How do the dual propane tanks function?

ashmanbrian · 12-03-2015, 07:06 AM

How exactly do the dual propane tanks function? I have a "dial" that can point to either tank or be pointed down in the middle not pointing to either tank.

-is there a way to have one tank go first and then it starts on the second tank w/o having to switch the "dial"?
-if the dial is pointed at one tank, is that the only tank it draws from?

thanks for the replies.

SMS1115 · 12-03-2015, 07:20 AM

The valve on my camper also has an indicator on it. If I point the dial to the road side tank and it is full, the indicator is green. It will only pull propane from that tank. Once that tank is empty, it will switch to the curb side tank and the indicator will be red. Indicating that the tank the dial is pointed at is empty. I them switch the valve to the curb side tank and refill the road side tank and the process starts over again.

ashmanbrian · 12-03-2015, 07:23 AM

So you have both tank valves open? And it pulls from the tank you point at and then it will pull from the second tan?
Do you know what it does if the dial is pointed down in the middle of both tanks?

dhinkle57 · 12-03-2015, 07:23 AM

The regulator on our x23b does switch to the other tank when empty. On the switch are red and green indicators showing if a tank is empty.

mike837go · 12-03-2015, 07:24 AM

Fairly easy. Don't overthink.

Leave both tanks open.

Set the pointer to one tank and leave it there. The window will show green. That is your primary tank.

Use propane as needed and check the window from time-to-time.

When the window shows red, flip the pointer to the other tank.

Refill the tank that was the primary tank.

When you use up the current one, switch to the refilled one.

Repeat as needed.

ashmanbrian · 12-03-2015, 07:26 AM

Thanks. Do you know what happens if you poing the dial down toward the road which would be inbetween each tank?

mike837go · 12-03-2015, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashmanbrian

Thanks. Do you know what happens if you poing the dial down toward the road which would be inbetween each tank?

DON'T!

Choose a tank and run with it.

ashmanbrian · 12-03-2015, 07:37 AM

Got it. Thanks!

bedrck46 · 12-03-2015, 08:01 AM

Since you can't get a answer as to what happens when the pointer is pointed downwards I would suggest that you get the make and model of the regulator and do a search for the manual for that regulator And if and when you find the answer Please post it so the rest of us can be better informed I am sure that this question will come up again

ALJO · 12-03-2015, 09:03 AM

bedrck46 good advice.
The regulator information should came with the map you received with your Jayco.
Otherwise take of the mfg. name and model number of the regulator and search the web for a manual.

RedHorse1 · 12-03-2015, 09:38 AM

I think some (most) of the dual tank valves have an automatic feature where it will automatically switch to the "other" tank when one has been emptied. That's a handy thing until it's 3:00AM and 20 deg outside and you realize that the second tank just emptied. I manually control which tank I'm using and when I empty one I will flip the selector to the other tank (and open its valve)....... and hope I remember that I have an empty tank.

Ottawasteve · 12-03-2015, 09:57 AM

When you have to switch the tank over at 3:00 am and it's dark and cold out usually helps me remember to fill the empty tank the next day. When the fridge light blinks in the afternoon and I decide I'll refill the empty tank tomorrow or the day after is when I forget to refill. The 2 X 30 lb pound takes take too long to empty for me to remember how much I have used them and when they were last filled.

I leave the valve on one tank closed so that I know when one tank goes empty. The green/red indicator is not visible unless I take the fiberglass cover off of my trailer. I would also be interested to hear how the regulator switch works as well.

**norty1** · 12-03-2015, 10:30 AM

Like a light switch. It is left or right. There is no middle.

coloradocamping · 06-21-2016, 12:25 AM

The dealer told us the middle setting is to draw on both tanks, but never to use it because you'll never know when your tanks are out until they're dry. Switching to one or the other allows you to know you're on the secondary tank and that you need to refill.

Ela1948 · 06-21-2016, 04:44 AM

Part of my morning routine is to take a peek at the regulator to see if it has changed color. When it does, getting the old tank refilled becomes a priority!! I leave both valves on. Makes no sense to run out of propane if you monitor your tanks regularly.

PapaPhred · 01-09-2025, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coloradocamping

The dealer told us the middle setting is to draw on both tanks, but never to use it because you'll never know when your tanks are out until they're dry. Switching to one or the other allows you to know you're on the secondary tank and that you need to refill.

I realize this is an old thread ;-) but .......
Just wanted to confirm this answer is absolutely correct. Per the valve manufacturer's instructions, setting the lever straight down will draw from both tanks, but this totally defeats the benefit of this "changeover" regulator. Per the manufacturer's instructions, you should have both tanks on/open and use the lever to identify which tank is primary and which is reserve. This way it will use the primary until it's gone and then feed from the secondary without any interruption. You would then just need to be sure to check the indicator regularly. If the primary has run out, the indicator will show red. At this point you just move the lever to make the previously secondary tank the primary and you can safely remove the empty tank to be refilled.
I too was told to keep my secondary tank turned off so I would be sure to know when I hit empty, but I would much prefer to just check the indicator once a day rather than have to make the 3:00am switch manually using the tank valves. For me, I think checking an indicator once a day is much preferred to the rude (cold) wake-up at 3:00am ;-(
Note: I have found that mine will indicate the primary tank is empty a bit before it is. (At least some times) This is fine by me as the tank is so close to empty that I don't mind ;-)

**JFlightRisk** · 01-09-2025, 03:43 PM

That's the way the regulator on our TT works.

**norty1** · 01-09-2025, 06:11 PM

Every changeover regulator works the same.

TaftCoach · 01-09-2025, 07:53 PM

Hmm, so many correct answers and strategy.

The 3 am cold night tank running dry makes sense since we use more propane with the furnace running on the coldest nights.

So the choice becomes run out of propane at 3 am on your first tank and a full tank to switch over to, or on your second tank without an easy refill.

The choice is easy for me.

bankr63 · 01-10-2025, 07:26 PM

I would add one other piece of information here. When the valve feeding from the secondary tank you should know that the maximum flow is significantly reduced. You may have some issues with high BTU appliances when it is in secondary position. Flip the valve to make the secondary the primary tank to restore full flow. That was from the instructions for my MEGR valve anyway.

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