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Old 12-09-2016, 10:16 PM   #1
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LP Tank Level Monitor

There have been several threads lately complaining about automatic LP Cutover regulators and the various procedures used to keep us from running empty.

I got the new Trailer Life Mag today and saw an ad for this:
Propane Tank Gas Level Monitor - RV's, Gas Grills, BBQ tanks.-pplmotorhomes.com

It's a bit pricy but interesting.
I think they are pretty new - but anybody tried one?
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Old 12-10-2016, 07:21 AM   #2
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Amazon reviews give it 4 - 5 stars....
Don
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Old 12-10-2016, 08:18 AM   #3
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OK, I watched the video. Can anyone explain why the monitor continuously runs up and down the scale to show between 3% and 100% full? Seems strange that a video plugging a product's accuracy would do that.

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Old 12-10-2016, 08:46 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dewey02 View Post
Seems strange that a video plugging a product's accuracy would do that.
Very strange.
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Old 12-10-2016, 08:46 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BuddyRay View Post
There have been several threads lately complaining about automatic LP Cutover regulators and the various procedures used to keep us from running empty.

I got the new Trailer Life Mag today and saw an ad for this:
Propane Tank Gas Level Monitor - RV's, Gas Grills, BBQ tanks.-pplmotorhomes.com

It's a bit pricy but interesting.
I think they are pretty new - but anybody tried one?
I bought it for our new 2017 Eagle TT. With the way Jayco put the tanks behind the panel and not being able to see the regulator when it changes over without constantly unscrewing that body panel, I thought I would give it a try. I opted to just use the android app to check levels instead of getting their gauge as well and so far, seems to work well.

Have only been using it for a month while we were in Florida, but it made it very easy to sit at the dinette and check the propane levels. We haven't emptied a full 30# tank yet but almost. It also registered changes as the temps fluctuated. Any other questions, please ask.
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Old 12-10-2016, 08:50 AM   #6
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Every time Buddy posts a product I wind up buying it. So far his finds are pretty good. Thanks for helping to empty my wallet BuddyRay
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Old 12-10-2016, 08:51 AM   #7
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Last year I was trying to design an electronic circuit using a microcontroller and LP pressure sensors to display the tank levels. After a lot (to much) of research.. the ONLY way to Accurately calculate the actual level of the fuel is by the WEIGHT, other wise it is only a guess. That is why they weigh the tanks when you get them refilled or some just charge a flat fee, ASSUMING that the tanks are empty (you pay more that way).

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Old 12-10-2016, 08:54 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dewey02 View Post
OK, I watched the video. Can anyone explain why the monitor continuously runs up and down the scale to show between 3% and 100% full? Seems strange that a video plugging a product's accuracy would do that.

If I were to guess, the levels were changing because someone was moving the tank around with the sensor attached to demonstrate that it actually detects movement within the tank? Mine doesn't do that at all, but I also only check levels when we are parked/setup. I do see some minor changes during the day as temps change so that also tells me it is fairly sensitive.
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Old 12-10-2016, 08:56 AM   #9
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Amazon reviews give it 4 - 5 stars....
Don
After a month of use, I would concur with those ratings. I am waiting to see when a switchover occurs, but we are back home now in Michigan and won't be back with the trailer (stored in Florida right now) until after the first of the year.
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Old 12-10-2016, 08:59 AM   #10
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I have a fool-proof way to tell if my tank is empty, and it's free. The burners stop lighting... lol
(sorry... I couldn't resist, carry on)
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:01 AM   #11
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I have a fool-proof way to tell if my tank is empty, and it's free. The burners stop lighting... lol
(sorry... I couldn't resist, carry on)
It just wouldn't feel the same around here without such "input"!
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:08 AM   #12
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It just wouldn't feel the same around here without such "input"!
There's one in every crowd for sure
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:32 AM   #13
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I have a fool-proof way to tell if my tank is empty, and it's free. The burners stop lighting... lol
(sorry... I couldn't resist, carry on)
Good one!

Not sure why I should spend $$$ on a product to monitor LP tank levels when I already have a perfectly good one in the auto-switchover regulator. All I have to do is check its status every few days. Problem solved, no money spent.

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Old 12-10-2016, 09:39 AM   #14
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I already have a perfectly good one in the auto-switchover regulator.
I've never used that feature, I need to check it out when I head out in a couple weeks.
Thanks for reminding me.
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:43 AM   #15
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We have 2 tanks, when one runs out I manually switch it to the full tank and refill the empty one ASAP. Been working for years.

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Old 12-10-2016, 09:45 AM   #16
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What good is a solution that doesn't require buying and installing? :-)
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:47 AM   #17
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What good is a solution that doesn't require buying and installing? :-)
Now you're on to something.
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:59 AM   #18
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Good one!

Not sure why I should spend $$$ on a product to monitor LP tank levels when I already have a perfectly good one in the auto-switchover regulator. All I have to do is check its status every few days. Problem solved, no money spent.

Roger
I will admit, it's a "convenience" that many may not deem worth the cost. However for others, it is worth it.

On our old trailer, this wouldn't have been something I could justify (or get DW approval) to spend the money on. All I had to do was flip the lid on the tank cover that sat in the open on the front of the A frame, and take a peek.

On our new Eagle TT, the tanks are behind a body panel that screws on and it only took a couple iterations of my having to unscrew it, take it down, check the levels, line it up (which can be a pain), and screw back down to start me wondering if there was some better way. And all it took for the DW to write the check was to allow her to go thru the process of checking the levels ONCE.

I also bought a Level Mate Pro and have that installed on our new TT. It has saved me a lot of time messing with getting the trailer level when we stop and has also earned the DW's "stamp of approval" over the old fashioned way when she saw how much time it saved us setting up camp.

Some might not be able to see the "value" in these types of devices but every situation is not the same and only you (or in my case, the DW) can determine if it is worth the cost.
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Old 12-10-2016, 10:08 AM   #19
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I will admit, it's a "convenience" that many may not deem worth the cost. However for others, it is worth it.

On our new Eagle TT, the tanks are behind a body panel that screws on and it only took a couple iterations of my having to unscrew it, take it down, check the levels, line it up (which can be a pain), and screw back down to start me wondering if there was some better way. And all it took for the DW to write the check was to allow her to go thru the process of checking the levels ONCE.
Agreed, there are exceptions. I'm just amazed at how many people have auto-switching regulators easily accessible, but don't take advantage of them. In your situation I'd be looking for a better solution for sure.
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Old 12-10-2016, 10:11 AM   #20
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snip...
And all it took for the [DW/DH] to write the check was to allow [her/him] to go thru the process of [insert problem] ONCE.
...snip
Yup.
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