Ok, getting ready to go on a trip. Can't remember how long present tank has been used. Will be running frig on propane so don't want to run out of gasSo the dumb question of the day is: Is there a method to Estimate how much propane is left in a tank without removing it?I have seen something about a stick on gauge. Don't have one, no time to order. Also, remember something about condensation showing level on outside but search did not find that. Don't need exact amount. We always have an extra tank just in case. Just don't want to run out in middle of the night while at my daughter's house for a few days.

Run the propane (stove or furnace) and spray the tank with water from a mister. The temp difference between the gas and liquid should show up as a dew line.Alternately, you could get one of these.

Why not get it filled, either before you leave or when you arrive?Don't know if the condensation method works when it is cold out. The idea is a warm tank will show cooler temp at the level of liquid remaining.

if you pour some hot water over the tank it will show exactly the level of fuel. Remember the tank is considered full at 80%.

I use my tanks year round.Pour some boiling water on the side of the tank.Put your finger on the bottom and slowly trace it up the side. When it feels hot that's the top of the gaz.If you start from the top you will burn you fingers.

just go fill it,then you,ll be sure ,frg doen,t use much.

how much propane in tank? | Good Sam Community

Chuck_thehammer
Explorer
Dec 12, 2017
sgfrye wrote:
RCMAN46 wrote:
This will not help you now but in the future may be very helpful.

I have a set in my trailer and also use one on my home barbecue.

That way I know if there is enough to do the steaks this evening.

Propane level checker

x2 on these. i have a pair for my 2 tanks. pull out my iphone and check.. 6 months of use i like them. pricey but long term investment

if its bluetooth.. Why so few phone models listed ?
sgfrye
Explorer
Dec 12, 2017
RCMAN46 wrote:
This will not help you now but in the future may be very helpful.

I have a set in my trailer and also use one on my home barbecue.

That way I know if there is enough to do the steaks this evening.

Propane level checker

x2 on these. i have a pair for my 2 tanks. pull out my iphone and check.. 6 months of use i like them. pricey but long term investment
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Dec 11, 2017
Stefonius wrote:
fj12ryder wrote:
Not with my 5th wheel. It's a real pain, almost literally, to get the tanks out to fill, let alone just to weigh.
I feel your pain. I can't for the life of me figure out why the propane compartment door couldn't have been made just one inch taller. The tank literally cannot come out vertically. It has to be rocked back on one edge and pulled out diagonally, with the break in the top ring centered over the top of the compartment door.
That sounds like mine. I'm going to try the Dometic jobby and see how it works.
Stefonius
Explorer
Dec 11, 2017
fj12ryder wrote:
Not with my 5th wheel. It's a real pain, almost literally, to get the tanks out to fill, let alone just to weigh.
I feel your pain. I can't for the life of me figure out why the propane compartment door couldn't have been made just one inch taller. The tank literally cannot come out vertically. It has to be rocked back on one edge and pulled out diagonally, with the break in the top ring centered over the top of the compartment door.
ICamel
Explorer
Dec 11, 2017
Dutch_12078 wrote:
I use a simple handheld baggage scale to weigh my DOT cylinders. I think it cost about $9...

#MeToo
Dutch_12078
Explorer II
Dec 11, 2017
I use a simple handheld baggage scale to weigh my DOT cylinders. I think it cost about $9...
01tundra
Explorer
Dec 11, 2017
We use an AP Products Tank Check Bluetooth unit, it's been 100% accurate when I've had it filled so I trust it. It's a little pricey, but since we only have one tank we have to keep up with it a little more than most people do and it's well worth the cost to us.

http://mopeka.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Products-024-1001-Propane-Level-Indicator/dp/B01C5RQJHS/ref=pd_sim_263_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EXQNVRT1H7WQDZ2TRCX7
mowermech
Explorer
Dec 11, 2017
Dave H M wrote:
Grit dog wrote:
My apologies, like others, unless I buy a pre filled tank, I've always paid by the gallon, in many states. Didn't know some parts of the country gouge for propane.

In your case all of the options mentioned will work.

I have very rarely paid by the gallon. The places i frequent most have a sign posted as to what they charge for say 20 or 30 lb. Way it is. So maybe that is why the op is wondering how much is in the tanks. I got the same thing going on. My camper has been in the barn since this spring and since I am older than dirt, don't remember for sure what my tanks status is since I turned them both off when I backed it in the barn. The flat rate is OK with me if that is what is posted clearly. I don't see how that can be gouging if you have a choice.

I take it then, you would be OK with paying for 34 gallons of diesel, because your truck has a 34 gallon tank, even though you only put ten gallons in?
THAT is why some of us consider "flat rate" charges to be a gouging rip-off! We simply believe propane should be dispensed by weight or gallons, not by "Oh, you have a 20 pound cylinder, we will charge you for 5.4 gallons of propane, plus a service fee and taxes."
jplante4
Explorer II
Dec 11, 2017
fj12ryder wrote:
jplante4 wrote:
Run the propane (stove or furnace) and spray the tank with water from a mister. The temp difference between the gas and liquid should show up as a dew line.

Alternately, you could get one of these.
I wonder if those actually work well. I hate the idea of spraying down the inside of my tank storage area with water when I want to find the level of propane. One thing I don't need is rust.

Somebody needs to buy one of those and report back on their efficacy. C'mon, somebody step up and take one for the team. :)

We sell them at the store, and believe me, if they didn't work we'd hear about it. We put them on sale for $20 and now they're gone.
Farmboy666
Explorer
Dec 11, 2017
riven1950 wrote:
Farmboy666, I didn't say I had a problem getting my tank filled. I asked a simple question about determining amount of propane in a tank. You could either answer the question or hit delete and move on.
:)

First thing is I didn't quote you but I guess you could figure I was answering you. Second, if I didn't have a problem filling the tanks for what ever I had to pay I would have done it already.

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