Backfills the excavation

Riser pipe caps and flanges ($10–25):

Threaded caps that close the top of the riser pipe when not in use

Flanges that provide a flat mounting surface at ground level

Used when mounting a monitor at ground level rather than directly on the buried tank

Underground monitoring station kits ($50–150):

Complete kits including riser extension, weatherproof enclosure, and sensor mount

Designed specifically for underground propane tank monitoring

Include all hardware needed for above-ground installation

Simplest option for adding monitoring to an existing underground tank

Underground tank monitoring considerations:

The sonar sensor goes at the underground port (buried)

The electronics/enclosure go above ground (accessible, better cellular signal)

Cable routing through the riser pipe must be fully sealed

Use IP67 or NEMA 6 rated components throughout

Solar Mounting Equipment

Powering Remote Tank Monitors Without AC Power

For propane tanks far from any power source, solar power is the solution. Here are the mounting components you need:

Solar panel mounting kits ($20–80):

Pole mounts, wall mounts, or tank-strap mounts for solar panels

Adjustable angle mounts (for optimizing panel orientation)

Material: Aluminum or galvanized steel (outdoor-rated)

Support panel sizes from 5W to 100W+

Solar power kits for tank monitoring ($40–150):

Complete kits including solar panel, charge controller, battery, and enclosure

Pre-wired and tested for easy installation

Sizes: 5W kit (small), 10W kit (medium), 20W+ kit (full system)

Complete solar kit component breakdown:

Solar mounting tips for propane tanks:

Mount solar panel facing south (Northern Hemisphere) for maximum sun exposure

Angle panel at latitude + 15° for winter optimization (most critical season)

Position panel above typical snow line in cold climates

Use bird deterrents (spikes or plastic owls) to prevent nesting

Vibration and Shock Mounts

Protecting Monitors on RVs and Mobile Applications

RV propane tanks and mobile monitoring applications face unique challenges: vibration from travel can loosen mounts and damage sensors over time.

Vibration dampening mounts ($15–40):

Rubber or silicone vibration isolators between the mount and tank

Reduces vibration transfer by 60–80%

Essential for any tank monitor on a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome

Extends monitor and sensor lifespan significantly

How they work:

Mounting hardware passes through the vibration dampener

Rubber/silicone absorbs vibration energy

The monitor experiences significantly less shaking during travel

Result: No loosened mounts, no damaged sensors, no failed readings

Strap-style RV mounts ($20–35):

Heavy-duty nylon or steel straps with integrated sensor brackets

Straps around the RV propane tank cylinder

Sensor bracket attached to the strap

Adjustable for different cylinder sizes (20–40 lb)

Removable for tank exchange (like the propane cylinder swap at a gas station)

Best for: RV owners who swap propane cylinders frequently and want quick-release mounting.

Leveling and Positioning Tools

Ensuring Accurate Monitor Readings

The angle of your sonar sensor affects reading accuracy. Here are tools to get it right:

Bubble levels and angle finders ($5–15):

Small bubble level that attaches to the monitor or mounting surface

Ensures the sensor is perfectly level for accurate sonar readings

Critical for tanks on uneven ground or slopes

A sensor tilted more than 5° can give readings off by 5–10%

Digital angle finders ($15–30):

More precise than bubble levels (accurate to 0.1°)

Can be zeroed and set to measure any angle

Useful for tanks with curved or irregular mounting surfaces

Tank bottom leveling pads ($10–20):

Self-leveling mounting pads placed between the tank and ground

Ensures the tank sits level (horizontal tanks must be level for accurate sonar readings)

Particularly useful for tanks on uneven ground or gravel surfaces

Prevents the tank from slowly shifting or settling over time

Mounting Equipment by Monitor Model

The Right Hardware for Each System

Generac 7009 LTE mounting equipment:

Mopeka Pro Check / Pro+ mounting equipment:

SmartTank Pro WiFi mounting equipment:

DIY ESPHome mounting equipment:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What mounting equipment do I need for the Generac 7009 LTE?

A: The Generac 7009 LTE includes its own built-in rare-earth magnetic mount, so you don't need to buy additional mounting equipment for most installations. Here's what you might need:

Included in the box: ✅ Magnetic mount (built-in)

Commonly purchased accessories:

Magnetic adapter plate ($15–30): If your tank has a powder-coated finish or slightly curved surface that reduces magnetic hold

Underground monitoring kit ($75–150): For underground propane tanks

External cellular antenna ($30–60): For areas with weak cellular signal

If you have a fiberglass tank: The Generac 7009 LTE magnetic mount won't work. You'll need a bolt-on bracket system, but note that the Generac 7009 LTE is not designed for bolt-on installation-you'd need to contact Generac or a compatible third-party adapter.

Recommendation: Start with just the monitor. The built-in magnet is sufficient for most residential steel tanks. Buy additional equipment only if you encounter specific challenges (weak hold, underground tank, fiberglass tank).

Q2: Can I use the same mounting equipment for steel and fiberglass tanks?

A: No-steel and fiberglass tanks require different mounting equipment:

Fiberglass tanks are becoming more common, especially for above-ground residential installations in some regions. Since fiberglass isn't magnetic, you need bolt-on brackets. The Mopeka Pro Check and SmartTank Pro are designed for bolt-on installation and work on both steel and fiberglass tanks.

