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Topic ClosedPropane Tank Level

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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Propane Tank Level
    Posted: 02 May 2017 at 9:43am
Originally posted by rkreeves

Just purchased at my local Costco 20# tank with built-in gauge. $ 24.99.

Just remember that those built-in gauges will give you a general idea of the propane level, but the marks do not indicate full or empty. When it hits the red, it just means the tank is low. It might still have enough gas to last a few days if all that is being run is the refrigerator and stove. In Winter, the gas use will be more and that is where an accurate level would be better. I have used the hot water method as it does not require me to go out and purchase anything additional to what I already have on hand.
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rawest50 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 May 2017 at 9:53am
Originally posted by TheBum

I've just started using one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/Products-024-1002-Propane-Level-Indicator/dp/B01C5RQKJA

The jury is still out on accuracy, but all I have to do to check the tank level is whip out my iPhone. I can even be inside the camper.


Use the same sensor. On the remote the indicator lights show full as it should. The tank is full The app reading inches I am not sure it is correct. Shows about 8" depth. I thought it should be higher. I will find out before too long. As long as it read the low depth accurate I will be happy.

Let me know how yours works out.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 May 2017 at 10:34am
The more accurate way is to weigh the tank. There are handheld scales that are made specific for that purpose. Check amazon and eBay for price and availability.
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 May 2017 at 11:06am
The problem with a scale is the need to remove the tank from the holder in order to weigh it. That is why I use hot water. The tank does not need to be disconnected and removed from the mount in order to use the hot water method.
StephenH
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lostagain View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 May 2017 at 11:53am
I vote for Stephen's hot water method.  It's elegantly simple and is effectively free.  I'm going to try it one morning at home when we have a nice cold desert dawn.  

My solution is to carry a spare propane tank in the back of my truck.  When one runs out I'll have plenty in the other to last until I can get a refill.


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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 May 2017 at 11:58am
The gauge on the tank from Costco is a float type and I have found it very accurate
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 May 2017 at 8:24pm
The pictures I saw indicate that it is the same type of gauge that is on the tanks I bought. I think they are useful as an indicator, but accurate? Not really. The gauge bottoms out in the red while there is still propane up near where the tank's bottom curved section meets the vertical side wall. The tanks I have do have a float inside also. They are not the type that works off of the gas pressure. I have one of those on my grill at home. It is also useful as a general indicator. The float in the tank is better, but nowhere near the accuracy of the one that was on the horizontal tank that was in the motor home my parents used to have.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2017 at 6:58pm
Have to agree with prior response. Tried some cheaper solutions but the Costco tank with gauge is the best way to go.
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 May 2017 at 9:42pm
Next time I get down to our Costco, I'll look at them. I'll post a follow-up when I see the actual tank with gauge. That is, if our Costco has them.
StephenH
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