Propane level monitoring

[bobflhtc]

I just purchased a 98 16' Scamp and I was wondering how everyone monitors how much propane they have so they aren't suprised. I see Camping World has a gauge called GasWatch.
Thanks Bob

[David Tilston]

As is often the case on this site, good discussions on subjects develop that are not related to the original intent of the thread. There is a good discussion on the various ways to gauge a propane tank at this thread:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...any-58857.html

[Brian Van Snell]

We bought a gauge similar to this at our local Costco:
Amazon.com: Flame King YSN-212 Propane Cylinder Gas Gauge Meter: Patio, Lawn & Garden

This seems similar to the gauge sold by Camping World.

It seems to work reasonably well.

Another solution is to weigh the cylinder periodically.

I have used our propane gauge to check our home BBQ tank and the one on our trailer. It is easy to put the fullest propane tank on the trailer before making a trip.

We have a local propane supplier who will fill a 50% full propane tank and charge 50% -- some places will charge 100% even if the tank is 50% full.

Steel cylinders are less than half the price of fiberglass ones. I suggest going with the economical solution.

[Bill in Pittsburgh]

Easiest and most reliable way is to purchase a fiberglass tank where you can see the level.
Do not purchase the recalled fiberglass tank made by THE LITE CYLINDER COMPANY.

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by Bill in Pittsburgh

Easiest and most reliable way is to purchase a fiberglass tank where you can see the level.
Do not purchase the recalled fiberglass tank made by THE LITE CYLINDER COMPANY.

I disagree. In my opinion, a float operated level gauge is the easiest and most reliable. Fibreglass tanks are not as see through as you might think. Some have said that they can only see the level when they shake the tank. Difficult to do when it it connected to your trailer. If you disconnect it, you might as well give it a lift and check the weight.

[Steve L.]

I like this one:
Amazon.com: Original Grill Gauge: Patio, Lawn & Garden

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by Steve L.

I like this one:
Amazon.com: Original Grill Gauge: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Problem with this one is that it useless for any other purpose. I presume it wouldn't work with my 10 lb. tank either.
Get a luggage scale instead.

[BC Paul]

Maybe this from Lee Valley???

Magnetic Propane Tank Gauge - Lee Valley Tools

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by BC Paul

Maybe this from Lee Valley???

Magnetic Propane Tank Gauge - Lee Valley Tools

No better than pouring hot water down the side IMHO.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

No better than pouring hot water down the side IMHO.

Much easier though, and less messy especially in freezing temps.

[stevebaz]

I have 2 tanks and automatic switch over. Once one tank empties the regulator switches over to the other tank indicating when it has done so. You will know when the tank is empty. This way your not guessing and running around at the last minute dealing with propane. You always have enough and plenty of time to get your empty tank refilled. This is more important if heating your egg is a necessity.

[bobflhtc]

Originally Posted by stevebaz

I have 2 tanks and automatic switch over. Once one tank empties the regulator switches over to the other tank indicating when it has done so. You will know when the tank is empty. This way your not guessing and running around at the last minute dealing with propane. You always have enough and plenty of time to get your empty tank refilled. This is more important if heating your egg is a necessity.

I think I may have the automatic switch over. Now for the dumb question. How can you tell? Sounds like a great way to resolve the problem.

Thanks Bob

[rabbit]

I like Bagol's suggestion of spring scale reading in lbs. Weigh your deer, your fish, your propane.

jack

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by rabbit

I like Bagol's suggestion of spring scale reading in lbs. Weigh your deer, your fish, your propane.

jack

And your luggage.....

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by BC Paul

Magnetic Propane Tank Gauge - Lee Valley Tools

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

No better than pouring hot water down the side IMHO.

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Much easier though, and less messy especially in freezing temps.

I don't understand how pouring water down the side of a tank with the "gauge" strip stuck to it is "much easier" or "less messy" than pouring hot water down the side of a tank without a strip stuck to it; am I missing something?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by bobflhtc

I think I may have the automatic switch over...
How can you tell?

An automatic changeover control is normally built into a regulator, and has both a knob (usually black) to select which tank is used first, and a red/green indicator that shows whether the selected tank still has pressure (green) or has run out (red); red also means that the changeover should have occurred, so the non-selected tank should be in use.

These devices are controlled and operated by propane pressure, so they can switch prematurely, or fail to switch at all, under abnormal conditions of outdoor temperature or rate of chilling caused by the rate of propane use. In normal camping conditions they seem to work fine.

For convenience there is also a remote indicator available for at least some Marshall models which shows the red/green status, in case you want to see it somewhere that you cannot see the regulator.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I don't understand how pouring water down the side of a tank with the "gauge" strip stuck to it is "much easier" or "less messy" than pouring hot water down the side of a tank without a strip stuck to it; am I missing something?

Exactly my point. Thanks for agreeing.

[Brian B-P]

Jim, seriously, I don't get it. The strip was mentioned, Tom said it wasn't any more convenient than just pouring hot water on the tank, and you said it was "Much easier though, and less messy especially in freezing temps." It's the same; how can it be "much easier though, and less messy especially in freezing temps"? Just sarcasm?

[Jim Bennett]

Like I said in my first post, I just think the strip would be much easier to use. That's all.

I have used the water trick before, and just not a fan.

[rabbit]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I have used the water trick before, and just not a fan.

I would never have thought of using a fan, Jim.

jack