Q3: How do I mount a propane tank monitor underground?

A: Mounting a monitor on an underground propane tank requires a multi-component setup:

Components needed for underground tank monitoring:

Riser pipe ($20–80): Extends the buried tank's monitoring port to ground level. Must be installed by a licensed propane technician.

Underground monitoring station ($50–150): Weatherproof enclosure mounted at ground level

Sonar sensor: Mounts at the underground port via the riser pipe

Electronics enclosure: Mounts above ground in the monitoring station

Sealed cable routing: Waterproof conduit from underground sensor to above-ground electronics

Cellular or extended WiFi: For connectivity underground

Installation steps:

Hire a propane technician to install or verify a riser pipe ($100–200)

Install the sonar sensor at the underground port (via riser)

Route sensor cables through sealed conduit to ground level

Mount weatherproof enclosure at ground level

Install electronics (monitor module, cellular or WiFi) inside enclosure

Connect power (solar recommended for underground locations)

Q4: What accessories do I need for a DIY ESPHome propane tank monitor?

A: A DIY ESPHome propane tank monitor needs more mounting equipment than a commercial product because you're assembling multiple components:

Complete accessories list for DIY ESPHome:

This is one area where commercial monitors have an advantage-they come with integrated mounting solutions. DIY requires sourcing individual components.

Q5: Do propane tank monitors come with mounting hardware?

A: It depends on the monitor:

Always check the product listing before purchasing to confirm what mounting hardware is included. Most commercial propane tank monitors include the sensor mounting bracket; the Generac 7009 LTE includes the magnetic mount; DIY solutions require separate purchases.

Q6: How do I prevent my tank monitor from vibrating loose on an RV?

A: RV propane tank monitors face constant vibration from travel, which can loosen mounts and damage sensors over time. Here's how to prevent it:

Step 1: Use vibration dampening mounts

Install rubber or silicone vibration isolators between the mount and the tank

Reduces vibration transfer by 60–80%

Cost: $15–40

Step 2: Use thread-locking compound

Apply medium-strength thread-locker (blue Loctite) to all threaded connections

Prevents bolts and screws from vibrating loose

Reapply annually during maintenance

Step 3: Use lock washers

Star washers or split-lock washers under all nuts and bolts

Creates constant pressure that resists vibration loosening

Step 4: Check regularly

Inspect all mounting points after every 2–3 trips

Tighten any loose hardware immediately

Replace any worn or compressed vibration dampeners

Step 5: Consider quick-release straps

For tanks you swap frequently, use quick-release strap mounts

Secure during travel, quick to remove for tank exchange

Q7: What is the best way to mount a solar panel for a remote tank monitor?

A: The best solar mount depends on your tank location and available surfaces:

Best mounting options for solar panels on propane tanks:

Best practices:

Size: 10–20W solar panel is sufficient for most tank monitor setups

Orientation: Face south in the Northern Hemisphere

Angle: Set at latitude + 15° for winter optimization

Height: Mount above snow line in cold climates

Shading: Ensure no shadows fall on the panel during peak sun hours

Q8: Can I use plumbing hardware from a hardware store for propane tank monitor mounting?

A: Yes and no-some plumbing hardware works, but you must be careful:

Safe to use (with propane compatibility):

✅ Teflon tape: Standard PTFE thread seal tape works for propane tank fittings

✅ Brass fittings: Brass is propane-compatible and readily available

✅ Stainless steel hardware: SS bolts, nuts, and washers are propane-safe

✅ Pipe thread sealant: Propane-rated compounds (yellow or pink)

NOT safe for propane tanks:

❌ PVC fittings: Not rated for propane (use brass or steel)

❌ Rubber O-rings not rated for propane: Use propane-compatible O-rings

❌ Teflon paste or compounds not rated for propane: Use propane-specific sealants

❌ ** galvanized steel fittings**: Can corrode; use brass or stainless steel

Key rule: Any hardware that comes into contact with propane or propane vapor must be rated for LP gas/propane service. Standard plumbing hardware rated for water or air may not be safe for propane.

Q9: What tools do I need to install tank monitor mounting equipment?

A: The tools you need depend on your mounting method:

For magnetic mount (Generac 7009 LTE): No tools required-just a clean cloth for surface prep.

For bolt-on bracket mounting:

For DIY ESPHome systems (additionally):

Total tool investment: $25–50 for basic bolt-on installation. $75–150 if you need to buy a drill and socket set.

Q10: How much does all the mounting equipment cost?

A: Total mounting equipment costs range from $0 to $300+ depending on your setup:

Tip: Start with the minimum. Most residential steel tank installations need nothing beyond what comes in the box. Add equipment only when you encounter a specific need (underground tank, RV, remote location, fiberglass tank).

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Mounting Equipment

Mounting equipment is the foundation of a reliable propane tank monitoring system. Here's the quick reference guide:

The most important principle: The best monitor in the world is worthless if it falls off your tank. Invest $10–50 in proper mounting equipment, follow manufacturer guidelines, and check your installation after the first week and every six months thereafter. A properly mounted propane tank monitor provides accurate readings for 5–10+ years without intervention.

Last updated: July 2026

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about propane tank monitor mounting equipment for educational purposes. Always follow manufacturer-specific installation instructions for your monitor model. Propane tank modifications should be performed by licensed propane technicians. Verify that all hardware is rated for propane/LP gas service before use.