Propane Tank Level
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9789
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 1:39am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Propane Tank Level
Posted By: frog queen
Subject: Propane Tank Level
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2017 at 6:09pm
| anybody have good ideas on how to know how full your propane tank is? |
Replies:
Posted By: McCall
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2017 at 6:53pm
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The best way I've found is too pour hot water over the tank in the cool of the morning, and feel where the temperature of the metal goes from warm to cold. That point is where the propane level is. ------------- Gary E McCall, Idaho 2017 RP179 https://www.instagram.com/erttergary/ |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2017 at 7:01pm
From a self professed Techie, the best I've found is the ultrasonic sensor: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dometic-LPGC10-LP-Gas-Checker/481353366?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=3706&adid=22222222227065390913&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=169721580383&wl4=pla-275894001050&wl5=9011680&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113500026&wl11=online&wl12=481353366&wl13=&veh=sem - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dometic-LPGC10-LP-Gas-Checker/481353366?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=3706&adid=22222222227065390913&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=169721580383&wl4=pla-275894001050&wl5=9011680&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=113500026&wl11=online&wl12=481353366&wl13=&veh=sem Available from WallyWorld, camping stores, and others. No installation, no hot water, no removal and weighing. Works SLICK! ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2017 at 8:23pm
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We have 2 tanks on our 177. When the one runs out, we switch tanks then go to a hardware store and get it filled. Don't go to a gas station where they have Rhino or similar exchanges, you will only get a tank that is 75% full.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2017 at 10:51am
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I've just started using one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Products-024-1002-Propane-Level-Indicator/dp/B01C5RQKJA - 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. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2017 at 11:49am
Interesting concept. I was unaware of this product so thanks for the heads up. The ultrasound principle is valid. My hand held pen, available from Dometic and others, works well and is accurate, but my soft vinyl cover allows easy access to the tanks. Access would be more difficult with a rigid cover. The only drawback I see is the advertised 5 second update rate. I don't need that high update rate, not much happens in 5 seconds, and it sure eats up battery life. An on-demand or ~10 minute rate would be more appropriate. Looking forward to your reports after you use it a bit. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2017 at 11:59am
| The manufacturer claims a battery life of 1 year. |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2017 at 4:49pm
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I carry an Aux tank in back of pickup, hook it into my on board propane tank adapter from CAMCO, use that for primary use. Grill, etc. My tongue weight is where I want it to be so have opted not to have a second propane tank on front of the TT. The tank I fill and replace is the aux tank. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2017 at 5:17pm
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I have two tanks, when one is empty I swish, fill the empty at my convenience. I also carry a third in the truck bed for the propane fire pit.
------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: rkreeves
Date Posted: 01 May 2017 at 10:28pm
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Just purchased at my local Costco 20# tank with built-in gauge. $ 24.99.
------------- 2017.5 RPOD 179 2017 Tacoma 6,400# tow limit |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 9:43am
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. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 9:53am
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. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing. 
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Posted By: Oharley
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 10:34am
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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. ------------- RP 179 2016 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi 4x4 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 11:06am
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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 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 11:53am
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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. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 11:58am
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The gauge on the tank from Costco is a float type and I have found it very accurate ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 8:24pm
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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.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: pkadala
Date Posted: 05 May 2017 at 6:58pm
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Have to agree with prior response. Tried some cheaper solutions but the Costco tank with gauge is the best way to go. ------------- Phil&Dorothy Kadala Wilmington, NC '13 Rpod 178 '14 Ram 1500-EcoDiesel |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 05 May 2017 at 9:42pm
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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 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |