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04-12-2019, 04:29 AM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 31
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Propane question
I have a 2010 Cougar Xlite 26BHS that I bought from my father about 3 years ago. I went to fill the propane tanks to get ready for camping season and had a quick question. I have dual 30 or 40 pound tanks and noticed what looks to be a tank selector between them. I was told that these tanks would both run without switching between them but now I’m not so sure. Can anyone tell me if this is a tank selector or exactly what it is if not a tank selector? Thanks in advance! This forum has been a wealth of information for me.
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04-12-2019, 04:41 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,351
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That is the tank selector. The green dot indicates which tank your drawing from. You can test if it’s an automatic switchover by closing the valve on the cylinder the indicator is pointed to. Open the other cylinder, light the stove and watch the flame for a minute. If it stays strong then it is an automatic switchover.
__________________
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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04-12-2019, 10:13 AM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 31
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So it’s possible to have a tank selector that will automatically switch tanks? That seems rather silly!
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04-12-2019, 10:18 AM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,351
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Quote:
Originally Posted by butterbean
So it’s possible to have a tank selector that will automatically switch tanks? That seems rather silly!
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Not when you think about it. Imagine its 3AM and your furnace is trying to keep you warm. The tank your using goes empty, now you have to either be COLD or walk outside and turn the selector and open the other tank.
With an automatic switchover, both tanks can remain open, then when the one cylinder goes empty the selector will start drawing from the other cylinder, NO NEED to get up and go out in the cold. BTDT ONCE!!!
__________________
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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04-12-2019, 10:28 AM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,695
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I can't tell from the pic but when mine switches over and the arrow is pointing to the empty tank I have a red indicator telling me that tank is empty. Slowly move the indicator to the full tank and the red indicator goes away.....and I go fill a tank.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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04-12-2019, 10:46 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Three Way
Posts: 139
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You can also buy the Mopeka Tank Check sensors/monitor. I have these and they work great.
https://www.campingworld.com/mopeka-...0aAjtSEALw_wcB
__________________
USMC Vietnam Veteran
2019 Laredo 325RL
Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection
2018 Ram 2500 Laramie
Pathway X2 with DISH Wally
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04-18-2019, 10:28 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Young America MN
Posts: 372
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The tank level system is available with either software for use with your phone or a stand alone receiver. Also should note that the little rubber feet they give you to raise your tank enough so the sensor fits under it are a PITA. I put little 1/2 aluminum blocks in the tank holders in 3 stops to I didn't have to mess with the lost rubber blocks that go flying as you try and put your tank back in your rig after filling. Also slightly cheaper through Amazon and Feebay.
__________________
39 foot Forest River Vengeance dragged by GMC 3500.
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04-12-2019, 11:18 AM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 31
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I get the automatic switch over if one tank runs empty. What doesn’t make sense is why put a switch in it at all? If it draws from both tanks, great. I will have to look into those sensors. They are sweet.
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04-12-2019, 11:26 AM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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Quote:
Originally Posted by butterbean
I get the automatic switch over if one tank runs empty. What doesn’t make sense is why put a switch in it at all? If it draws from both tanks, great. I will have to look into those sensors. They are sweet.
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The bolded part is where I think you're "missing the point"...
It doesn't draw from both tanks. It draws from ONE TANK, the tank that the selector valve is "pointed to" until that tank is empty, then it closes that valve and draws from the other tank. The indicator changes from green to red to give YOU (the operator) a visual indication that it has changed tanks, so you can then remove the empty tank and take it to be refilled, continuing "uninterrupted propane service". When you remove the tank for refilling, it's customary to switch the valve so it is pointing toward the "full tank" and the indicator will again change from red to green, indicating the 'selected tank is operable and providing propane to the system.
The sensors are "OK if you want TMI" but totally unnecessary if you fully understand and use the available propane automatic changeover valve/regulator as it's designed.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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04-12-2019, 11:40 AM
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#10
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,351
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
The bolded part is where I think you're "missing the point"...
