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AFUser · 06-30-2014, 01:39 PM

... this is and how it works? I'm working through my "to do" list and have now got to the propane stage.

Thanks in advance,

Norm.

Minno · 06-30-2014, 01:57 PM

That's the indicator for you propane regulator. On the front of the regulator, there's a dial with an arrow pointing to one of the tanks. That shows which tank is currently the primary tank. If that red band is green, the primary tank has propane in it and is supplying propane to the trailer. If the band is red (as in your picture), the primary tank is empty, and the regulator has automatically switched over to using the other tank. This warns you that one tank is empty, and should be re-filled.

Switch the arrow to the other tank, and if it still has propane in it, the band will change back to green. Now, you can disconnect the empty tank, get it refilled, and then hook it back up to the regulator. Leave the arrow pointing at the second tank though. When the band goes red again, you can switch the arrow back to the other tank, and refill the empty one.

Both tanks need to be connected to the regulator, and both tank valves open for this to work.

Make sense?

You can also use this as a leak detector. With the band green, and no appliances using propane, close the shut off valves on both tanks. The band should stay green at least overnight. Longer is better. If the band goes red in a few minutes, you have a propane leak somewhere.

Chris

rodsterinfl · 06-30-2014, 02:31 PM

Lots to learn huh? I know. I will share my mistake with this. I learned to leave one tank valve closed at all times and turn the lever toward the open tank. That way, I know that i have at least a tank left when the LP runs out. otherwise it can drain them both- especially if there is a leak.

aftermath · 06-30-2014, 05:02 PM

Your picture shows the "automatic" switch over on your propane regulator. Minno explained the functioning of it and rodster offered up an alternative to using the switch over. He was right on when he said that you will never run out of propane if you bypass the automatic part and close off the full tank. When the other tank runs dry, you get out of bed, get dressed in your warm clothes, put on your rain coat and go out and turn on the full tank.

I love these modern trailers. My fridge "automatically" switches from AC to propane when disconnected from the power source. The propane tanks switch automatically when one is empty. What a nice system. Of course you can run out of propane completely on that cold, dark and rainy night if you are not aware of the levels in your tank. If you are not into checking them all the time, use the rodster's system. This will guarantee that you won't be left without propane. Now you get to choose which system will be best for you.

Keep asking those question. Lots of good help here as you have already seen.

HowieE · 06-30-2014, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodsterinfl

Lots to learn huh? I know. I will share my mistake with this. I learned to leave one tank valve closed at all times and turn the lever toward the open tank. That way, I know that i have at least a tank left when the LP runs out. otherwise it can drain them both- especially if there is a leak.

It would be easier to just fix the leak and use the regulator as it was designed to be used.

dznf0g · 06-30-2014, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowieE

It would be easier to just fix the leak and use the regulator as it was designed to be used.

Yup, why have the feature if you're going to old school process?????

rodsterinfl · 06-30-2014, 05:28 PM

Quote:

He was right on when he said that you will never run out of propane if you bypass the automatic part and close off the full tank.

I learned the hard way. I had a leak on the left side hose that emptied both tanks.

The leak is not the only concern though, you have no idea how much LP you have if you use it in auto mode- Like Aftermath said. I picked that one up from an Airstreamer at a rally.