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01-15-2022, 06:24 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2021 30' Globetrotter
Oviedo
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,356
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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.
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01-15-2022, 07:28 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,592
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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
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01-15-2022, 07:41 AM
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#3
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,606
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I wait for the active tank to empty, switch to the full tank and refill the empty tank.
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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01-15-2022, 08:44 AM
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#4
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Ready-to-Travel
2012 30' International
Walkerton
, Virginia
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,165
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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
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01-15-2022, 11:26 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1976 31' Sovereign
Oswego
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,017
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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.
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01-15-2022, 11:27 AM
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#6
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New Member
2019 22' Sport
Westport
, Ontario
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 4
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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.
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01-15-2022, 03:12 PM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member
2018 30' Classic
2004 30' Classic
1972 Argosy 22
Meridian
, Idaho
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 139
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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
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01-15-2022, 07:03 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2008 19' Bambi
2012 23' Flying Cloud
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Bandera
, Texas
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 786
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We have a GasStop regulator that installs between the tank and distribution switch. Shows tank level, and also serves as an automatic emergency shutdown.
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01-15-2022, 08:13 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2021 30' Globetrotter
Oviedo
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,356
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dennis C
I use Mopeka tank sensors. They work beautifully and they provide accurate propane tank levels through an app on my phone.
https://mopeka.com/
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Interesting. Pretty scarce info on how the sensors work. Sonar?
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01-15-2022, 09:17 PM
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#10
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3 Rivet Member
2018 16' Sport
St. Louis
, Missouri
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 216
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster
I wait for the active tank to empty, switch to the full tank and refill the empty tank.
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Simple, but effective.
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01-15-2022, 10:05 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2008 27' International FB
Petaluma
, California
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,343
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster
I wait for the active tank to empty, switch to the full tank and refill the empty tank.
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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
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01-15-2022, 10:17 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2007 27' Safari FB SE
NW Oregon in a nice spot
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 879
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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.
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01-16-2022, 05:41 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2021 30' Globetrotter
Oviedo
, Florida
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,356
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sport 16 STL
Simple, but effective.
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That’s my plan except I had no idea what was in either. I’ll fill the 10 pounder once it’s empty.
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01-17-2022, 02:55 PM
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#14
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3 Rivet Member
2018 16' Sport
St. Louis
, Missouri
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 216
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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
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01-17-2022, 05:07 PM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
2021 27' Globetrotter
Daytona Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 357
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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........
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01-17-2022, 05:39 PM
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#16
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4 Rivet Member
2018 25' International
Full-time
, Traveler
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 313
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster
I wait for the active tank to empty, switch to the full tank and refill the empty tank.
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X3. Never had an issue with running out.
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01-17-2022, 07:37 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Evergreen
, Colorado
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 2,592
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jondrew55
Interesting. Pretty scarce info on how the sensors work. Sonar?
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I think it’s something like that. I’m not entirely sure. They work really well though!
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01-17-2022, 07:39 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Washington
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,589
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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
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01-17-2022, 08:14 PM
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#19
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Site Team
2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,654
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I use the Mopeka system and am very happy with it. I can check my tank levels with my iPhone.
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01-19-2022, 09:35 AM
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#20
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3 Rivet Member
2015 23' International
Lake Forest Park
, Washington
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 140
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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
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