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

Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Dec 11, 2017
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.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Dec 11, 2017
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.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Dec 11, 2017
Farmboy666 wrote:
fj12ryder wrote:
Grit dog wrote:
Why not just go fill up the partial bottle of you think it's low?
Not sure who charges full price, every propane outfit or gas station I've been to charges you what they dispense.
Or....isn't that why you have 2, so when one runs out?
Not everyone works the way you think they should. We have two outfits that fill tanks, one is the local propane supplier, and they both charge a set price. So you pay for a full tank even if it's only 1/2 empty.

Exactly how much money are we talking about for a full tank? I guess if I had such a problem getting my tank filled and had to worry about being charged for more than I got I would keep a better handle on what was going on.
You're reading a lot into this. No problem getting my tank filled and I usually do it when it's empty.

It's more the issue of being charged for something you're not getting. Would you mind if you got charged for a full tank of fuel if you only needed a half tank to fill up? Less money for sure, but the same principal. Just a bit aggravating.
mowermech
Explorer
Dec 11, 2017
I sure am glad I live in the West. Every time I go get propane cylinders filled, they charge for the gallons and tenths pumped. Yes, the meter is temperature compensated (required by state law).
It doesn't matter if it is the two 20 pound cylinders for the grill, the 5 pound spare cylinder, the motorhome chassis mounted tank, or the house tank; all are charged by the number of gallons pumped in.
riven1950
Explorer
Dec 11, 2017
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.
:)
Farmboy666
Explorer
Dec 11, 2017
fj12ryder wrote:
Grit dog wrote:
Why not just go fill up the partial bottle of you think it's low?
Not sure who charges full price, every propane outfit or gas station I've been to charges you what they dispense.
Or....isn't that why you have 2, so when one runs out?
Not everyone works the way you think they should. We have two outfits that fill tanks, one is the local propane supplier, and they both charge a set price. So you pay for a full tank even if it's only 1/2 empty.

Exactly how much money are we talking about for a full tank? I guess if I had such a problem getting my tank filled and had to worry about being charged for more than I got I would keep a better handle on what was going on.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Dec 11, 2017
I've always found it simple to weigh the bottles with a fish scale. Subtract the tare weight (TW) and I know exactly how much is inside.
GordonThree
Explorer
Dec 10, 2017
Not a single station within 30 miles of home sells propane except by exchange only. However the local tool rental shop sells it by the gallon, as does the larger hardware store.
Chuck_thehammer
Explorer
Dec 10, 2017
I have seen several stations that charge Full price if tank is less then half...

I use a normal bathroom scale...

a 30 pound tank Full is 55 pounds. and empty its 25 pounds. = 30 pounds of fuel.

I am going to look into that bluetooth thing...
bukhrn
Explorer III
Dec 10, 2017
fj12ryder wrote:
Grit dog wrote:
Why not just go fill up the partial bottle of you think it's low?
Not sure who charges full price, every propane outfit or gas station I've been to charges you what they dispense.
Or....isn't that why you have 2, so when one runs out?
Not everyone works the way you think they should. We have two outfits that fill tanks, one is the local propane supplier, and they both charge a set price. So you pay for a full tank even if it's only 1/2 empty.
Let me know where that's at, so I know to NEVER stop there, around here, they charge for what they dispense, if they dispense 2 lbs, you pay for 2 lbs, (although I've never filled that little), Flying J does the same, at least all the ones I've stopped at.

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