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Old 04-07-2014, 08:48 PM   #1
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1983 31' Excella
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Does anyone know anything about tank capacity sending units?

I'm doing up a 82ft Excella. The monitor panel has a rocker switch which is supposed to indicate the amount of propane in the either the kerbside or roadside tanks. At the top of the tanks there are two unconnected wires and it seems likely that these two wires are meant to be attached to some kind of electric/electronic measuring and sending device for each tank.

I have searched various AS suppliers and can't find any such devices other than the gauge type. Because I haven't found them particularly interested or helpful in the past I don't want to call AS. So, does anyone know if the senders are available and if so from whom?

Thanks in advance,

Norm.
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Old 04-07-2014, 09:02 PM   #2
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Hi Norm

The only sending units for propane level are indeed the gauge type. There have been a couple of different types over the years but all require a tank that was originally manufactured with a float in it. Vintage Trailer Supply has the tanks and parts.
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Old 04-08-2014, 06:18 AM   #3
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There is a sensor head that clamps over the gage head I believe. I have never seen how these work so I would be interested as well. The problem is that to use your old tanks, the floats have to be removed and replaced with an OPD valve that does not have the gage in it. They do make a double bung tank now so the valve is in one hole and the gage is in another. They are not cheap.

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Old 04-08-2014, 07:29 AM   #4
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The original valves had a connection to read the tank level.. When the law changed and the tank valves were upgraded to OPD valves around 15 years ago that particular feature was lost. Thus the wires hanging there.

You can ball park the level by pouring hot water over the tank and feeling for where the colder area starts. Works best when using gas at that time
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Old 04-08-2014, 07:49 AM   #5
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Typically these devices that measure propane levels usually do not work. The only thing that works well is a fiberglass tank that you can actually visually see the propane level. In my 2013 Cloud I discovered that the system Airstream uses is also inaccurate. While the arrow that pointed to the tank that I was using indicated partially full I discovered that both tanks needed filling.
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Old 04-08-2014, 08:08 AM   #6
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Pickim up and shake em. Works every time.
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Old 04-08-2014, 10:20 AM   #7
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Those transparent lpg tanks csm rupture and have all been recalled. Illegal to refill.
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Old 04-08-2014, 08:22 PM   #8
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Thanks for the interesting information folks. Since I read all your replies I have been giving it some thought. I like the simplicity and economics of the switching when one is empty two tank solution. However, from an engineering aspect I don't think it's too much of a problem to generate quantity remaining signals from the tanks using a non invasive method. So far it seems to me that the problem could be the costs associated with converting the signals to a digital readout.

When I'm finished with the Excella refurbishing and a couple of other projects I have on the go I'll do some experiments and I'll post the results.

Thanks again,

Norm.
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Old 04-08-2014, 08:53 PM   #9
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This is the gauge I have on my 2 40 gal. aluminum LP tanks. The two wires from each tank are routed to my Micropulse Systems Monitor and show the gas level. Mine give accurate readings of the level in each. Pricey, but they work. I have found them from another seller for $50 each.
http://www.amazon.com/Manchester-562.../dp/B00EP1R2AG
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Old 04-09-2014, 05:37 AM   #10
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That same sending unit is.$11 at VTS
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Old 04-09-2014, 07:28 AM   #11
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Only the tanks from Lite Cylinder have been recalled. I believe others are still safe to use. They also have a strip that you can place on the outside of the tank that measures the temp of the tank indicating the fullness. Again, I don't believe there is any really accurate way to measure propane.
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Old 04-09-2014, 08:12 AM   #12
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I received notice from opinion cylinder last fall as well.

I think the coach recalled all of these....
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Old 04-09-2014, 08:16 AM   #13
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You most likely have an automatic change over regulator . Just leave both tanks valves open. When it changes from tank one to tank 2 the indicator should tell you ( mine turns from green to red) After you flip the regulator to tank 2 it will turn green again. you can remove tank 1 and get it filled. No interuption in gas supply or waking up cold in the morning.
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Old 04-09-2014, 08:29 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by graysailor View Post
Typically these devices that measure propane levels usually do not work. The only thing that works well is a fiberglass tank that you can actually visually see the propane level. In my 2013 Cloud I discovered that the system Airstream uses is also inaccurate. While the arrow that pointed to the tank that I was using indicated partially full I discovered that both tanks needed filling.
Actually, your regulator was working as designed. When there's sufficient gas pressure in both tanks and the valves are open, the regulator should show full green. When the active tank is empty and the regulator switches over to the 2nd tank, it shows half green/half red to indicate that it's time to fill tank 1, which you still have LP in tank 2 to supply the trailer.

PS: By the time it reads full red, your tanks are essentially empty.
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Old 04-09-2014, 10:47 PM   #15
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If I understand the above post correctly then the valves on both tanks should be in the open position? Or should one tank be closed and the other open then when you see red open the closed valve?
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Old 04-09-2014, 11:40 PM   #16
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How I do it - turn junction valve to primary (first) tank and then open that tank fully. You should see green. Then, move junction valve to center position and slowly open tank two. You should still see green, When the primary tank runs low the red collar will appear but you still have gas pressure.

Once red, turn junction valve towards second tank and close empty primary tank. Remove and refill.
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