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Old 08-02-2019, 04:23 AM   #1
WSCY
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Propane Gauge

Does anyone know of a simple gauge I can install to check the quantity of propane remaining in my bottles so as not to run out to find out it is empty?
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Old 08-02-2019, 04:54 AM   #2
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How many bottles? If two, do you have an automatic change over regulator?
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Old 08-02-2019, 05:49 AM   #3
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It is 2 bottles but the change over is manual. I would kinda like to know if it needs switched before things shut down.
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Old 08-02-2019, 06:24 AM   #4
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I put one of these tanks on my RV. I don't know how it works but it is quite accurate.

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Old 08-02-2019, 06:36 AM   #5
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If you want to spend some $$ on a gauge, I suggest spending the $40 +/- for a auto regulator. Will make life easier at 3 in the morning when a tank runs out.
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Old 08-02-2019, 06:44 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by fatcatzzz View Post
If you want to spend some $$ on a gauge, I suggest spending the $40 +/- for a auto regulator. Will make life easier at 3 in the morning when a tank runs out.
I agree. Spend $40 on a gauge to tell you that you're out of propane and have to switch the tanks at "0-dark-30" or spend $40 on an automatic changeover regulator and continue to stay warm and comfy all night (while the regulator swaps propane tanks for you).... Seems a "no brainer" to me.
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Old 08-02-2019, 06:52 AM   #7
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I have a few of the tanks like nied posted and agree the gauge works well, errs on the side of showing less has than you have. I got them at BJ's and Sam's Club.

I bought one of these on clearance sale at Tractor Supply a few years ago for the 30# and 40# thanks at my cabin: Dometic LPGC10 LP Gas Checker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q7379X0..._eYerDb71Z0JDV

It works well.
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Old 08-02-2019, 07:00 AM   #8
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Thank you all for the feedback. The bullet is now firmly gripped in my teeth. I ordered an automatic change over regulator. I can figure it out from there.
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Old 08-02-2019, 07:18 AM   #9
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The gauge you add on to the bottle similar to the mounted one pictured aren't worth the $$. I bought 2 a few years back for each bottle & found that they told me 2 things; full & empty.
Spend the dough on the changeover regulator & check it periodically.
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Old 08-02-2019, 07:22 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by travelin texans View Post
The gauge you add on to the bottle similar to the mounted one pictured aren't worth the $$. I bought 2 a few years back for each bottle & found that they told me 2 things; full & empty.
Spend the dough on the changeover regulator & check it periodically.
Have to agree, I bought a pair a number of years ago and now they sit on top of my workbench as a reminder of the money I wasted. Im sure there are better gauges out there!
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Old 08-02-2019, 07:44 AM   #11
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The "level gauge" shown works on gas pressure at the tank outlet. The pressure is the same with a full tank as with a half full tank and with a tank that's 1/10th full. So, it will read full until it's empty, then read empty as the "last few drops of liquid propane turn to gas and the pressure falls. Incidentally, that's the same time that the furnace flame dies, the stove burner dies and the water heater "sputters and quits"....

I agree with the previous posters, a "gadget that tells you when the tank is empty" but so does the cold stovetop burner..... YMMV

There is another "much more accurate system" that functions on tank weight, but it costs nearly $100 for a dual tank system. So, it's $40 for a gauge set, $100 for a functional gauge set or $40 for an auto-changeover regulator. I think you made the right choice in not only getting a "continuous propane supply" but in not having to go outside at "0-dark-30" to swap propane tanks.....
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Old 08-02-2019, 09:36 AM   #12
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I'm intrigued by the ultrasonic sensor products. You can cover two tanks for $75, if you use your smartphone as the readout, otherwise $100.
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Old 08-02-2019, 02:17 PM   #13
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Auto-Changeover and a simple hand held luggage scale to weigh the propane canisters. I'm a weekend warrior so I weight at the end of the trip. If low or empty I re-fill before putting the trailer back in storage so I don't forget. There is a tare weight on the canister. The weight above the tare weight is what you have for fuel. After a while you get a feel for the weight and don't even need the scale to determine if you need to re-fill.
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Old 08-02-2019, 04:50 PM   #14
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I'm intrigued by the ultrasonic sensor products. You can cover two tanks for $75, if you use your smartphone as the readout, otherwise $100.


I have this system. It worked great for about a year then the first tank sensor died. Then 6 months later the second died. Lot of money to spend for one year. I am happily back to warm water pour over the tank tells me what I need to know.
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Old 08-02-2019, 08:50 PM   #15
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I have had the Dometic handheld sensor for a year and it works great. Not cheap at $50, but hold it at various places on the tank and it will tell you if liquid is at that level or not.


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Old 08-03-2019, 04:32 AM   #16
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I have this system. It worked great for about a year then the first tank sensor died. Then 6 months later the second died. Lot of money to spend for one year. I am happily back to warm water pour over the tank tells me what I need to know.
Can you elaborate on your warm water pour?
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Old 08-03-2019, 04:54 AM   #17
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Can you elaborate on your warm water pour?


Pour warm water over the tank and feel with your hand the temp difference. Where it is cold has propane in the tank. You can atleast tell if you have a half or quarter tank of propane not much more accurate than that. But free and it works.
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Old 08-03-2019, 05:15 AM   #18
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That's awesome.
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Old 08-03-2019, 05:35 AM   #19
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If you bring some water to a boil on your stove in a saucepan or tea kettle and pour it down the side, you will see an exact line develop. Empty part will evaporate quickly, propane area will stay wet. Very precise.
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Old 08-03-2019, 07:32 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by travelin texans View Post
The gauge you add on to the bottle similar to the mounted one pictured aren't worth the $$. I bought 2 a few years back for each bottle & found that they told me 2 things; full & empty.
Spend the dough on the changeover regulator & check it periodically.
That's because the liquid propane in the tank will still create the same gas pressure above the liquid until the liquid is completely used up. So the gauge reads ok pressure, until the liquid is used up, and the tank goes empty. Then it reads empty, and it's too late.

I see in earlier posts that the OP has bought an auto changeover valve, so problem is solved...
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