explain LP valve

[tinkerreknit]

We bought a new Forest River 5th wheel, and some of the documentation isn't available yet. Can someone identify this? Is it a double-stage automatic regulator? How does it work? Rather, when the supply tank is empty, what kind of indication will I be able to see? I can't see any name on it. Of course, the black cap rotates and the green indicates the tank in service. Both the in-service and standby sides have a red dot when you turn the valve. I have no idea what the yellow center means.

[tomwalt]

My friend had somthing similar to this - based on the little I know, this info should get you started.
The arrow is pointing to the green or left tank. It is in service and the red (right) tank is in reserve. When the green side is empty the valve with the arrow will go to and point to the right tank. My friend's had a LED inside the TT that lit when the tank was on the right/reserve tank. So, he knew it was time to refil the left tank. Hope this helps and doesn't cause confusion.

[TXiceman]

It is a combination regulator and transfer valve. The arrow points to the operating bottle.

Ken

[tinkerreknit]

Thanks so much for the fast response, guys! I never thought about an indicator physically moving - I figured something would change color since that is all I have dealt with in the past. I wish I had an LED inside! When I took delivery, the salesman was going over the systems with me and he said you only want one tank valve open at a time. I told him that that couldn't be right since you could loose refrig cooling or you could even have frozen pipes in some situations if a tank went empty. I don't know why he thought that way. I suppose larger RV's generally use very little LP and stay plugged up to electrical service most of the time. But we dry camp quite a bit and also enjoy an LP "campfire" a lot which uses a bit of gas.

[tomwalt]

My friend's was an add on LED - when you get the name of the manufacturer you might look for that option. It was simply a sensor/switch that turned on the LED when using the reserve tank. You might be able to make one with an LED flashlight and micro switch (Power from the AAA battery in the flashlight). Good winter project - share what you come up with on this site.

[tinkerreknit]

I was thinking a light might be triggered by pressure changes. But it would be pretty simple to position a switch like you say, that would catch the knob somehow when it flips over. I think I might try it later. I love to tinker (than's why I picked my username). I modify everything I get. Soon as I can I am drilling holes, wiring up, painting and adding on.

[tomwalt]

I do the same - drives the DW crazy.

[wa8yxm]

Automatic change over regulators do not work the way you folks seem to think.

You have two tanks,, Primary and secondary.. YOU select the PRIMARY using the knob.. There is some kind of guage or indicator it points to the GREEN or in the case of the one I looked at yesterday it is clear.

When that tank goes dry two things happen.

1: The indictor goes red (NOTE in the case of the one I just described a very simple LED/Photo cell detector could detect the red ring droppign in and let you know reomtely)

2nd the valve starts to draw LP off the #2 (Back up tank) working as kind of a "2-stage" regulator. The knob remains right where YOU put it till someone lays a hand on it and turns it to the other tank.

Once the knob is turned you can then shut off and safely (Assuming it is workign properly) remove the empty for re-filling, then re-install it as "Back up".

[Dave78Chief]

Remote indicator kits already exist: Marshall Brass Remote Changeover Indicator

Dave

[tomwalt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave78Chief Remote indicator kits already exist: Marshall Brass Remote Changeover Indicator Dave

This kit looks like the way to go.
Thank-you for the correction wa8yxm. My buddy's had a flip/flop valve and I incorrectly assumed this type worked similar.

[sc3283]

your fridge will use very little LP. My Dometic 6cu ft will run weeks on 1 30lb bottle. I haven't used furnace much to give you any ideas on furnace consumption. Out stove and oven is used very little to always cooking outside