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joe0508's avatar
joe0508
Explorer
Apr 19, 2015

propane detector

does anyone know of a good inline propane leak detector that will fit my propane tank on my 92 thor pinnacle?I would like to add one.
  • So are you looking for something that would go in the propane plumbing and detect a slow leak?
    I don't think they make such a thing because there's no difference in a device like the fridge which uses a tiny amount of PP and an actual leak.
  • ScottG wrote:
    So are you looking for something that would go in the propane plumbing and detect a slow leak?
    I don't think they make such a thing because there's no difference in a device like the fridge which uses a tiny amount of PP and an actual leak.
    I have one already inside the coach but i was hoping to get one with a gauge that would tell me if i am good or not that with fit inline at the tank.
  • You mean something like this? "Clicky" help appreciated!
    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Propane-Tank-Gauge/13350316
    If you have removable 20# (or 30#) bottles, you can put one of these on your tank. With all propane appliances turned OFF, open the propane tank valve to pressurize the line, then close the propane tank valve. Watch the needle on the gauge. If it drops over a period of time, you have a leak. If it remains in the same place, no leak. Used one like this for many years on our TC. Won't work now with my fixed mount tank tho.. ST
  • loggenrock wrote:
    You mean something like this? "Clicky" help appreciated!
    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Propane-Tank-Gauge/13350316
    If you have removable 20# (or 30#) bottles, you can put one of these on your tank. With all propane appliances turned OFF, open the propane tank valve to pressurize the line, then close the propane tank valve. Watch the needle on the gauge. If it drops over a period of time, you have a leak. If it remains in the same place, no leak. Used one like this for many years on our TC. Won't work now with my fixed mount tank tho.. ST
    Yea this looks good to for a cat heater that i was looking at but actually i was wonting to put one on the built in tank for my motorhome.I dont think it is possible.But you gave me an idea for my cat thanks for the reply.
  • Can someone explain how that gauge works? Does it just measure pressure? I would expect the vapour pressure above the liquid level would not vary with the depth of the liquid. Otherwise the humidity in the air above a lake would depend on how deep the lake is. I would expect the pressure to vary with temperature.

    Also, the gadget appears to have no outlet for propane to flow to an appliance. I guess you have to disconnect your propane bottle and attach the gadget to get a reading. I disconnect and weigh the bottle with a suitcase weigh scale.

    I can smell a pretty small leak.
  • The gauge I referenced attaches to the threads on the propane tank, then the appliance attaches to the gauge. It is never removed from the system. Common for use on propane grills, etc. Like I mentioned, I used one for many years with my truck camper. It is only accurate when you are flowing propane, if you want to get an idea as to volume remaining. A propane fridge alone does NOT flow enough vapor to let it read accurately. To get a remaining volume reading, check it when you have a stove burner or 2 going - fairly accurate then. Very good for checking leaks in the system like I outlined previously. ST

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