Whatever happened to fiberglass LP tanks ?

IAMICHABOD wrote:

time2roll wrote:
Seeing is believing. Weight tells the same story. Automatic regulator also will indicate empty cylinder.

Weight is the best way to tell This is the best that I have found to tell how much is in the Cylinder.

Actually, IMO, there is a better level indicating system. It consists of a special OPD float, and a magnetic gauge that snaps on the valve. The gauge is magnetically connected to the float, and indicates the level of liquid in the cylinder. I have it on one of my 20 pound cylinders now, and I will get it put on the other one when I have it re-certified and filled.

We owned two of the banned fiberglass cylinders. The company was put out of business by the government as they had no quality control testing as required by law and when tested had a high failure rate. Anyone who had one lost their money because they can't be refilled and the company filed bankruptcy.

:h

I just have a hard time getting head around the need to know the level in your tanks. I understand if you only have a single tank, then there is a need, but those with two tanks what does it matter???
99% have auto switch over regulators, start with two full tanks, both open. Once the current primary tank, is empty the regulator with show red in some way. Flip the lever to the new tank, and fill the empty one.
I have far more important things to worry about.

Time to refill!!

rhagfo wrote:
99% have auto switch over regulators, start with two full tanks, both open.

Downside is that with both tanks open you can easily drain both and be left with nothing, especially when the tanks live under a cover that hides the auto changeover regulator's gauge. :M Ergo, the reason I run the tanks sequentially - open one and use it 'til it's empty, then manually switch over to the second full tank. At some point later, at my convenience I'll get that empty tank refilled, then repeat the cycle once the second tank itself has emptied. This way I truly don't care about monitoring tank levels. :)

Here's a couple pics. I like them for their light weight, and I bought them back when they were sold by Ragasco (eventually bought out by Viking) and they were only $120 at that time.

https://postimg.org/image/yuow6d4lh/
https://postimg.org/image/9d6hmrmv9/

SoundGuy wrote:

rhagfo wrote:
99% have auto switch over regulators, start with two full tanks, both open.

Downside is that with both tanks open you can easily drain both and be left with nothing, especially when the tanks live under a cover that hides the auto changeover regulator's gauge. :M Ergo, the reason I run the tanks sequentially - open one and use it 'til it's empty, then manually switch over to the second full tank. At some point later, at my convenience I'll get that empty tank refilled, then repeat the cycle once the second tank itself has emptied. This way I truly don't care about monitoring tank levels. :)

Well I would figure how to put a sight window in the cover. Personally we have a 5er, and simply need to open the door on the propane compartment door, takes about maybe 2 seconds to check.
In addition you should have a good idea on how much you use in different whether. That and I always refill the partial tank when we return from a trip.

SoundGuy wrote:

rhagfo wrote:
99% have auto switch over regulators, start with two full tanks, both open.

Downside is that with both tanks open you can easily drain both and be left with nothing, especially when the tanks live under a cover that hides the auto changeover regulator's gauge. :M Ergo, the reason I run the tanks sequentially - open one and use it 'til it's empty, then manually switch over to the second full tank. At some point later, at my convenience I'll get that empty tank refilled, then repeat the cycle once the second tank itself has emptied. This way I truly don't care about monitoring tank levels. :)

Been fulltiming now for about 4 yrs and this is exactly what I have done since day 1.

I have found that in most things the simplest and most fool-proof way is usually best.

GoPackGo wrote:
.... I run the tanks sequentially - open one and use it 'til it's empty, then manually switch over to the second full tank. At some point later, at my convenience I'll get that empty tank refilled, then repeat the cycle once the second tank itself has emptied. This way I truly don't care about monitoring tank levels.

X2, same as Mayo, one in fridge, one in pantry. When one is emptied, use the other, and put it on the list for grocery shopping! Never be without! :B

Or Heinz ketchup !

bgum wrote:
We owned two of the banned fiberglass cylinders. The company was put out of business by the government as they had no quality control testing as required by law and when tested had a high failure rate. Anyone who had one lost their money because they can't be refilled and the company filed bankruptcy.

I also had two of the Lite Cylinders. Bought whwen they first came out about 12 years ago. One of the cases broke and they sent me two new ones a few years ago. Everyone kept filling them until last year. They went broke because they couldn't afford a recall after a couple failed.