Propane tank

[Diamond_c]

I’ve always wanted to know how your supposed to know how much propane is in your tank before it runs out?

[fj12ryder]

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.

[CavemanCharlie]

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.

[time2roll]

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.

[rhagfo]

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.

[riltri]

We have this one. Really like it!
propane detector

[Old-Biscuit]

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)

[Veebyes]

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.

[pitch]

Top them both off. Why worry about something that is such a simple fix. RV furnaces suck propane like someone else is paying for it.
If you are at a campground electricity will be the key to conserving propane.
Run an electric heater,an use the furnace as a supplement,

[Diamond_c]

We are kind of new to tt camping, especially in cool/ cold weather. Not sure how fast the furnace uses up the propane. Really just don’t want to run out in the middle of the night and either get real cold before I wake up or have to go out and swop it it cold temp or bad weather in the middle of the night.

[azdryheat]

I top off both tanks before a big trip just to be on the safe side. If we're only going to be gone for a week and won't be using the heater, I'll just lift them and if one of them feels full then I won't top off.

[IAMICHABOD]

JimK-NY wrote:
Lift the tank and judge the weight. That will give you a pretty good idea of how much is left.

If you want to some simple math like I do for my 1 Gallon Cylinder and my larger cylinders I use This

I know how much the empty cylinder weighs and propane weighs 4.2 lbs a gallon,more or less. Just weigh it and see.

[Old-Biscuit]

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....

[Diamond_c]

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.

[Dutch_12078]

I use an AP Products/Mopeka Bluetooth level sensor on my DOT cylinders. It's quite accurate and alerts me when the alarm level I set on the phone app is reached. Works on 20, 30, and 40 lb cylinders.

AP Products 024-1001 Propane Tank Gas Level Indicator

[smthbros]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Worthington-20-lbs-Empty-Propane-Tank-With-Gauge-308551/300303119

https://www.ebay.com/itm/20LB-PROPANE-GRILL-TANK-SERVICE-VALVE-WITH-GAUGE-COUPLER-OPD-BBQ-OVERFILL-QCC-LP/191564387381?epid=1746624913&hash=item2c9a209435:g:hX4AAOSwPhdVN~YF