Propane tank levels

Max23 · 12-19-2022, 08:54 AM

Ok, so I have searched the forum and can not apparently find the exact verbage to bring up what I am looking for. I get hundreds of posts/threads about everything I don't want. LOL. So, that said, I will ask here.

Has anyone found or use or have any tricks they use to somewhat accurately keep track of how full their propane tanks are before finding out the hard way. Like on a cold night you run dry and cant switch tanks cuz your sleeping. I've seen gauges that get mixed reviews, many leak etc etc. Do you use anything you have found that works well? Thanks in advance.

**sourdough** · 12-19-2022, 09:06 AM

Leave both tanks open and check your regulator window. When it turns red turn the indicator to the full tank, turn off the empty one, have it filled, put it back in and turn on. When the other tank turns red repeat. I've not ran out of propane unexpectedly in probably 35 years. Easy to monitor and plan refills vs leaving one turned off so you can always have a "why did I do that" moment in the middle of the night.

I've not seen tank monitors that worked effectively. Tried those that went on the valve and the Mopeeka sensors, all were more trouble than they are worth. I even had to help a fellow camper when he was gone when one of his gauges that mount on the valve decided to just blow out LP.....while a woman was standing in front of it smoking and hollering... Pulled them both off until he got back and advised him to leave them off (he had just recently put them on).

**chuckster57** · 12-19-2022, 10:19 AM

I do like Danny, leave both open and check the regulator for color change indication a switch to the other tank. I do carry a spare cylinder for my Camp Chef and have used it when I can’t get propane.

**flybouy** · 12-19-2022, 10:47 AM

I've used the Mopeka tank sensors for years with great results. When I bought mine they didn't include dielectric grease or recommend using it. Now, from what I've seen they now do. I used it from day one but by DW was an OB/Delivery nurse and said any ultrasonic device like that should have something like the ultrasound jell on it.

Max23 · 12-19-2022, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I do like Danny, leave both open and check the regulator for color change indication a switch to the other tank. I do carry a spare cylinder for my Camp Chef and have used it when I can’t get propane.

Sooooo, after you guys said this, I went and did some more research. Apparently I was given some bad information on how these work. I was told never to leave both tanks open as you run the risk of running out without knowing it. Well, yes I can still see how that can happen if you never check the window but if all works as it should, you should know when you have an empty tank as it automatically switches to the second tank when you run out on the first and your checking your window and turning it correctly. This is how bad info gets you. LOL. Thanks for the info people! I appreciate it!!!

Max23 · 12-19-2022, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybouy

I've used the Mopeka tank sensors for years with great results. When I bought mine they didn't include dielectric grease or recommend using it. Now, from what I've seen they now do. I used it from day one but by DW was an OB/Delivery nurse and said any ultrasonic device like that should have something like the ultrasound jell on it.

I did see these. wondered if they worked at all. I love the idea as I rely on apps for a ton of crap. Still may get them just for an extra level of comfy feeling, but, at the price Im gonna have to wait a bit and use the "free" version. LOL. Thanks. Again, did wonder if anyone had any feel for these so I appreciate it.

gkainz · 12-19-2022, 01:51 PM

A couple of things I'll add to the "both bottles open with the auto-switchover regulator" method is I use painters tape and a sharpie to mark fill date and empty (switchover) dates on the bottles as they happen, and have some history to fall back on guesstimating about how long my bottles tend to last.

The second tip is you can pour a cup of hot water down the side of a bottle and you'll get a noticeable change in temp on the side as you run your hand down the bottle (Sometimes even a frost line at the LP level) to show you how much LP remaining in the bottle.

fjr vfr · 12-19-2022, 02:04 PM

The second tip is you can pour a cup of hot water down the side of a bottle and you'll get a noticeable change in temp on the side as you run your hand down the bottle (Sometimes even a frost line at the LP level) to show you how much LP remaining in the bottle.[/QUOTE]

Good idea! I'll have to try that.

travelin texans · 12-19-2022, 02:25 PM

I'm another that's always had both bottles open! It's equipped with an auto changeover valve designed to so you won't run out in the middle of the night, so use it as it was designed.
In the winter running the furnace regularly you'd need to check if the tanks have switched every 2 to 5 days, in the summer you likely could go all season on 1 bottle unless using it to grill, the cooktop, fire pit or other LP appliances frequently.

