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11-11-2015, 07:53 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 4
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Dual Propane Question
I just bought a 324MX that has two propane bottles - one on each side. Which side should I use first or does it matter? Do they both have to be turned on?
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11-11-2015, 08:18 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Fraser Valley BC Canada
Posts: 7,015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hvymtlc5
I just bought a 324MX that has two propane bottles - one on each side. Which side should I use first or does it matter? Do they both have to be turned on?
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It doesn't matter which tank you use first and they can be used individually or together.
The tanks are controlled by an auto-changeover regulator which allows you to control which tank you want to use first. You should become familiar with the regulator and how it works. If you look at the regulator there is a black changeover lever and an indicator cap at the top of it. This cap changes color from green to red - showing that the tank is empty.
You should identify which make and model of regulator you have and Google it to find out about the function of the lever and how the regulator works.
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2008 Cougar 5th Wheel 27RKS
2005 2500 GMC Duramax
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11-11-2015, 08:23 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Morgan
Posts: 223
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I don't think it matters which one you use first but i think you will have a valve just above the left tank and you must select what tank for it to use. Have a great time with your travels and welcome to the forum...
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11-11-2015, 08:47 AM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 4
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Found the regulator control is on the side opposite from the entry door.
I'm assuming that the lever handle points to the tank's gas line that is in service? So handle to the right takes me to the tank that is on the entry door side, and to the left is the tank under the reg switch.
To the right the color is green. When I switch it to the tank that is under the reg, then it turns "red/green".
thanks!
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11-11-2015, 10:34 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: B.C
Posts: 1,399
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Yup, if the black handle is pointing to a tank that's the one in use. As for the red /green that means that tank is half full. Don't depend on the colors as they give you an idea as to how much LP that you have.
If you turn the lever to be on both tanks Google your regulator as mentioned above
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2010 Keystone Cougar 25 RL.
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11-11-2015, 01:12 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Nevada
Posts: 2,695
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Doesn't matter which tank you use first. Select one, if green, use it. When it turns red, the changeover on mine is automatic. I then select the tank in use (indicator changes from red to green) and refill the empty one (red) and begin the process all over again.
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Desert185 🇺🇸 (Retired Chemtrail vendor)
-Ram 2500 QC, LB, 4x4, Cummins HO/exhaust brake, 6-speed stick.
-Andersen Ultimate 24K 5er Hitch.
-2014 Cougar 326SRX, Maxxis tires w/TPMS, wet bolts, two 6v batts.
-Four Wheel 8' Popup Camper.
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11-11-2015, 05:50 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LA
Posts: 467
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Silly question, but does propane ever get old, like gas or diesel does?
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11-11-2015, 06:28 PM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,351
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KSH
Silly question, but does propane ever get old, like gas or diesel does?
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Not that I know of. At one point my old trailer sat unused for 5 years, and the propane was fine when I finally used it.
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2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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11-11-2015, 06:43 PM
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#9
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Indio, CA
Posts: 56
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No, it doesn't get old, but it is subject to oderant fade. Propane is odorless and an additive is added so we can smell it when we have a leak. The odor fades over time. This is a problem if you have a leak.....you won't be able to smell it.
2016 Raptor 355TS
2013 Ram 3500 Laramie 4x4 DRW CC
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2016 Raptor 355TS
2017 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 CC LWB DRW
2014 GL1800 Motor Trike
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11-12-2015, 04:08 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Round Rock
Posts: 218
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FlyingChief
No, it doesn't get old, but it is subject to oderant fade. Propane is odorless and an additive is added so we can smell it when we have a leak. The odor fades over time. This is a problem if you have a leak.....you won't be able to smell it.
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Did not realize the odor can fade over time. Reading these forums for 3+ years, see common topics, but often enough, pick up on new gems of information.
Thanks!
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2013 Silverado 3500HD - Duramax/Allison - CC, long bed, SRW, 2WD
2013 Springdale 247FWRLLS - 1st 5er sold - 1 July 2016
2017 Grand Design Reflection 303RLS
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11-12-2015, 06:05 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Northville NY in the Adirondacks
Posts: 2,128
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hvymtlc5
I just bought a 324MX that has two propane bottles - one on each side. Which side should I use first or does it matter? Do they both have to be turned on?
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I am wondering why the dealer did not cover this most basic of basic RV operations item with you during the PDI?
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'11 Cougar 326MKS loaded with mods
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Amateur Radio: KD2IAT (146.520) GMRS: WQPG808 (462.675 TPL 141.3)
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12-13-2015, 07:01 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,223
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Desert185
Doesn't matter which tank you use first. Select one, if green, use it. When it turns red, the changeover on mine is automatic. I then select the tank in use (indicator changes from red to green) and refill the empty one (red) and begin the process all over again.