It doesn't draw from both tanks. It draws from ONE TANK, the tank that the selector valve is "pointed to" until that tank is empty, then it closes that valve and draws from the other tank. The indicator changes from green to red to give YOU (the operator) a visual indication that it has changed tanks, so you can then remove the empty tank and take it to be refilled, continuing "uninterrupted propane service". When you remove the tank for refilling, it's customary to switch the valve so it is pointing toward the "full tank" and the indicator will again change from red to green, indicating the 'selected tank is operable and providing propane to the system.
The sensors are "OK if you want TMI" but totally unnecessary if you fully understand and use the available propane automatic changeover valve/regulator as it's designed.
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Well stated. I was starting to respond when I got a customer in the driveway. When I came back you had explained it...Thank you
__________________
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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04-13-2019, 03:31 AM
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#11
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Gone Traveling
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Saint Joseph, MI
Posts: 149
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Quote:
Originally Posted by butterbean
I get the automatic switch over if one tank runs empty. What doesn’t make sense is why put a switch in it at all? If it draws from both tanks, great. I will have to look into those sensors. They are sweet.
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Use your propane anyway you want. I get it, the total amount of propane doesn't change, use half at a time or all of it.
Ignore the insults.
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04-12-2019, 11:40 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Picacho, Az
Posts: 6,809
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If it pulled from both tanks simultaneously then at 3am (which is when it will happen EVERY time) when you're freezing cause you've ran totally out of propane you will have NO heat & no reserve bottle to switch to.
__________________
Full-timed 10+ years
Sold '13 Redwood FB
Traded '13 GMC Denali DRW D/A
Replacement undetermined
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04-12-2019, 12:20 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Southeastern Connectiut
Posts: 1,306
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I'm with Danny on this one!
If #1 tank goes empty, and then t#2 runs out without me knowing that I'm on my second bottle... I have to tough it out till the store opens at 9:00 next morning, to get LP.
If one bottle is held in reserve (turned off), I still get cold at 3:00 am, BUT just have to turn on bottle #2 and go back to bed. I now have 30# to empty, which gives me more leeway in my choices. Seems like campgrounds are always more $$$ than Agway or Tractor Supply.
Good Luck,
__________________
Pull Toy
Steve & Jan, Ava & Emma (Mini Schnauzers):
2016 F350 Lariat 4X4 Powerstroke CC/SB "PULLTOY V"
2013 Alpine 3535RE "MAGIC CARPET IV"
Proud Navy Vet!
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04-13-2019, 06:55 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,223
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chuckster57
Not when you think about it. Imagine its 3AM and your furnace is trying to keep you warm. The tank your using goes empty, now you have to either be COLD or walk outside and turn the selector and open the other tank.
With an automatic switchover, both tanks can remain open, then when the one cylinder goes empty the selector will start drawing from the other cylinder, NO NEED to get up and go out in the cold. BTDT ONCE!!!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by butterbean
I get the automatic switch over if one tank runs empty. What doesn’t make sense is why put a switch in it at all? If it draws from both tanks, great. I will have to look into those sensors. They are sweet.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JRTJH
The bolded part is where I think you're "missing the point"...
It doesn't draw from both tanks. It draws from ONE TANK, the tank that the selector valve is "pointed to" until that tank is empty, then it closes that valve and draws from the other tank. The indicator changes from green to red to give YOU (the operator) a visual indication that it has changed tanks, so you can then remove the empty tank and take it to be refilled, continuing "uninterrupted propane service". When you remove the tank for refilling, it's customary to switch the valve so it is pointing toward the "full tank" and the indicator will again change from red to green, indicating the 'selected tank is operable and providing propane to the system.
The sensors are "OK if you want TMI" but totally unnecessary if you fully understand and use the available propane automatic changeover valve/regulator as it's designed.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pull Toy
I'm with Danny on this one!
If #1 tank goes empty, and then t#2 runs out without me knowing that I'm on my second bottle... I have to tough it out till the store opens at 9:00 next morning, to get LP.
If one bottle is held in reserve (turned off), I still get cold at 3:00 am, BUT just have to turn on bottle #2 and go back to bed. I now have 30# to empty, which gives me more leeway in my choices. Seems like campgrounds are always more $$$ than Agway or Tractor Supply.
