Bigfoot LP Regulator

[ZachO]

If I still have the original, does it automatically switch from one tank to the other, or how does that work?

1991 17'

[ZachO]

And along with that, I'm assuming we refill these tanks rather than exchange them?

My last tank was mounted sideways under my camper and was not meant to be removed to be filled. These just look like BBQ tanks.

[Tom Trostel]

I always take my propane tanks to the local dealer for refill. My older 17' does not have automatic switch over, but the newer models might.

[Evergreengirl]

Our Bigfoot does not have an automatic switch over. If (when) one of your tanks gets empty, remove it and take it to a propane dealer to either have it refilled or replaced. After a certain number of years, a tank can no longer be legally refilled and you will have to buy a replacement tank. My hunch is that if these are the original tanks, you won't be able to get them refilled. Some people swap out empty tanks for new ones at supermarkets, big box stores, etc. but it's a bit more expensive to do it that way. We like to get ours refilled. Usually not hard to find a place to do that. Many farm supply stores and large gas stations offer the service.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by ZachO

And along with that, I'm assuming we refill these tanks rather than exchange them?

My last tank was mounted sideways under my camper and was not meant to be removed to be filled. These just look like BBQ tanks.

There are the same as what is used for a BBQ. ;-) On the upper part of the tank you will find a date stamped onto it. The first 2 digits represent the month - second 2 digits year. If its more than 12 years old it can not be refilled.

[trainjunkie]

12 years in the U.S., but 10 years in Canada. If you plan to travel through Canada, make sure your tanks are less than 10 years old.

[ZachO]

Ok, thanks. Yeah I wonder then...the camper has been in use. And if it's only 10 in Canada, well, it came from Canada, so they're probably ok. But I'll check the date.

So then...how do I switch from one tank to the other when one runs out?

[Tom Trostel]

Simply turn off the valve on top of the empty, then turn on the valve of the other tank.

[Tony Nowak]

Zach, Our 2003 has an auto switch over. My understanding is that you simply open both tanks, use the "supply" selector to choose one, there is a gauge that shows if the selected tank has gas (a pop up one in our case), when the chosen tank is empty the switch will allow supply from the other side and the gauge will show empty until the selector is manually changed. Please correct me if this is not correct. Tony

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by ZachO

If I still have the original, does it automatically switch from one tank to the other, or how does that work?

1991 17'

This video shows you how an automatic transfer tank, with different models.

I have one and I find convenient, especially in spring and fall when there is possibility of running out of gas in the night ...

It's a choice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjqE00P2aPY

[ZachO]

Thank you!

I'm almost positive I don't have a fancy selector as shown in the video, so I'm guessing I don't have the automatic switch.

No problem for now. I'll look into one down the road.

[Dave Gray]

Does anyone have a recommendation for replacing a 1986 Bigfoot B17 regulator? I have dual tanks,

[WaltP]

Originally Posted by Tom Trostel

Simply turn off the valve on top of the empty, then turn on the valve of the other tank.

If you have a manual regulator, you also need to turn the regulator switch to the new tank. At least that's how all of mine have worked.

Walt

[ZachO]

Ok! My regulator has a little plastic cover over it so I haven't taken a close look yet but I'll pull that off and get familiar with it soon.

So much to do/learn!

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by ZachO

Ok! My regulator has a little plastic cover over it so I haven't taken a close look yet but I'll pull that off and get familiar with it soon.

So much to do/learn!

Is-it like this?

[ZachO]

This

[Paul O.]

That does look so different, it might be really old - I can't tell. I would not look for any particular brand, I think all modern regulators are highly evolved in terms of safety features and reliability, in order to meet all requirements and standards. The automatic switch-over is the way to go.

[ZachO]

I have to assume its vintage is about...1991

[Gilles]

When we bought our Bigfoot 1986 last year, there was a similar regulator to yours, which I replaced before using, to at least be certain that it would work and safely.

We do not know the history of previous owners and I do not want to be part of history, at least, not right away ...

I do not like to take any chances with the gas. I bought a propane gas detector and a smoke detector, before using the first time.

[WaltP]

There are two schools of thought on the auto-switch regulators.
Those who like the convenience and protection from running out in the middle of the night. They need to check fairly often.
And those who don't like them because you don't know when it switches over and could let both tanks run out. They are willing to chance a middle of the night inconvenience (trauma?) in exchange for avoiding running both tanks out.
So far I've followed the second school.

Whichever way you go, replacing that old one would be wise.

Walt