Propane dash display shows full - when really empty

[rmueller]

I have an new issue nothing major - ran out of propane; even though the dash tank-test button/display shows a full tank.

I called Fleetwood this morning, they said I should have a gauge on the propane tank...and it sends the signal to the dash for the display. The service tech all but called me a idiot when I told him there isn't any gauge on the tank...no gauge, no sight window, nothing to indicate propane level. He wouldn't believe me (we all know Fleetwood never does anything wrong in the builds) and simply sent me the schematics.

So here's what mine looks like (I'll shoot a pic tomorrow), there is a plug (where the sight window should be), there are two wires coming from a grey cover on the right side (I assume the regulator is under the cover - I'll take it off tomorrow), there is a connector and the other end of the connector the wires were cut leaving about 2inches after the other end of the connector.

I didn't know what it was when I got the unit home day one, so I just taped off the wires and didn't think about it (dealer topped the propane). The refrigerator and very rarely the stove are the only things we used the propane for, so I figured it would last a fairly long time...almost 2 years without running out.

So the question is, can anyone with a 2014 tell me how their propane tank is setup, any wires/connectors dangling and do you have a gauge (pic if possible)?

thanks
ron

[Old-Biscuit]

Typical propane tank set up........

Far left......level gauge with remote sending unit and wiring to remote display
Top YELLOW....fill valve
Bottom right.....Vapor (service valve) which is connected to 2 stage LP Regulator (Under the cover)
Top right......Should be %----level gauge

[Bigd9]

Hi Ron,
There could be two sets of wires going to the large propane tank. One set powers the solenoid that shuts down the tank propane supply, and the other set of wires provides the connection between the tank level sending unit and the level indicator in the coach.

Your tank may or may not have an actual gage you can look at, but it probably does have a sending unit. It may look like this one I found on the internet. It could also be just the wire connection to the tank without that actual gage.

I am curious about the wires that appeared to be cut. Can you find where the wires used to be attached before they were cut?

[rmueller]

I see...whoever installed the tank (Fleetwood) removed the guage/sending unit, cut the wires and let them hang there and installed a plug. There are words that describe my feelings, none repeatable out loud in public....pure genius.

Thanks for the pics.

Ron

[Bigd9]

The actual plastic gauge snaps onto that plug that is located on the left side of your picture. It uses a magnetic in the plastic gauge, influenced by the sender inside the tank to move the needle and change the electrical voltage that the inside the coach gauge reads. You can probably get a new plastic gauge with the electrical connector from a propane dealer and possible just snap it on that tank plug and reconnect the electrical plug.



Boy that sounds confusing! I'll have to find something on the net that explains it far better than I can!

[Bigd9]

I just found this one on the net to give you some idea of what you may have. Please check with your tank manufacturer to make sure you are getting the correct gauge. They make several different designs.

https://www.amazon.com/5651S02537-Sn...=1&*entries*=0


By the way, Manchester Tank was VERY helpful to me when I discovered one of my two large tanks had a leak in one of the end welds.

[rmueller]

Cool...I get it, makes sense that there would be a noninvasive interface between the level float and the sensor/sending unit; no leaks that way. $75.00 for a new one isn't that bad. Then again, I have had this unit for about 2 years and just ran out of gas last week. The indicator lights would be piece of mind, not a real necessity. I'll check to see who manufactured the tank, give them a call and get a replacement.

Really appreciate the help. If only Fleetwood's service help desk was this informed.

So, the most likely scenario was either at the factory or the dealership some guy said; hey, we are out of propane gauges and the other guy said; no problem just take it off the 2014 35k we can put one back later when they come in from back order...but never did.

ron

[rmueller]

Found this one $34 on Amazon, it's 90ohm; apparently these things go from like 110 to 90 ohms, I'll give it a try and send it back if it doesn't work...good to be a Amazon Prime member no shipping, I'll have it tomorrow and no hassle to return it.

http://www.amazon.com/Manchester-Tan..._eetyp_p_img_5

Again, thanks for all the guidance.

ron

[rmueller]

Just to finish off this thread...here is a pic of the sending/float unit that I found on Amazon...now me and anyone else can understand how this all works...The $34 gauge/sending unit snaps onto the H14C.

ron

[Bigd9]

Originally Posted by rmueller

Cool...I get it, makes sense that there would be a noninvasive interface between the level float and the sensor/sending unit; no leaks that way. $75.00 for a new one isn't that bad. Then again, I have had this unit for about 2 years and just ran out of gas last week. The indicator lights would be piece of mind, not a real necessity. I'll check to see who manufactured the tank, give them a call and get a replacement.

Really appreciate the help. If only Fleetwood's service help desk was this informed.

So, the most likely scenario was either at the factory or the dealership some guy said; hey, we are out of propane gauges and the other guy said; no problem just take it off the 2014 35k we can put one back later when they come in from back order...but never did.

ron

iNFORMED??? I guess now would be a good time to say I was making a WAG based on removing a plastic gauge from my 1997 coach 15 years ago!!! I was just hoping things hadn't changed all that much over the years!

My theory on why you didn't get the plastic gauge is Bubba. Bubba is the poor guy who gets paid minimum wage, and when he comes in on Monday...well lets just say he is less motivated due to a hangover. Tuesdays are better and Wednesdays are good days for him. Your coach was made on a Monday!

Good luck, and let us how it goes with Manchester Tank.


BTW, my 38 gallon tank last more than a year, and that is with some heating during the snow skiing season in the mountains of West Virginia.

[Brockx]

Probably someone needed one for their broken / missing unit and helped their self to yours.

[Louseman]

Here is a great webpage that explains the components of an RV mounted
propane tank:

RV Tank Innards

Seeing what is inside, can help you to determine what you are seeing
outside, and how to judge the gauges.

[rmueller]

New guage arrived today, stripped an crimped it on the cut wires, snapped it over the sender nut; 5 mins.. I didn't notice if it showed full or my before I put it on. I'll have to wait till we use enough gas to see if it worked. I feel like Hank Hill.

[Bigd9]

Good news on the tank gauge. Where did you get it from? You sound like a hands on type of guy. You will do real well with your Bounder.