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Interesting I keep both tanks open at all times, when the 1st tank is empty the indicator changes to Red/Green, and changes to the full tank.
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Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
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12-14-2015, 05:45 PM
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#13
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Pataskala
Posts: 70
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Dual Propane Question
The operation of the auto-switchover is sometimes confusing. With both tanks on, when the tank the handle points at is empty, the indicator will turn red and propane will automatically be supplied by the other tank. The handle will not move automatically. The handle basically controls which tank the indicator is on.
Many people would rather only open one tank until it is empty then close it and open the other. This way, you know when one is empty without remembering to periodically look and potentially run out on both.
TravelingRVDoctor -Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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12-14-2015, 07:33 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 102
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shiggs68
The operation of the auto-switchover is sometimes confusing. With both tanks on, when the tank the handle points at is empty, the indicator will turn red and propane will automatically be supplied by the other tank. The handle will not move automatically. The handle basically controls which tank the indicator is on.
Many people would rather only open one tank until it is empty then close it and open the other. This way, you know when one is empty without remembering to periodically look and potentially run out on both.
TravelingRVDoctor -Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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That's the best explanation I have seen. Thanks
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2013 Keystone Cougar 28SGS Xlite
Shipping weight 7561 lbs
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Reese 16K Round Tube Slider
Custom 3 Receiver Hitch Scooter Carrier
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12-14-2015, 09:15 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 2,910
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The only problem with that system of using only one tank open at a time is, you will wake to a very cold trailer if the tank goes empty when you're sleeping. Just like learning how often to empty the waste tanks, you don't have to check the propane every day, unless you are in very cold weather. I really like the technology that maintains a constant flow of gas, and only check occasionally in warm weather.
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402 Montana
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC
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12-15-2015, 06:02 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 102
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I have a feeing, it would be more of a problem to wake up in the middle of the night and find out both tanks are empty.
__________________
2013 Keystone Cougar 28SGS Xlite
Shipping weight 7561 lbs
Carrying capacity 2439 lbs
Hitch Pin 1410 lbs
2008 Silverado 2500 Duramax 4X4 Crew Cab
Reese 16K Round Tube Slider
Custom 3 Receiver Hitch Scooter Carrier
2013 Honda PCX Scooter on the Carrier
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12-15-2015, 06:52 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Central San Joaguin Valley, CA
Posts: 2,117
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To avoid the convenience of the new technology, simply remove all the plumbing associated with the dual tank system. Then, when your tank runs empty, you can go out, unhook the empty bottle and then switch the bottle side to side, then connect the full bottle to the system. That way you don't have to worry about forgetting to check the indicator!
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Jack & Marty
2018 Laredo 298 SRL
2011 F-250 SB Crew Cab 4x4 6.7L
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12-15-2015, 08:33 AM
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#18
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Almost Heaven
Posts: 40
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My 2009 Keystone Copper Canyon has a manual regulator/switch between the two LP tanks. However, when switching to the other tank, it doesn't seem to allow the propane through even after turning the black indicator switch.
I've read there's a switch inside to avoid sudden changes in LP pressure and I'm supposed to slowly turn on the extra tank when I need it. Anybody have that problem because mine doesn't seem to work well.
Maybe I need to change the regulator to an automatic one?
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John, Noralynn and Lady Oreo (RIP Winchester)
2009 Keystone Cougar/ Copper Canyon - 1st RV "kinda bouncy:
2006 Dodge 2500 Diesel Laramie 2WD
Hoping to leave California in the next year.
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12-15-2015, 09:15 AM
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#19
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Pataskala
Posts: 70
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Dual Propane Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by MotownJG
I've read there's a switch inside to avoid sudden changes in LP pressure and I'm supposed to slowly turn on the extra tank when I need it. Anybody have that problem because mine doesn't seem to work well.
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DOT tanks after sometime in the 2000s have a builtin protection device that when too much flow is detected (broken line or disconnected) is detected, the flow is shutdown. Always open your tank slowly to keep the protection from tripping.
TravelingRVDoctor -Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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12-15-2015, 10:58 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: B.C
Posts: 1,399
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowti
I have a feeing, it would be more of a problem to wake up in the middle of the night and find out both tanks are empty.
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X2, waking up in -10 and out of LP isn't a fun thing when the nearest LP station is 2 hrs away.......been there, done that and it'll never happen again.
1 tank at a time and you'll never have problems
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2010 Keystone Cougar 25 RL.
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