**sourdough** · 12-19-2022, 04:15 PM

I would just add that in time you will have a very good feel for how much propane you are using given the weather you are having and your usage habits. You will know whether to check every couple of days, couple of weeks or months. I've been camped here for right at 2 months and haven't used an ounce other than from my smaller outboard LP tank I use for the camp chef. I did look at the indicator once and check the bottle valves to make sure they were open "just because"......

travelin texans · 12-19-2022, 07:50 PM

Forgot to add, do not buy the gauges that screw onto the bottles then add the pigtails, those tell you when the bottle is full & by the time the needle actually moves off full it's empty. I bought those, used til I found how well they worked & gave them away.
Oh! That sounds very similar to the way the changeover regulator works.

rhagfo · 12-19-2022, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I do like Danny, leave both open and check the regulator for color change indication a switch to the other tank. I do carry a spare cylinder for my Camp Chef and have used it when I can’t get propane.

I am with Danny and Chuckster on this auto switch over, and monitor for when indicator goes red. We now carry a 3rd cylinder. We picked this up after going through a nine day power outage after an ice storm. It was a couple days before we could get to a propane supplier, so soon after got the third cylinder.

notanlines · 12-20-2022, 04:28 AM

We have always subscribed to one tank open at a time. We never use the furnace, electric heat only so it is only cooking and occasional water heater that uses propane. When the stove quits we change over and fill the empty. I never want to be much less than 40 pounds of propane if I can help it.

UKLimey · 12-20-2022, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max23

I did see these. wondered if they worked at all. I love the idea as I rely on apps for a ton of crap. Still may get them just for an extra level of comfy feeling, but, at the price Im gonna have to wait a bit and use the "free" version. LOL. Thanks. Again, did wonder if anyone had any feel for these so I appreciate it.

I have used the Mopeka sensors for several years. I think they're great.

**flybouy** · 12-20-2022, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max23

I did see these. wondered if they worked at all. I love the idea as I rely on apps for a ton of crap. Still may get them just for an extra level of comfy feeling, but, at the price Im gonna have to wait a bit and use the "free" version. LOL. Thanks. Again, did wonder if anyone had any feel for these so I appreciate it.

Just to clarify,

I use this because my tanks are behind a cover in the front cap and difficult to acess. Pulling the cover off, bending down and contorting my neck (after 7 cervical sline surgeries) is uncomfortable and inconvenient to say the least. Removing/installing the tanks is painful for me because the battery sets infront of the LP compartment.

With the system you can set an alarm to activate at whatever percentage remaining you wish. I leave both tanks open and make the driver side my primary. With the sensor I don't have to immediately be concerned with filling the empty tank because I know what I have and can monitor usage in the app. I typically wait until the second tank gets low and when back home remove and fill both. Tractor Supply chargers by the meter (gallons pumped) so you only pay for what you get.

wiredgeorge · 12-20-2022, 09:56 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LoAqO0MxYc

**chuckster57** · 12-20-2022, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LoAqO0MxYc

It’s starting to look like you’re a YouTube codependent with Jasin. LOL

wiredgeorge · 12-20-2022, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

It’s starting to look like you’re a YouTube codependent with Jasin. LOL

I am unable to follow directions so I often turn to youtube for a hint on how to do something when I can't fumble through it otherwise. Youtube has its purpose if used for a guy like me who doesn't or can't follow written directions!

travelin texans · 12-20-2022, 03:05 PM

I'd much rather refer to UTube rather than asking anytthing on FB, it's unbelievable some of the BS answers or rude comments folks get to their ? on FB, I read it just for the laughs.
BTW I check utube for lots of stuff!

wiredgeorge · 12-20-2022, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

I'd much rather refer to UTube rather than asking anytthing on FB, it's unbelievable some of the BS answers or rude comments folks get to their ? on FB, I read it just for the laughs.
BTW I check utube for lots of stuff!

Danny, Have never had a FB account. The directions that accompany anything these days that require assembly or learning controls are written by some smuck overseas whose first language is not English and if they show pictures, these are so obscure as to be useless.

You may also like: