Gauges for Propane Cylinders

[Tony_B]

I would like to put gas gauges on my 30 bottles. I looked at some on the internet and they all seem to say that they are good for 10 to 40 lb cylinders.
How can different size cylinders use the same gauge? Are they simply measuring gas pressure?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how accurate would you rate these $16 - $20 gauges?

Thanks in advance

[corvettekent]

time2roll wrote:
I don't need to know the level until one of the two cylinders is completely empty and needs filled.
Indicator on the automatic regulator does that and works perfect for me.

X2 works great for us.

[wanderingbob]

Those ultra-sonic things will also tell ya if you are pregnant , I am not !

[fj12ryder]

time2roll wrote:
I don't need to know the level until one of the two cylinders is completely empty and needs filled.
Indicator on the automatic regulator does that and works perfect for me.

Yeah, in a perfect world that would be fine, but...

[time2roll]

I don't need to know the level until one of the two cylinders is completely empty and needs filled.
Indicator on the automatic regulator does that and works perfect for me.

[golf_bears]

If you're trying to determine how much LP is in a tank, check this out. I have two of them and they work great. I use the app for my IPhone.


Propane Gauge

[jkwilson]

bucky wrote:
Evidently this site doesn't allow EBAY links or I'm just stupid.. The Dometic tester is on EBAY for $37.40 free shipping.

See if this works

[wa8yxm]

jplante4 wrote:
In order to detect a temp difference, propane must be flowing.

You missed the "heat the water on the stove" step clearly.

[bucky]

Evidently this site doesn't allow EBAY links or I'm just stupid.. The Dometic tester is on EBAY for $37.40 free shipping.

[mowermech]

My propane distributor installed a new OPD valve with gauge in one of my 20 lb. cylinders a couple of years ago. IIRC, the valve is also available for the 30 lb. cylinders.
I want to get it installed in my extra 20 pounder, but every time I call they are out of them.
I don't remember the cost, but it wasn't all that much.

[TomG2]

Worthington sells a tank with a built in float type gauge that actually measures the liquid propane in the tank. $40-$50. Some tanks can be retrofitted with a similar gauge. $30-$40

That is why I purchased a brand new tank with built in valve. No guessing or temperature adjustment necessary. Doesn't matter if tank is idle or in use.

From Amazon Worthington 336483 20-Pound Steel Propane Tank with Built-In Gas Gauge. Local U-Haul dearer has them for less.

[fj12ryder]

path1 wrote:

jplante4 wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:

jplante4 wrote:
Gas pressure only. Will read full until almost empty.

I'd go with this.

Look around for a better price. We sell this for $20.

You do... I want one? Where do I send the remittance?

We'll need to charge shipping which would negate any savings.

Mine works good. Paid about $30 on Amazon about year ago. I did have to read direction twice though. Pretty picky if not right. I'd buy again.

I really think I'll get one of those. I have a scale for my home smoker and BBQ tanks, but it's pretty inconvenient when the tanks are onboard the toyhauler. 🙂 And pouring water on the tanks in the confines of my storage area doesn't really appeal to me.

[SDcampowneroper]

jplante4 wrote:
In order to detect a temp difference, propane must be flowing.

True if outdoor temps are falling matching the evaporative temp of the liquid propane. Physics 101 dictates a liquid boiling into its gaseous state will chill the liquid, its how refridgerators work.
Propane boiling into its gaseous state will chill the liquid as low as - 44.3 F, propanes boiling point. Want to know how I know? I have poured propane into a bucket at - 53 f. it sat there like steamy water. Longlac, On. Jan.
95
always, with the hot water test poured down the bottle, the metal will warm to the liquid level. Remain cold below the liquid level. Aslide down the bottle finger test will feel the temp. differential to show the liquid level.
In hot weather, use iced water. reversed temps. j

[path1]

jplante4 wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:

jplante4 wrote:
Gas pressure only. Will read full until almost empty.

I'd go with this.

Look around for a better price. We sell this for $20.

You do... I want one? Where do I send the remittance?

We'll need to charge shipping which would negate any savings.

Mine works good. Paid about $30 on Amazon about year ago. I did have to read direction twice though. Pretty picky if not right. I'd buy again.

[jplante4]

In order to detect a temp difference, propane must be flowing.

[wa8yxm]

There are 4 types of gauges.

One uses a float, like a gasoline gauge on your car. It must be installed by a certified tank re-certifier It works very well and it is "Tank specific".

Most of the ones you find on the internet ared simple RED/Green pressure gauges. They do not tell you how much is left in the tank, only that you have LIQUID in the tank, can be 1 oz or 100 pounds. thy do not have the ability to tell the difference.

Next somes a scale. Those work based on the weight of cylinder and gas. These too are fairly accurate.

Finally there is a LCD strip.. YOu attach it to the tank (Either magnetic or peal and stick) Then put s pan of water on the stove to boil and pour the hot water over the strip. A marked color change will indicaste the liquid level in the tank.. Also rather accurate.