Propane Gauge

[sonofcy]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Yeap, same thing. HF sells a "multipurpose tool" and far too many don't/didn't realize it'll measure temperature on gas bottles as well as on tires and hubs. It'll also measure heat output temp of the furnace and cold output of the air conditioner too.

Just start at the top and scan down, when the temperature changes, that's your liquid level. (or start at the bottom and scan up, when the temp changes, that's your liquid level)..... Or heck, do it both ways (for a second opinion)....

I have the Mopeka Bluetooth gauges but should they fail I now have a backup, thanks for the tip.

[Benji00]

I have used the Dometic tool for several years. Bought a second one for my son and his 5er. I keep mine handy to use in my 5er and with our BBQ grill at home too. We have an automatic changeover on the 5er, but I like to keep the second tank turned off so I am not surprised to find both tanks empty. If it is going to get cold at night, I turn on the second tank before retiring. just in case. Easy to check the next day and turn it back off if it was not needed. Best of both worlds.

[Nucdude]

Do a search for MOPEKA products

[Furb]

I use a tank system but mopeka. It’s blutooth. Sending unit is magnetic and sticks to bottom of your tanks. A gauge goes on your wall or you can use the app on your phone to read them. Waited a long time before I shelled out the money, but well worth it.

[Submariner]

After having worked in the LPG industry for many years, here is the low down on propane tank level gauges. 20# and 30# vertical cylinders used on todays RV's are filled based on weight. There are no level gauges built into and nor can they be added onto these cylinders. Newer BBQ grills have a mounting device that is supported by a spring that will allow reading the weight, but not on RV's. The only trick I know of is if your using propane out of a cylinder you can look for the moisture or frost line on the outside of the cylinder. This is the interface between liquid and vapor and is usually cooler.

[LHaven]

Originally Posted by Furb

I use a tank system but mopeka. It’s blutooth. Sending unit is magnetic and sticks to bottom of your tanks. A gauge goes on your wall or you can use the app on your phone to read them. Waited a long time before I shelled out the money, but well worth it.

I've been looking at these, and I see a lot of people on this thread saying they have them. I was a bit put off by a poster who said he bought a pair only to have them go belly up in short order. I'd be interested to hear from the people who own these how long theirs have been working.

[Kylemcmahon1]

Originally Posted by LHaven

I've been looking at these, and I see a lot of people on this thread saying they have them. I was a bit put off by a poster who said he bought a pair only to have them go belly up in short order. I'd be interested to hear from the people who own these how long theirs have been working.

For me one sensor lasted a year. The second lasted a year and half. To pricy for them working for that short of time. Plus the sensors burned through batteries every couple of months. When working they are great but now not working. Just expensive plastic junk.

[travelin texans]

Why have the auto changeover regulator & close one bottle, that negates the "auto" part of it.
It never failed that the bottle went empty in the middle of the night while running the furnace, the biggest LP hog on any RV, so I open both & made it a habit of checking that it had not switched every time I dumped the holding tanks. In the past several years have never had both bottles go empty & also have not had to go out to switch in the middle of the night.
If not running the furnace all the other LP appliances don't use much gas, 1-20 lb should last a very long time.l

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

Why have the auto changeover regulator & close one bottle, that negates the "auto" part of it.

It never failed that the bottle went empty in the middle of the night while running the furnace, the biggest LP hog on any RV, so I open both & made it a habit of checking that it had not switched every time I dumped the holding tanks. In the past several years have never had both bottles go empty & also have not had to go out to switch in the middle of the night.

If not running the furnace all the other LP appliances don't use much gas, 1-20 lb should last a very long time.l

Yup!! I used to be part of the “leave one closed” until that one night/early morning when it was snowing and my interior temp was in the 40’s. Had to get dressed and trudge through that freezing stuff. NEVER again. I make it a habit to carry a spare cylinder and check my regulator every 3 days. The spare can go on at anytime and I’m not rushed to refill at the campground price.

[KeithInUpstateNY]

I'm with blubuckaroo. My trailer(s) came with an auto changeover regulator, but I don't use the function. I monitor the tank level, switch it manually when the tank I'm using is getting low, and bring the almost empty tank to Tractor Supply where you pay by the gallon to have it filled. Knowing exactly when I switched tanks gives me a much better idea of the window I have to make the 40 mile round trip to get the tank filled and allows me to combine it with other supply needs like food and gas for the generator.

Footnote: I also carry a spare tank.

[Vagabond Betty]

Tried the screw on the tank type - reading very dependent on ambient temp, so half full when it’s hot out is way different than when it’s cold out. Opinion - NO!

You can buy tanks with real float lever mechanisms. They work great, but are more expensive than tanks without. Drawback is you have to LOOK at them to tell the level. No option to retrofit the existing tanks per the local gas company. Opinion - if you have some extra bucks and the time to look.

So I tried the MOPEKA sensor. Mounts on the bottom magnetically and shoots up through the tank. You need to tell the system the tank size and it’s pretty accurate. You can buy a system with dedicated level sensor for less than $90, or use your smart phone Bluetooth option and that’s around $65 for 2 sensors. Only downside to date is the battery usage. I’m still undecided on the battery issue. Opinion - accurate but undecided.

My unit came with an auto changeover regulator so I use the sensor to tell me when it’s time to open the second tank for auto changeover when it wants. Still have to look at the tank condition, but lots more convenient to look inside rather than outside opening the door (I always forgot to look when I was outside).

[Rinsrig]

A quick way to see how much propane is in your tank, pour warm water on the side of the tank, it will show you the line of where your propane level is in your tank. Most of your gauges are very inaccurate.