Community Forums

treesect · 01-18-2013, 03:27 PM

I put a external propane tank on my unit's system. After connecting, I opened the valves on both the external and internal ssystems. I understood that the system will use up the external tank's supply first then, automatically, switch to the on-board system. Is that the way it's supposed to work? Or should I shut off the on-board
system until the external runs out then open the on-board until I reload the external tank?

KIX · 01-18-2013, 03:31 PM

You would need to have an automatic changeover regulator for it to change tanks when on goes empty.

treesect · 01-18-2013, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX

You would need to have an automatic changeover regulator for it to change tanks when on goes empty.

I had one of those installed. I'm not sure it's working. The gauge for the onboard system indicates it's being used even tho the external still has gas. Maybe the gauge isn't working. How do I check on that?

regvett · 01-18-2013, 03:47 PM

I would say the one with the most pressure in it will be used first.
That would be my guess.

Larry & Rita · 01-18-2013, 03:56 PM

When I read the instructions for the "Stay-A-While" connector, I understand that you turn off the coach tank then hook up the outside tank then turn on the outside tank only.
The idea is to use the outside tank until it runs out of gas, then disconnect the outside unit to be transported for refill and while it is disconnected turn on the coach tank.
That way you don't have to unhook the coach to refill the coach tank downtown, you only have to transport the smaller tank that is outside (no down time).
Remember--LP gas id 4+ lbs per gallon. If you get a 20 gallon spare you will have to manhandle 90 plus pounds, plus the weight of the tank.

wa8yxm · 01-18-2013, 05:35 PM

If you are using either the Stay-a-while or the Extend-a-stay then my recommendation is to close the external tank valve and use only the external tank, then when you need to refill the luggable, open the main.

If you "Home brewed" something... Well, Please do not park too close to me... Some of those home brew I have seen truly scare me.

If you installed a proper automatic change over valve (I have never seen this done on a class A and actually do not recommend it) They are prone to fail.

NOTE: the pressure in the tank is a function of temperature not how full the tank is. In the daytime, with sun shining on the tank and the Generator off, odds are the external tank will have higher pressure, at night, the larger tank will more likely cool more slowly so it will provide most of the gas, as it cooles enough the external tank will put out a bit and as the on-board warms, around we go again.

Finally. if the generator is running, depending on its location it may "Warm" the on-board tank and thus raise the pressure in it.

This is why you MANUALLY control which tank by turning only one tank on.

rvten · 01-23-2013, 10:51 AM

Both tanks open. Both will be used at same time.

Larry & Rita · 01-24-2013, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvten

Both tanks open. Both will be used at same time.

If you leave both tanks open-How will you handle refills??
If you close the rig tank and run off the spare (on a class a) then you can use the rig tank while you go fill the spare one, granted you have more gas in the rig unit, but it is more convenent to lug the outside unit than to unhook the big rig and go get gas in both.