Propane tank

It should be approximately accurate, or at least repeatable in where it changes from full to 2/3 to 1/3 to empty, but clearly not very precise at all. There is a gauge on the tank itself that is more useful but often not the easiest to see, in as much as there's usually a sender module for the control panel's gauge covering the middle of the tank gauge's dial.

The tank gauge itself is based on a simple float arrangement inside the tank. Note that there must be some headspace in the tank, so the 80% level on the tank gauge is full. Whether the inside gauge is calibrated in terms of usable capacity or tank capacity (or indeed is calibrated in any practical sense of the word) is anyone's guess without making some tests.

I find mine is handy as a general guide for when I should start thinking about getting more propane. A full tank lasts a good long time if you don't use the furnace (or generator, if you have a propane fueled generator), a number of weeks in my case.

DrewE wrote:
A full tank lasts a good long time if you don't use the furnace (or generator, if you have a propane fueled generator), a number of weeks in my case.

Agreed - even in the BBQ case. I've had a 5 gallon tank last a whole season, and that included running the BBQ long after the food was cooked to burn off the mess. For sure, trailer usage is more demanding, but I still find propane capacity to last more than a week.

Where I've gotten into trouble is/was leaving the propane on during storage and underestimating the fridge usage while stored.

Thanks guy's. Your probably right. It's a 40lb tank that reads 3/4 so I'm assuming its good for 4 days worth of use.
Thanks again...Paul

You might check out Scan Gauge. It is a much better system for knowing how much is in your tanks.
Takes some time to install, but not all that hard.

Those propane gauges are fairly accurate but confusing, the one on the panel reads in thirds, the one on the tank itself reads in 1/4s.

I have been using the Mopeka Tank Check sensors and free app, transmits fuel levels to your smart phone.....I find it extremely accurate.

Mine reads 3/4 when full, drops to 1/4 when about half empty, then stays there till empty. Pretty useless lol. If I’m heading out in the winter and I’ll be using the furnace, I’ll fill up if it’s not showing 3/4 full. Otherwise I don’t really worry about it. If it runs out, I fill it.

freetime58 wrote:
I have been using the Mopeka Tank Check sensors and free app, transmits fuel levels to your smart phone.....I find it extremely accurate.

have you been using it on a cylinder or an a permanently mounted motorhome tank?

freetime58 wrote:
I have been using the Mopeka Tank Check sensors and free app, transmits fuel levels to your smart phone.....I find it extremely accurate.

You need to buy the sensors in order for the free app to work, correct ?

If so, how do they install ?

Will they work on the class c horizontal tank ?

- it's on 3/4 now. Not too worried about it. Only need it for 3 days.
- it's a 40 lb permanent motor home tank.
Everyone has been very helpful. Thanks to all!
Paul