Good Luck,
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Well nice long discussion on the tanks and when to use auto switch over. Personally I am a fan of using the auto feature. It only requires you to simply check the regulator from time to time to see when changes from green to red , then it is time to fill the empty. I don't want to get up at 3:00 am on a wet stormy night to go out to open the second tank! Likely open too fast and mess stuff up!!
My TV only has one fuel tank, I watch the gauge, same concept!
__________________
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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04-12-2019, 12:25 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 708
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We have LPG for cooking, heat and hot water in our S&B and we have a dual tank setup with an automatic changeover. But we leave one tank turned off.
Why? Because then we know when one tank has gone empty. With the auto changeover and both tanks on it will seamlessly switch over and unless you check your tanks regularly you won't be aware that one is already empty and needs filling. In that case, the first you realize you need gas is when the shower goes cold and there's no reserve tank to switch to!
On an RV this is not such an issue because you might move periodically and when you hook up, you'll likely see the state of the tanks (assuming a TT type setup. Don't know how 5W trailers do theirs) and make a mental note to refill.
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04-12-2019, 12:39 PM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,399
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I hear a lot of experience. I've been pulling trailers for over 35 years and completely agree. Always keep one tank turned off until the other runs out. You always want to know when it's time to refill while still running your heat, etc. I tend to also carry a couple extra 20# tanks for BBQing, etc, and have, on occassion, used one of those in the trailer while I refill the 2 RV tanks.
Running out of propane leaves me with a grumpy wife.
Experience = lessons learned the hard way
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Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana High Country 305RL
2015 RAM 3500 Crew Cab 4x4 DRW
Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
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04-12-2019, 12:44 PM
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#17
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,351
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And I have left both open, just make it a point to check since 1989 so if my math is right that’s 30 years.
Whatever floats your boat.
__________________
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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04-12-2019, 12:54 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Milwaukie, OR
Posts: 1,399
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There you have it...experience. Either a good, disciplined routine or a backup. Whatever keeps you camping and the wife happy
__________________
Jeff & Sandi (and Teddy - 7lb Schnorkie)
2018 Montana High Country 305RL
2015 RAM 3500 Crew Cab 4x4 DRW
Demco Recon Hitch on RAM Puck Ball
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04-12-2019, 03:05 PM
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#19
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,997
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I suppose if you're the kind that forgets to buy toilet paper or napkins, then yeah, you ought to leave one propane tank off so when you're "in a fix" you will have hot water to wash your hands.... For those who do have the capacity to "walk and chew gum at the same time" (IOW, have their crap together) then knowing that the propane tank lasts about a week, and then every week, checking for a red indicator makes a heck of a lot more sense than getting up at 2AM to go out in the rain and switch a "darn propane tank"...
Most of us wouldn't have a dual battery system and "save" one battery for when the first one is dead. Imagine, in the middle of dinner, running outside to switch batteries so you could finish eating with lights. If that seems "not quite right" then why do it with propane tanks?
Of course, if you're out of TP, I suppose you really need to not also be out of propane. YMMV, but for me (and a lot of others) the industry gave us a tool, why not use it as it's designed to be used? On the other hand......
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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04-12-2019, 03:35 PM
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#20
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: W. Texas
Posts: 17,695
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Yep, I think it's either what one if familiar with or what makes a person comfortable. I have left both tanks on literally the entire time we've used an RV. I know what the weather is, how much the furnace runs etc. so I know when to check the tanks. Walk outside, or if I'm outside, just pop the 2 retaining straps, pull down the cowl a bit and look at the indicator...probably 15 seconds. It's a mindset for me since I've always done it. I do however now tell my wife to remind me to check the tanks on such and such day as a backup because these days "such and such day" may come and go without me remembering.
When we first started camping in a trailer I was in the "one tank off" group. It didn't take me long at all to determine I hated the interruption of a tank running out; the lower sooty flame etc. and...it will ALWAYS be at 3am (or the most inconvenient time) as a previous post mentioned.
__________________
Danny and Susan, wife of 56 years
2019 Ram 3500 Laramie CC SWB SB 6.4 4x4 4.10
2020 Montana High Country 331RL
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