I need HELP!!!: To autoswitchover propane or not?

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To autoswitchover propane or not?

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16382
Printed Date: 03 Feb 2026 at 9:30pm
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Topic: To autoswitchover propane or not?

Posted By: LeonMBarnes
Subject: To autoswitchover propane or not?
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2026 at 11:15pm

Looking for a recommendation based on real experience. Thinking of replacing my Cavagna Kosan 924N RV Auto Changeover Regulator. It came with my used Forest River RPod. From reading the manual it appears to not be working per spec.

Do you have an auto switchover regulator that you are satisfied works to spec? If so what manufacturer and model number.

If you don't have auto switchover for your propane tanks, why not?

Warmest Regards,

Leon and Johanne Barnes
Adventures in Retirement
Rig
2018 Lexus RX450h
2016 Forest River RPod 178
Fastway E2 Roundbar Weight Distribution Hitch with Sway Control
DVKNM WiFi Magnetic Solar Wireless Backup Camera, 10500mAh

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Leon and Johanne Barnes
Adventures in Retirement

Replies:

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2026 at 7:12am

As far as I know, most if not all Rpods came with a single tank back in that time period. I know our 179 only had a single tank. Was your purchased from a dealer our previous owner?

Regarding the regulator, they do fail as they age. On the Escape forum, most folks go with the Marshall-Excelsior auto/manual switchover regulators. That forum has a lot of full timers and they usually have a good beat on the best equipment.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2026 at 10:49am

Because we boondock often and in colder climates, one of the first upgrades was to add a second propane tank to our 177, which was purchased in January 2011. I never considered adding a switchover regulator because it takes maybe 20 seconds to unscrew and re-attach the coupler to the fresh tank, so it came down to a matter of why spend the money when I am not saving any time in doing this 'upgrade?'

Time wise I don't think you save much if any time for when your tank runs out, you still have to unhook it to refill. I guess the only advantage would be when you run out, which in my case us usually about 3 am, you save the hassle of going out in the middle of the night to switch things out.

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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: LeonMBarnes
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2026 at 11:47am

I purchased from a dealer a year plus ago, I believe that the original owner upgraded to 2 tanks. Thanks for the insight and recommendation very helpful.

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Leon and Johanne Barnes
Adventures in Retirement

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2026 at 11:54am

Originally posted by jato

But that auto-switchover at 3 am is very much appreciated. The only addition I would add is to make sure you check the tanks regularly to see if the switchover has taken place. What is worse than a 3 am trip outside to change the tank connection is to lose heat at 3 am only to find out that both tanks are empty.

I have the Mopeka sensors and display (older generation) to try to track propane levels. There is now a Mopeka Pro Check, which I would expect to work better than the ones I have.

https://www.amazon.com/Mopeka-Pro-Check-Bundle-Wireless/dp/B0C5G9Q4FT - https://www.amazon.com/Mopeka-Pro-Check-Bundle-Wireless/dp/B0C5G9Q4FT

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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