How low to run propane tanks before refilling?

[wordsmyth]

I'm using the Mopeka magnetic tank monitors (excellent device, btw) with the phone app.

The starboard tank shows 100%. The port tank is down to 31%. We are very pleased with the rate of consumption of the Jay Feather 21MML propane devices.

Otherwise, I'm wondering how low to run the tank. I don't want to have to bleed the lines again after switching over, so 10%, or 5%, or 2%?

What say ye?

Thanks in advance!

[JKyle]

Originally Posted by wordsmyth

I'm using the Mopeka magnetic tank monitors (excellent device, btw) with the phone app.

The starboard tank shows 100%. The port tank is down to 31%. We are very pleased with the rate of consumption of the Jay Feather 21MML propane devices.

Otherwise, I'm wondering how low to run the tank. I don't want to have to bleed the lines again after switching over, so 10%, or 5%, or 2%?

What say ye?

Thanks in advance!

I don't really think about it. I just run the tank until I think it is 'not quite' empty, then go fill it. I recently bought a single Mopeka sensor. I use it on tank #1. No need for both, as I'm a light camper and will always keep my eye on #1, filling it before it is completely empty...using #2 only as an "oh wow I've run out of propane sooner than I thought." while on a trip. Most times #2 won't see any use. I like the info it gives me. Very convenient not having to visualize the colored gauge coming off the tank, on the tongue.

Try 2% and see how it goes. After that, you'll know to fill at a higher % number.

[norty1]

When my primary tank switches over, (empty), I remove it and refill it. I never have had any problems purging the lines.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by norty1

When my primary tank switches over, (empty), I remove it and refill it. I never have had any problems purging the lines.

Yep, 40 years of the same method.

[damaltor]

Originally Posted by norty1

When my primary tank switches over, (empty), I remove it and refill it. I never have had any problems purging the lines.

X2

[RogerR]

If I know I am low and heading into the mountains I fill it up. Otherwise I run it empty. On my 7th Rv and never caused a problem and also use 20 LB. for grill and winter home cooking with no problems.

[gypsmjim]

My local dealer used to charge by the pound. So I filled it up whenever. Now they charge for a full tank, no matter how much is left.

When I run my Mopeka down to about 3% I only have about 1/2 # left. I won't run it empty because inevitably it will run out middle of the night and i hate to go out in the cold to change a tank.

BTW, I only have 1 tank, so no auto switchover.

[RogerR]

Not sure where Wheatfield is but if you have a Tractor Supply they charge by pound, not fill at all the stores I have been into. There may be others out there who also do it by the pound.

[gypsmjim]

BTDT. Tractor Supply has poor service and they are a hassle when the tank needs t be inspected. Besides, if the tank IS empty, they charge more than my local dealer, who carries ONLY propane and parts.

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by norty1

When my primary tank switches over, (empty), I remove it and refill it. I never have had any problems purging the lines.

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Yep, 40 years of the same method.

Always did it that way on mine.

Just have to remember to fill that empty tank right away. Don't delay or you risk forgetting like I have done a few times. Then you're left with no gas when tank 2 runs out. It's especially difficult when you don't use much propane; you get to thinking "aw shucks, I have PLENTY of time to get that tank filled"...

With 2 tanks and an auto-changeover regulator, this is the best way to do it IMO.

If headed out to somewhere cold for more than a day or two, I would sometimes top off the partially used tank so that I was sure we had 2 completely full tanks.

If it's a single tank (like in my motorhome), I don't like to let it get below about 1/3 tank, depending on how/when I'm using it. I've luckily only ever run it totally out once. It's a bit more difficult in a motorhome since you can't just switch out the tank. I will eventually install a fitting so I can attach a separate tank when/if I need to. For now I just have to watch it and fill when convenient.

[TowPro]

On an Arctic Fox 880 I used to keep on my truck all summer, I would leave the refregerato running all summer on Propane, than solar to keep batteries charged. But once just before leaving on a long trip I found both propane tanks were empty and refregerator was hot with fresh meat in it . Turns out the auto charge over valves has switched, but the red indicator never came on. so I went out and bought one of these. I have been using one of these for 10 years now.


dometic propane level tester. press it against the side of the tank, if it sees liquid its green, no liquid its read, real easy to see tank level. when it gets near empty I go get it refilled. my local Ace charges per gallon.

[Jagiven]

If you have auto switch over there is no issue running out. I normally only open one tank until I think I will need the second tank. It's a closed system so air cannot get in.

Now if your system is off for a long time, the gas in the lines, behaves badly, I assume there is a chemical reaction with the hose, and the lines behave like there is air in them. When this happens, I light my stove first. After it is light, the furnace and frig usually need about two or three tries and it will light automatically.

Happy camping

[TaftCoach]

Originally Posted by norty1

When my primary tank switches over, (empty), I remove it and refill it. I never have had any problems purging the lines.

I have red, green, and yellow ribbons. When a tank is refilled it gets the green. When it is empty it gets the red. In use is yellow. It's an easy reminder to fill the empty at some point.

With two tanks I've never run out and never stress about how much propane I have remaining.

[hjets]

Originally Posted by norty1

When my primary tank switches over, (empty), I remove it and refill it. I never have had any problems purging the lines.

What Norty said!

[Cshenberger]

Originally Posted by TaftCoach

I have red, green, and yellow ribbons. When a tank is refilled it gets the green. When it is empty it gets the red. In use is yellow. It's an easy reminder to fill the empty at some point.

With two tanks I've never run out and never stress about how much propane I have remaining.

I do similar to taftcoach using something close to these

https://www.amazon.com/Searth-Biodegradable-Silicone-Reusable-Kitchen/dp/B07RXKRGGR/ref=asc_df_B07RXKRGGR/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693071387914&hvpos=&hvnetw= g&hvrand=4183786772486339969&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt =&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9015260&hvt argid=pla-801606239480&psc=1&mcid=33fa5dfc4b8331e29321b8a80c f4fcdd&gad_source=1


Started that after we ran out one year and woke up to 50 degrees in camper at 5am. That mistake was compounded by learning at 5am that TV had a dead cell in the battery so had to rig a charge for that before I could even head to get propane.

[Woodsman54]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Yep, 40 years of the same method.

X3

[Poppyof5]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Yep, 40 years of the same method.

+1

[spark of insanity]

I must be on the flip side because half the time my tanks are empty before I know it. But most times it is 2 weeks when I run out unless it is absolutely freezing and I really need heat. Never used a monitor and yes the tanks have one and I still have not clue how to read it. At least the campgrounds have a refill station. Easier.

[gypsmjim]

Originally Posted by spark of insanity

I must be on the flip side......half the time my tanks are empty before I know it........Never used a monitor and yes the tanks have one and I still have not clue how to read it

The owners manual for the monitor should be very clear and there should be no problem understanding it.

[smt0954]

I have dual 30lb tanks with auto switchover. I normally run tank 2 (passenger side) most of the time. Tank 1 (driver side) has the auto switchover and boy is it a very tight fit. When I disconnect tank 2, I turn the value 'closed' on the tank and disconnect from the tank. However, I smell and hear propane. Do I have the wrong kind of lead from the propane line to the tank? When I unscrew the connection from the tank, shouldn't it 'stop' the flow of propane (from tank 1) immediately? Any suggestions are appreciated.
be well all,
Steven T