Our 16DBS has a single propane tank and I was wondering if anyone has used one of these tank gauges:
[a href="http://www.amazon.com/Camco-59023-Propane-Gauge-Detector/dp/B00192JGY4/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER"]Camco Gauge
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I have heard that an in-line gauge will restrict the flow and the heater will not operate properly when the tank drops to lower pressures.
I'm open to other suggestions to monitor the tank level...
MB
[font size="3"]The Camco and similar in-line gauges are useless because they only tell you the tank is approaching empty when it is already empty. The physics/chemistry of the situation is that liquid propane, no matter how much or how little, maintains a constant gas pressure until there is no more liquid. In-line gauges can only sense this gas pressure. The only way to reliably measure the liquid level is with a float inside the tank. Internal float gauges are usually only available on fixed horizontal tanks. I've heard there is one float gauge on a 20/30# tank available, but it's rare and very expensive. The most common approach is to add a second tank with an automatic changeover regulator. You just have to check every few days or weeks and refill the empty tank.
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Quote from: @charliem" source="/post/7317/thread" timestamp="1425152363[font size="3"]The Camco and similar in-line gauges are useless because they only tell you the tank is approaching empty when it is already empty. The physics/chemistry of the situation is that liquid propane, no matter how much or how little, maintains a constant gas pressure until there is no more liquid. In-line gauges can only sense this gas pressure. The only way to reliably measure the liquid level is with a float inside the tank. Internal float gauges are usually only available on fixed horizontal tanks. I've heard there is one float gauge on a 20/30# tank available, but it's rare and very expensive. The most common approach is to add a second tank with an automatic changeover regulator. You just have to check every few days or weeks and refill the empty tank.
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On my 2015 Camplite 21-BHS, I have 2 propane tanks with gauges on top that indicate the amount of propane remaining in each tank. One tank is full, the other tank is 1/4 full. There is no automatic swithching over to the full tank. I turn them off and on at the top manually.
On another note, charliem, I assume you are home now, taking it easy. When do you start with rehab exercises? Let's hope the physical therapists take it easy!
If you boondock, in really cold weather, with a single tank, it could put you in a rather precarious situation. If you recall, when your tank is refilled it is refilled by weight. Check out this scale on Amazon [a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grill-Gauge-GG-1100-NR-Original/dp/B0012GTU3O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1425156357&sr=8-4&keywords=propane+gauge"]http://www.amazon.com/Grill-Gauge-GG-1100-NR-Original/dp/B0012GTU3O/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1425156357&sr=8-4&keywords=propane+gauge[/a] The info. says it's only good for the 20 lb. tank. Another thought would be to use a bathroom scale. The net weight of the propane tank is stamped on the tank, maybe even the gross weight, it's been a long time since I've looked.
[font size="3"]Leslie;
[/font][font size="3"]Yes I am home and suffering through the pain and exercises. With some help from my wife and whole pile of determination I'm going to get through this. Then I've got the second one in three months. But the doctors, nurses and therapists say I'm doing better than average. They even let me out of the hospital a day early.
Two tanks on the tongue - Good
Two gauges - maybe. I doubt they are really float type.
No auto switchover - not so good, but fixable. The auto switching regulators are cheap. However, I also thought mine was manual only. Check your documentation and surf YouTube. Mine turned out to be the auto model anyway. If your regulator has a knob with left, right, and straight up positions and also has a small window to see a red or green display, it's auto switchover. LL documentation never mentions it.
When I composed the original response I completely forgot the weight method. That's funny because that's exactly the gauge I use to measure mine. Thanks James for reminding me. I'm a bit spacy with all these meds. When traveling I depend on the auto switchover, but when I'm preparing for a new trip I pull the in-use tank and weigh it.
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As Charlie noted, pressure gauges are almost worthless. What I do is after every camping trip I loosen the holding clamp, lift the tank up a little, feel the weight and wiggle it. If it feels like it still has some propane in it, I am good for the next trip.
David
[p]This might be of interest: [a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCvR_QycLNQ"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCvR_QycLNQ[/a][/p][p]
[/p][p][a href="http://www.truma.net/us/en/gas-supply/truma-levelcheck.php"]http://www.truma.net/us/en/gas-supply/truma-levelcheck.php[/a][/p][p]
[/p][p]Came across this while researching instant hot water heaters. I have no experience with it as I have horizontal mounted tanks which Truma told me their product has not been tested on. [/p]
Here's a simple hanging scale:
http://www.amazon.com/Grill-Gauge-GG-1100-NR-Original/dp/B0012GTU3O/ref=pd_sim_hpc_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=139YZ7TYPWRDKGPGG9FK
I often use a cup of hot water on the tank. Run the hot water down the side of the tank and then run your hand along it to feel where the temp changes. This is where the liquid propane starts. Its not exact but it lets you check the level without having to lift, weight, or loosen anything.
Meh, all these newfangled gadgets.
I will just continue running on one tank until it craps out. Then I'll switch to #2 and know its time to replace #1. Rinse, repeat. Only ever an issue if I'm more than a full tank's usage away from being able to replenish.
