Propane tank

I'm not a fan of the auto-switchover regulators. I want to know when that first tank runs dry, even if I have to get up and go out in the cold to switch tanks. To me that's preferable than to wake up in the cold to find that I have TWO empty tanks.

Diamond c wrote:
I have 2 tanks and manually switch from one to another when first one runs out. I was just looking to know how much the one that I’m on now has in it. We’re leaving tomorrow for a few days and I hate to get there and one run out as soon as we get there. The web site says that they sell propane but I had just rather not have to fool with it while we’re gone if I don’t have to.

Get an automatic regulator that indicates when the primary cylinder is empty. With this system you will always know if you have more than half of total capacity and you are good to go. Or the indicator turns from green to red and you are less than half capacity and ready to fill one of the cylinders.

The other benefit is that you no longer need to get up in the cold to change cylinders at 3am. The switch is automatic and you can refill the empty cylinder after you get some coffee.

Cavagna regulator on amazon

I have one of the checker that you press against the side of the tank and it glows green or red. My main issue with it was reliability, it would rarely show the same level in the same place.

Dometic makes a handheld lp checker that you press against the side of the cylinder. It glows red when above the level of the propane and glows green when at or below the lp level. They were about $30 when I got mine but I think it's about $50 now.

Depending on where you are, "topping off" a tank can be somewhat costly since many places charge a set rate to fill a tank. Other places fill by the pound, which is how it should be, but don't be caught by by surprise with a $20 charge to top off a 30# tank.

I use an electronic scale to check my tanks.

I have one of those cheap magnetic tank level things. You stick it on the side of the tank and pour boiling water over it. It changes color at the level the propane is in the tank.

I never top off the propane cylinders. When the Cavagna regulator is red the empty cylinder is removed and filled. Never had trouble finding propane while on the road. Although during light use I will fill after returning home.

Old-Biscuit wrote:

Diamond c wrote:
I have 2 tanks and manually switch from one to another when first one runs out. I was just looking to know how much the one that I’m on now has in it. We’re leaving tomorrow for a few days and I hate to get there and one run out as soon as we get there. The web site says that they sell propane but I had just rather not have to fool with it while we’re gone if I don’t have to.

So go top it off today
Then you have 2 full cylinders

Simple....

LOL,
Before we full timed when we returned from a trip, we would spend the next week getting ready for the next trip. Besides laundry and replacing staple foods, included topping off the propane tanked last used on the trip, we always left with two full tanks.
I would check the auto switch over regulator to see if the first tank was empty.
I never liked the thought of the first tank running out at 2:00 am on a cold, wet, and windy night. I would rather check the gauge the next morning and see I need to fill the empty tank.

We have this one. Really like it!
propane detector

Veebyes wrote:
Your cooktop will show when tank level is getting low. Yellow flame. Your fridge may have a warning when the tank is getting low. Shaking the tank in place will tell you when it is getting low. Easy to tell a full one from an empty one. The tone of a tank when given a tap will let you know which is empty & which is full.

I don't use the automatic switchover on the regulator. I like to do it manually. When one goes empty, switch & refill at earliest opportunity. Less chance of forgetting till all out that way.

Stove top is LAST item to be affected by low propane as it has it's own LP Reg under the top that controls to 10"WC when system is 11"WC
System has to drop to/below 10"WC before stove would be affected.
Fridge/Water heater/furnace require the 11"WC to properly burn.

Furnace would be first as it has the largest burner
Water heater and then fridge with smallest burner

Besides ...Yellow flame would be 'fuel rich' flame (lacking enough air for complete combustion)