Community Forums

Don_T · 03-04-2015, 06:56 AM

Like the title asks, how/what do you use to monitor the levels in your propane tanks? I have three bottles, each with a regulator on it.

troutslayer · 03-04-2015, 08:58 AM

pour hot water over the side of the tank and feel where the warm meets the cold.

Cummins12V98 · 03-04-2015, 09:01 AM

Leave the back tank closed and when the front runs out go fill the front. Every 4th time or so swap tanks. Never run out completely that way.

glennwest · 03-04-2015, 09:04 AM

Our unit has a light kit with auto change over. When the light is on it has switched over and I get empty tank refilled. Light is in fuse box area where all our controls are.

**NLOVNIT** · 03-04-2015, 09:17 AM

When we had a 5-r (with no installed tank monitor system) we installed a gauge like below. You can also buy some stick on labels that run the length of a tank that sense where the gas is inside as well.

Lori-

Tony Lee · 03-04-2015, 09:18 AM

Another fan of the hot water trick. KISS.
If you use half a cup of hot water and pour it in a thin stream down the side of the bottle and catch the water at the bottom with towelling or a sponge, you won't make any mess.

Problem with the pressure gauge method is it tends to read exactly the same until all the liquid in the tank is gone and then - and only then - start to read towards empty. This can mean the whole useful range of the gauge is from 1% full to 0% full

psaint · 03-04-2015, 09:32 AM

I use the Levelcheck made by Truma. The easiest and quickest method that I have found. I keep it velcroed to the propane tank wall. More money than the water method but no fuss or mess. Fill level indicator Truma LevelCheck

halfwright · 03-04-2015, 10:07 AM

I have 2 tanks and have only one connected at a time: ie not using the automatic switch over. When the stove won't light, I know one is empty. I put the full one in use and fill the empty one. That way I know I always have one full tank. A full tank will run from spring until fall and usually use three in the winter.

RichR · 03-04-2015, 10:08 AM

As said above- Truma,works great.

wowlites · 03-04-2015, 10:29 AM

Hi all,
I use the Gas Check pen, similar to the Truma. It works great, in fact ordered 3, one for the brother in law and one for a buddy. Just push the pen against the tank at various levels and the LED will light green for propane at that level or red if level is lower. It uses ultrasonic technology. Only $30. Check it out at this link

Red Gas Check Level Indicator by Moscap - Moscap Engineering

Cheers Rick T.

Timay · 03-04-2015, 11:08 AM

^^^^ Ordered 2 - one for the house one for the mobile house.

Tim

Don_T · 03-04-2015, 05:31 PM

Great ideas guys, thanks. I will likely order one of the ultrasonic detectors.

99-Am.Star · 03-04-2015, 06:42 PM

You can also use a digital infrared thermometer.

Cummins12V98 · 03-05-2015, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by halfwright

I have 2 tanks and have only one connected at a time: ie not using the automatic switch over. When the stove won't light, I know one is empty. I put the full one in use and fill the empty one. That way I know I always have one full tank. A full tank will run from spring until fall and usually use three in the winter.

Personally I would not leave the hose left without a tank connected for an extended period. Leave then both installed with the back tank closed and as you said you know the one is empty when the stove or furnace won't light.

Been doing this for years and I never completely run out this way.