Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-15-2022, 06:24 AM   #1
Rivet Master
 
2021 30' Globetrotter
Oviedo , Florida
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,356
How full are my tanks?

I rarely use propane for anything in my previous campers, but it is winter here in Florida and my on demand hot water heater is propane only. I had no idea how full my tanks are since we bought the camper used so I decided to check. I have one of these hand held scales which I suspended between the steps of a ladder and hung my 30 pound tanks from it. I also could have used my bathroom scale but I don’t have that when I’m camping. One tank had 10 lbs of gas and the other has 20. So we’ll run the 10 pounder empty and then fill it.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	5D0B1C93-7417-4E7D-A886-EC3A24AD6DDD.jpg
Views:	36
Size:	113.1 KB
ID:	410577  
jondrew55 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 07:28 AM   #2
Rivet Master
 
Dennis C's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Evergreen , Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,592
I use Mopeka tank sensors. They work beautifully and they provide accurate propane tank levels through an app on my phone.

https://mopeka.com/
__________________
Dennis

Past:
Airstream International Serenity 23FB
Newmar Ventana 3715
Dennis C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 07:41 AM   #3
Site Team
 
azflycaster's Avatar

 
2002 25' Safari
Dewey , Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,606
Images: 62
Blog Entries: 1
I wait for the active tank to empty, switch to the full tank and refill the empty tank.
__________________

Richard

Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
azflycaster is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 08:44 AM   #4
Ready-to-Travel
 
pmclemore's Avatar

 
2012 30' International
Walkerton , Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,165
The tare weight of the bottle is stamped at the top. Propane weighs about 4.1lbs/gallon.

And I do as Richard does. But don't forget and let the other run dry too.

Pat
__________________
--------------------------------------
Somebody, please, point me to the road.

AIR 3987
TAC VA-2
WBCCI 4596
pmclemore is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 11:26 AM   #5
Rivet Master
 
1976 31' Sovereign
Oswego , Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
Blog Entries: 1
Also FLINTSTONES way. Hold tank step on bath scale record total weight, then step on scale no tank, subtract dif. in weight. Must also subtract tare from total of tank, for remaining gas.
featherbedder is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 11:27 AM   #6
New Member
 
2019 22' Sport
Westport , Ontario
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 4
I also use the Mopeka tank sensors. So far they have worked really well. Takes about 10 minutes to install and set up the app on the phone. Also comes with a unit for inside the trailer. As we winter camp, the batteries can tend to drain a little faster below -10C but the accuracy doesn't seem to suffer any.
KentParsons is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 03:12 PM   #7
3 Rivet Member
 
2018 30' Classic
2004 30' Classic
1972 Argosy 22
Meridian , Idaho
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 139


A bit more clarification
Airstream provides an Automatic Changeover regulator.

The idea is you start with two full tanks, connect them to the regulator and turn them both on. The regulator has a switch/knob of different designs. Insure the switch/knob is pointed to one tank or the other The regulator, typically, has a red or green display. The tank you are pointing to should display green.

When that tank has emptied the display will turn red and the regulator will automatically start drawing from the other tank. When you see the red display switch the switch/knob to the other tank. The display will then turn green.

At this point you can remove the empty tank without loosing LP service to the coach. Get the tank refilled, remount it on your coach, reconnect it to the regulator and turn it on.
This is all described in your owners manual and may make more sense.
Go to Amazon to see several styles; https://www.amazon.com/s?k=automatic..._2_16_ts-doa-p
cbburke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 07:03 PM   #8
Rivet Master
 
banderabob's Avatar
 
2008 19' Bambi
2012 23' Flying Cloud
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Bandera , Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 786
We have a GasStop regulator that installs between the tank and distribution switch. Shows tank level, and also serves as an automatic emergency shutdown.
banderabob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 08:13 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
2021 30' Globetrotter
Oviedo , Florida
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,356
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis C View Post
I use Mopeka tank sensors. They work beautifully and they provide accurate propane tank levels through an app on my phone.

https://mopeka.com/
Interesting. Pretty scarce info on how the sensors work. Sonar?
jondrew55 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 09:17 PM   #10
3 Rivet Member
 
2018 16' Sport
St. Louis , Missouri
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 216
Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster View Post
I wait for the active tank to empty, switch to the full tank and refill the empty tank.
Simple, but effective.
Sport 16 STL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 10:05 PM   #11
Rivet Master
 
