Propane tank gauge

[Rmack1]

I saw a propane tank gauge for three bucks that looks like a strip of tape that goes on the outside of the tank.

Do these things work?

[wa8yxm]

Yes they do.. Here is how.
First the strip is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that is sensitive to heat. It changes color as it changes temperature.

So you start by using the tank to power your stove and put on a pan of water to boil.. As the propane (liquid) in the tank evaporates it gets COLD.

THen with the tape on the tank you dump the boiling water over the tape on the tank,, where it changes color. that's the level of liquid in the tank

[jerryspoolman]

Mine have worked fine for 12 years.. As far as I can tell they operate on the surface temperature of the tank. With a little practice you could use a laser thermometer.

Haven't tried but would think you could use a hairdryer or heat gun instead of hot water for the heat source.

[Calgary_Campers]

It shows if you are getting low but a luggage scale let's you weigh the tank and know exactly how much you have.

I use both.

[eb145]

The Mopeka Tank Check Sensor has ben working very well on my two 30 lb. Propane cylinders on my 5th wheel.

It works really well and has removed my worrying about how much propane I have left. I use the cell phone app to check both tank sensors.

Ed

[time2roll]

While in use or heavy use only as the strip works on temperature.
Yes hot water should get you a reading.

If you have two tanks it is probably better to just watch the automatic regulator.

[Rmack1]

I talked to the manager of this RV park himself, and he said 'Sometimes. So, don't buy it unless you really need it, and I'm the manager!' lol.

[fyrflie]

The strip gauge I had required you to pour a cup of hot water over the tank/gauge.
The temperature variable between the propane gas and the vapor space in the tank created a condensation line indicating the level of propane left in the tank.
The gauge itself just gave a visual of 3/4 or 1/2 or whatever.

This hot water method is probably the most accurate measurement you will find of how much propane is really left in your tank.


Hope this helps.

[Sam_Spade]

Rmack1 wrote:
I saw a propane tank gauge for three bucks that looks like a strip of tape that goes on the outside of the tank.

Do these things work?

Not well.
The last one I got required you to pour HOT (almost boiling) water on the strip every time you wanted to take a reading. But that was a LONG time ago.

Read the directions before hand......or gamble $3.

[TomG2]

Sort of. I picked up a new tank with an actual float gauge for around $40. Accurate.