Dual propane tank switchover valve question

[lpaulcarter]

My 2002 Adventurer camper has a propane regulator which does not feature a selector to choose which of the 2 tanks to draw fuel from. Is this a totally manual, non-switching system? ie: open 1 tank's shut-off valve for fuel and when that tank is empty, close it's valve and open the 2nd tank's shut-off valve...

Second question: when one tank is empty can I disconnect it from the regulator while the other tank is open and supplying fuel?

[burningman]

I don’t see the point of having a switch, you’ve got shutoff valves right there on the tanks. What are you accomplishing by adding a switch 8 inches away?
I agree with Fpoole, I’d rather not have the tanks switch over automatically, I want to know for sure when I’ve used up my first tank and am operating on my last one.
Sure you have to go outside and turn a valve... but if you’re never gonna go outside it’s easiwr to just stay home!!

[jaycocreek]

Op

Looking online,I see what your talking about..

They are very simple to change out..That is what I definitely would do if it were mine.I would want the dial that chooses which tank to draw off of.

[lpaulcarter]

Hope that worked...

[deltabravo]

lpaulcarter wrote:
My 2002 Adventurer camper has a propane regulator which does not feature a selector to choose which of the 2 tanks to draw fuel from. Is this a totally manual, non-switching system?

Hard to say what it is without seeing it. Can you post a photo?

[BarabooBob]

I will be installing an automatic switch-over valve to my TT soon. The valve that I bought has an indicator that turns from green to red when the primary tank is empty. During our pre-flight inspection, we always check to make sure that the lp tanks are properly secured so looking at the indicator is not a big deal.

[time2roll]

lpaulcarter wrote:
My 2002 Adventurer camper has a propane regulator which does not feature a selector to choose which of the 2 tanks to draw fuel from. Is this a totally manual, non-switching system? ie: open 1 tank's shut-off valve for fuel and when that tank is empty, close it's valve and open the 2nd tank's shut-off valve...

Second question: when one tank is empty can I disconnect it from the regulator while the other tank is open and supplying fuel?

#1 Could be manual but I have doubts. Post a picture or the make/model of the regulator. Regulator has no red/green indicator? I would swap to an automatic before the next trip.

#2 Yes you should be able to swap tanks without losing propane. You will know immediately if you have an issue. Worst case... casually reach over and turn the other valve off.

[Kayteg1]

I had the switchover valves leaking back with 1 cylinder disconnected on all RV I had.
For me 5 gallons of propane is 3-4 seasons supply, so usually I disconnect one hose and plug it at the valve. This way I can travel with 1 cylinder only and use the space for other gear.

[fpoole]

I have the Auto switch, but don't really use it.
Shows Green when it has gas, Red when it's near empty.

Two tanks, I turn one on (or the current active one) the valve and flipped the switch to the 'On' and the other 2nd one 'Off'... Why?

I want to know when one is empty and needs to be filled next time I go into town. And Yes, it does require getting up sometimes at 0300 hrs to go out and turn on the 2nd tank and flip the switch over.

I then know the 1st tank is empty and the clock is slowly clicking on the second tank.
I keep it connected, just cause, but have at times disconnected the 'Pigtail' and obviously when filling without a problem

Things to keep in mind:

- If tank is drained, then Refrig if on propane might show a code, Empty or something like that, sometimes it's hard to get it to recognize the new propane feed. I just light up the stove to get the propane flowing, let it run for a few seconds and restart the Refrig. It then catches.

- I use those little red bungee ball cords to ID the tank that needs filling instead of trying lift/guess etc which one it is.. I just loop it through the handle. Just something I do, no real need to do it, but I like to 'KISS".. and it works.

- I always, now, check that refilled tank valve will work before leaving the propane place. Had one place, Quartzsite, AZ, lock up the valve, got back to campsites tried it, couldn't turn it on. Took it back, dealer pretty much said 'Tough, not my problem'..
Stopped going them and spend some $30 for a new valve, so I check it right there at the dealer before driving off.

There's been this discussion before on here and others wonder in amazement why it's so hard to just check the tanks and let the Auto-switch do its job, auto transfer to the other full tank. That means getting out a ladder the checking it every so often... Probably 'Six of one, half dozen of another'. But then I KNOW when the 2nd tank started and can figure how much time I have left for total emptiness. (I also carry another 30lb tank as a backup)

Bottom line, I don't really use the Auto switch as intended to keep better track.

Hope that helps.

[DutchmenSport]

My last 3 camper (TT and 5er) all had the automatic switch over. I always ran only one tank at a time by keeping the tank valve closed on one and open on the other. This way I knew when one was empty and could get it filled immediately. I never ran short on propane.

And yes, you should be able to disconnect one tank from the line with the other tank turn open and the open line should not leak.

It's an easy test. Just remove one line from one tank and turn the knob on the other tank. See if anything spews out. If not, you are good to go.

[Chris_Bryant]

If the pigtails connect to what looks like a simple "T", they do make a T with integrated check valves, so you can disconnect one. Many pigtails now contain check valves as well.