Propane tank levels in Seismic

[Deanwilkinson]

I am wanting to know how to check propane levels.
besides running out, is there a way to tell? Can I add some kind of gauge if not?

[tularockstar]

You can do it a few different ways. The most simple is to install a simple gauge at the output line (from both tanks). The most crude way is to remove the tank, put in on the ground and pour hot water on it. Then, you'd see the condensation line, which tells you the level of your propane.

Originally Posted by Deanwilkinson

I am wanting to know how to check propane levels.
besides running out, is there a way to tell? Can I add some kind of gauge if not?

[Deanwilkinson]

Originally Posted by tularockstar

You can do it a few different ways. The most simple is to install a simple gauge at the output line (from both tanks). The most crude way is to remove the tank, put in on the ground and pour hot water on it. Then, you'd see the condensation line, which tells you the level of your propane.

Are the gauges sold in hardware stores? Are they easy to install?
And that hot water thing is really cool... Ive never heard that before.

[mike837go]

With a little practice....


Unsecure the tank while leaving the hose connected. Pick up and gently shake the tank. Again, with practice and experience you can get a feel for about how much liquid is still inside the can.


Pressure gauges are useless since only the ambient temperature and rate of use affects the pressure until there is no more liquid left.


Fixed propane tanks often have a level gauge that works the same as a gasoline tank in a car: A float linked to an indicator.


Until tank manufacturers start including those, we're stuck with guesswork.


If you have 2 tanks, the level is irrelevant. The primary is drawn to near zero and the secondary is brought in via the automatic changeover valve. The user then makes the secondary the primary by flipping the manual changeover valve. Then refilling the empty bottle before the new primary runs out.


How much in each can? Who cares as long as one is full.

[tularockstar]

Hi Dean,

Yes, there are several type of gauges you can buy. Check Amazon website and there are plenty to choose from.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ane+tank+gauge

Originally Posted by Deanwilkinson

Are the gauges sold in hardware stores? Are they easy to install?
And that hot water thing is really cool... Ive never heard that before.

[RedHorse1]

IMHO the screw-in pressure gauge is not useful. As long as there is liquid propane in the tank it will evaporate and give a pretty constant pressure. When you run out of liquid propane (or nearly out) the pressure begins to drop. So the gauge will tell you "hey, you're out of propane" but you probably checked because the furnace wouldn't light.
I use one of these that I got from a different dealer (different name on the thing) and it seems to work fine and I can easily tell when the tank starts to get critical (low).
Propane checker
Some folks can tell the level by tapping on the tank but I've not been able to master that skill.

[Jagiven]

None of the pressure gauges really work great, they are known to go from full to empty quickly. The best option is to use a scale. I do not use a gauge at all any more. I always use one tank, and keep a mental note, of how long we have been using it and if we have been using the furnace with the tank. If you are running off the tank hard, for example using the furnace, you can run your backside of your hand down the tank edge and you can feel the transition line from vapor to liquid.

[ALJO]

Running out, then you know for sure...its that simple!


If I would buy all the camping gadgets available, I should also by a 3rd axle for my TT. Keep things simple so less can go wrong. Ooops might be stepping on a few toes.


At 25 F (-10 C) the furnace will run for a bit over 4 days with a 20lbs bottle.

[RoscoW]

They do make a composite propane tank that is more or less clear in nature so you can see the level of liquid propane in it. A little spendy for sure but ranks up there in cool factor and they are actually lighter than the steel ones.

Ross..

[Jagiven]

Originally Posted by RoscoW

They do make a composite propane tank that is more or less clear in nature so you can see the level of liquid propane in it. A little spendy for sure but ranks up there in cool factor and they are actually lighter than the steel ones.

Ross..

I believe those tanks were all recalled a year or two ago.

[SmokerBill]

The tare weight (empty weight) is stamped into the collar of all propane tanks. You can remove the tank and weight it on bath scales, and using the propane weight of 4.11 pounds per gallon, you'll know how much is left. A pain to do, but the most accurate.

[Hoojs12840]

I have the gauge. It will show you full and empty. It will go from one to another fairly quickly. I find it useless. I do what others have said and use the crossover gauge to show when ones empty and take it refill it.

Our new 377RLBH has room to carry a third propane bottle. It is possible to plumb it to run in conjunction with the other two, but for now I just store the spare there and always keep two loaded

[P25ct]

With my Seismic, this winter when running heat, I loosened the strap and picked it up. I know that sounds crude but it works. The hot water works as well!

[BuddyRay]

So it looks like the SeeLevel II monitors - made mostly for monitoring Water and holding tanks - now include the ability to monitor propane.
The problem I see is that they are made for motorhomes with a single propane tank.
I wish they would make a model that:
1) just measures 2 propane tanks.
2) measures all the tanks AND 2 propane tanks with an electronic notification of the position of the changeover valve.
I e-mailed these product suggestions to their website - but they haven't sent me my commission check yet :-).