I purchased one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ALKAZHC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't had a chance to try it yet but I will in a couple weeks. The reviews on it are real good.
[quote timestamp="1428952616" source="/post/9266/thread" author="@shonsu"]I purchased one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ALKAZHC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't had a chance to try it yet but I will in a couple weeks. The reviews on it are real good.[/quote]Looks cool. Would you be able to leave it on there during travel, or would it fall off?
I have been searching for a propane level sender. The Seelevel 709 with the Propane level button is cheaper than the same model without. It pains me to have a button without an input. But I've not heard of any compatible inputs - any of you run across such a beast?
[p]For $40 you can get a new 20#er with a built-in float guage.[/p][p]
[/p][p][a href="http://www.basspro.com/Worthington-Propane-Tank-with-Gas-Gauge/product/1501080752007/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=1501080752007&kpid=1501080752007"]http://www.basspro.com/Worthington-Propane-Tank-with-Gas-Gauge/product/1501080752007/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=1501080752007&kpid=1501080752007[/a][/p][p]
[/p][p]It's what I did.[/p]
[quote timestamp="1428960443" author="@whoofit" source="/post/9271/thread"][p]For $40 you can get a new 20#er with a built-in float guage.[/p][p]
[/p][p][a href="http://www.basspro.com/Worthington-Propane-Tank-with-Gas-Gauge/product/1501080752007/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=1501080752007&kpid=1501080752007"]http://www.basspro.com/Worthington-Propane-Tank-with-Gas-Gauge/product/1501080752007/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=1501080752007&kpid=1501080752007[/a][/p][p]
[/p][p]It's what I did.[/p][/quote]I have one of those for our BBQ at home, yes the gauge does tell you the level, but when it reads empty, there is still a 1/4 tank of propane left (or so mine read).
That being said, it becomes a nice "reserve" amount just in case.
[quote source="/post/9327/thread" timestamp="1429014171" author="@gibby"][quote source="/post/9271/thread" timestamp="1428960443" author="@whoofit"][p]For $40 you can get a new 20#er with a built-in float guage.[/p][p]
[/p][p][a href="http://www.basspro.com/Worthington-Propane-Tank-with-Gas-Gauge/product/1501080752007/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=1501080752007&kpid=1501080752007"]http://www.basspro.com/Worthington-Propane-Tank-with-Gas-Gauge/product/1501080752007/?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductextensions&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductextensions&kpid=1501080752007&kpid=1501080752007[/a][/p][p]
[/p][p]It's what I did.[/p][/quote]I have one of those for our BBQ at home, yes the gauge does tell you the level, but when it reads empty, there is still a 1/4 tank of propane left (or so mine read).
That being said, it becomes a nice "reserve" amount just in case.[/quote]I haven't run mine down yet. Hope it performs better but I'll take it. UHAUL has these for $35. That's just $5 more than a gaugeless one.
[quote timestamp="1428958666" source="/post/9268/thread" author="@tinkeringtechie"][quote timestamp="1428952616" author="@shonsu" source="/post/9266/thread"]I purchased one of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ALKAZHC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't had a chance to try it yet but I will in a couple weeks. The reviews on it are real good.[/quote]Looks cool. Would you be able to leave it on there during travel, or would it fall off?[/quote]
No, I don't think it would stay. It does have a little slot where you could possibly tie wrap it to the tank. I'm just going to put it in place once I'm at the campground and take it off before I leave.
[quote timestamp="1429049897" author="@shonsu" source="/post/9356/thread"] I'm just going to put it in place once I'm at the campground and take it off before I leave.
[/quote]
I said the same thing about my weather station sensor... "I'll just put it under this wheel well and I'll pick it up before I leave"... ***crunch***
Guess who has a sensor bolted under the frame now :)
Quote from: @tinkeringtechie" timestamp="1429052545" source="/post/9358/thread[quote source="/post/9356/thread" author="@shonsu" timestamp="1429049897"] I'm just going to put it in place once I'm at the campground and take it off before I leave.
I said the same thing about my weather station sensor... "I'll just put it under this wheel well and I'll pick it up before I leave"... ***crunch***
Guess who has a sensor bolted under the frame now :)
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Hehe, yeah, you're probably right. I'll look at securing it permanently. I have some long tie wraps that might work.
Tie wraps worked great. It's now safe and secure. The cover still comes off to allow changing the batteries too. I haven't used a tank of propane yet but I'll report back here on how it works out with the sensor.
[quote source="/post/9269/thread" timestamp="1428959162" author="@nmken"]I have been searching for a propane level sender. The Seelevel 709 with the Propane level button is cheaper than the same model without. It pains me to have a button without an input. But I've not heard of any compatible inputs - any of you run across such a beast?[/quote]I also considered getting a Seelevel but the problem is you'll need a tank with a internal float to allow the monitoring we desire. As noted above, internal floats are rare on the 20 and 30 lb tanks typically used on trailers. I tried with difficulty to source one. It looked like I might be able to special order one but at great expense w/ ridiculous shipping costs. Another issue is I find exchange tanks are readily available while filling stations are relatively rare in my area. If I bought a tank with a float I certainly would never be able to have the convenience of an exchange.