SuperTrouper's Avatar
 
2008 27' International FB
Petaluma , California
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,343
Images: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster View Post
I wait for the active tank to empty, switch to the full tank and refill the empty tank.
X2 with the added detail of when refilling always moving the tank in use to the curb side so the street side is always the full one. - Brad
SuperTrouper is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2022, 10:17 PM   #12
Rivet Master
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
NW Oregon in a nice spot , Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 879
You impress me, and must be an animal!!! I do the switch over thing but do not enjoy moving tanks so I would not go the extra step you do. My idol...that I will never emulate as I am too lazy getting older so moving weight I save for my part time retirement job.
bweybright is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-16-2022, 05:41 AM   #13
Rivet Master
 
2021 30' Globetrotter
Oviedo , Florida
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,356
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sport 16 STL View Post
Simple, but effective.
That’s my plan except I had no idea what was in either. I’ll fill the 10 pounder once it’s empty.
jondrew55 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2022, 02:55 PM   #14
3 Rivet Member
 
2018 16' Sport
St. Louis , Missouri
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 216
Take a long twist tie and put it on the tank that is in use. When tank is empty, move it to the other tank and begin using. Saves some wear and tear on your propane connectors
Sport 16 STL is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2022, 05:07 PM   #15
4 Rivet Member
 
2021 27' Globetrotter
Daytona Beach , Florida
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 357
I do the wait for one to empty method also. The one thing I don't do is move the tanks so the one I'm using is always on the same side. I have some of those reusable tie wraps, I'll put one of those on the handle of the tank I'm using. Thats the tank I'll run until its empty then switch tanks, put the tie wrap on that one, take the empty and fill it and everything starts all over again........
nitzo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2022, 05:39 PM   #16
4 Rivet Member
 
Jeff7176's Avatar
 
2018 25' International
Full-time , Traveler
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 313
Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster View Post
I wait for the active tank to empty, switch to the full tank and refill the empty tank.

X3. Never had an issue with running out.
Jeff7176 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2022, 07:37 PM   #17
Rivet Master
 
Dennis C's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
Evergreen , Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,592
Quote:
Originally Posted by jondrew55 View Post
Interesting. Pretty scarce info on how the sensors work. Sonar?
I think it’s something like that. I’m not entirely sure. They work really well though!
Dennis C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2022, 07:39 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
CruizinDux's Avatar
 
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Washington , Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,589
No smart phone so I use gauges like these from Walley's.


https://www.walmart.com/ip/2-Pack-Pr...4&gclsrc=3p.ds

I had to buy some longer hoses to loop over to the opposite side of the regulator to eliminate the hose binding. I turn on one tank and rotate downward the gauge for the inactive tank. As it approaches empty, i open the inactive tank so it automatically changes. I then keep an eye out for an easily accessible refill station.

The color gauge is worthless for me as I'm color blind, aside from it being a huge PIA just to remove the cover to check the color indicator.

I have 2x30's and even in winter they last a looooong time.
__________________
WashMoBob
CruizinDux is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-17-2022, 08:14 PM   #19
Site Team
 
Hans627's Avatar

 
2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares , Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,654
I use the Mopeka system and am very happy with it. I can check my tank levels with my iPhone.
Hans627 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-19-2022, 09:35 AM   #20
3 Rivet Member
 
aircampr's Avatar
 
2015 23' International
Lake Forest Park , Washington
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 140
Images: 21
We use the Mopeka system, which I installed a month ago before a trip for skiing. So far it is working great with the Cell phone app.

The little readout guage that comes with it has never worked, but I prefer the app anyway. Both sensors have now experienced a tank removal for refill, and were unaffected. (They are held to the bottom of the tank with strong magnets). The little 2032 button batteries still worked at -3F. The app indicates battery strength, which was reduced at the colder temperatures.

We used the Flintstones method for 10 years, which is OK when your tanks last all summer, but in below freezing temps Mopeka is the cat’s meow!

Charlie
aircampr is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tanks, Tanks, Tanks PSU1981 Plumbing - Systems & Fixtures 8 09-02-2019 09:34 AM
Replacing water tanks, holding tanks & battery? Nelsons 1956 - 1959 Flying Cloud 57 10-19-2014 08:21 AM
20lb tanks vs 30lb tanks? AldeanFan LP Gas, Piping, Tanks & Regulators 5 04-05-2014 12:37 PM
'Convert' from 30# tanks to 40# tanks HeavyAssault LP Gas, Piping, Tanks & Regulators 19 11-28-2013 11:42 AM
LP Gas Tanks: Replacing 20# with 30# tanks? Pete Vermont LP Gas, Piping, Tanks & Regulators 28 01-30-2008 08:34 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:49 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.