[quote source="/post/7318/thread" timestamp="1425156998" author="@leslie"][quote source="/post/7317/thread" timestamp="1425152363" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]The Camco and similar in-line gauges are useless because they only tell you the tank is approaching empty when it is already empty. The physics/chemistry of the situation is that liquid propane, no matter how much or how little, maintains a constant gas pressure until there is no more liquid. In-line gauges can only sense this gas pressure. The only way to reliably measure the liquid level is with a float inside the tank. Internal float gauges are usually only available on fixed horizontal tanks. I've heard there is one float gauge on a 20/30# tank available, but it's rare and very expensive. The most common approach is to add a second tank with an automatic changeover regulator. You just have to check every few days or weeks and refill the empty tank.
[/font][/quote]
On my 2015 Camplite 21-BHS, I have 2 propane tanks with gauges on top that indicate the amount of propane remaining in each tank. One tank is full, the other tank is 1/4 full. There is no automatic swithching over to the full tank. I turn them off and on at the top manually.
On another note, charliem, I assume you are home now, taking it easy. When do you start with rehab exercises? Let's hope the physical therapists take it easy! [/quote]Leslie at first glance our switching valve looks like it's manual. The lever is what makes you think that. Also the assumption by most people that the extra tank is a spare so they don't open the second valve on the tank. I think Charlie is right. I have the same auto changeover valve and for it to work you have to open the valves on both tanks. It will feed from the tank the arrow is pointing at and then change over to the other tank when the first tank is empty. You can point the arrow to the tank you want to use, open that tank valve and when it runs out switch over manually if you want but for auto switchover you have to open both tanks.
Hmm, this might be the way to go: http://www.gaswatch.com/
Or one of these: http://www.dometic.com/USA/New-Products/New-RV-Products/LP-Gas-Checker/
[quote source="/post/13197/thread" timestamp="1436885973" author="@shonsu"]Hmm, this might be the way to go: http://www.gaswatch.com/[/quote][font size="3"]Basically a digital scale. Not going to work too well when strapped down to a trailer tongue.[/font]
Quote from: @charliem" timestamp="1436886538" source="/post/13199/threadQuote from: @shonsu" timestamp="1436885973" source="/post/13197/threadHmm, this might be the way to go: http://www.gaswatch.com/
[font size="3"]Basically a digital scale. Not going to work too well when strapped down to a trailer tongue.[/font]
Yeah, it would have to be loosened to check it. Probably not a good use for it then.
I 'm a sucker for gadgets. Found and ordered this one. Looks about the same as the Dometic one. http://www.moscapeng.com/GasCheck.html $29.95 w/free shipping
[video src="https://youtu.be/UgmGbc2x4BU"][/video]
[quote source="/post/13260/thread" timestamp="1436970259" author="@shovelhead"]I 'm a sucker for gadgets. Found and ordered this one. Looks about the same as the Dometic one. http://www.moscapeng.com/GasCheck.html $29.95 w/free shipping
[/quote]I went with the Dometic one on Amazon. I'll find out in a couple days how well it works.
The verdict is good. I don't know about any of the others but the Dometic has a pretty wide head which keeps it stable when taking the reading. I was able to pinpoint the level very quickly. I like it!
Same here for the Moscap. Works as advertised. I've 6 tanks in various levels. I used the "Pen" and marked the levels. I had the neighbor use the hot water trick the levels matched up.
So it appears the Moscap and the dometic are exactly the same product in closeup pictures IMO. The moscap labeled version is $30 w. free shipping directly from the moscap site. On amazon a lot of peiople complain about it not working. It works by ultrasound, so apparently you have to hold it very frimly against the tank and if the tank is mounted on something vibrating (like a trailer with the AC on) it can affect the reading.
[font size="3"]Just received the Dometic version from Amazon. I decided to try it since I misplaced my fishhook grill gauge. Seems to work as advertised although I found it helpful to wiggle it around a bit on the bottle. It's easy to get a false negative reading if alignment is incorrect, but a false positive is unlikely. No green, no gas.
For the few extra bucks I went with Dometic and Amazon because of the Dometic name and the Amazon return policy. The bad reviews regarding the Moscap customer support on Amazon concerned me and, i[/font][font size="3"]n the event of a DOA, I didn't want to deal with a poor return policy.[/font][font size="3"] I credited most of the one and two star Amazon reviews to people not using the device correctly. Apparently the need to press the device hard against the tank is not well documented in the Moscap instructions and I think that accounts for most of the bad reviews. The Moscap video now emphasizes this requirement. And Moscap's Web site is now down.
Funny story for you engineers: Just this last week as I was searching for my fishhook gauge I was thinking "I wonder if acoustics would work?" Then comes this thread. Oh well, another business opportunity missed.
Warning: It may not work on a beer can! 8-)
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[font size="3"]As a follow up, the Dometic propane level gauge works very well. However, it does help to put one hand on the propane tank even if it's well anchored to the trailer. Minute vibrations disturb the readings. I had just two vent fans running on low and was having trouble getting a reading. Placed my free hand on the tank and wallah!
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