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03-11-2012, 06:31 PM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Duvall
Posts: 110
M.O.C. #10238
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Propane Tank Pressure Gauge
Has anyone found a propane tank pressure gauge they like?
I would love to find a way to know how much LP is left in each tank without having to unhook them and lift them out.
Mel
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03-12-2012, 02:39 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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The ones with the gauge face at Walley World are about as good as any. They just give you an estimate, but better than the lift up and see method.
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03-12-2012, 02:44 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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I like to rotate bottles, since I dont use much propane. I use until the tank runs dry; usually gives me some early warning with weak flames on the stovetop.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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03-12-2012, 03:17 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa
Posts: 532
M.O.C. #10378
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Basically, the only thing a propane pressure gauge can tell you is that you have flow. The calibration is so inaccurate that to wait for you to notice it is in the red zone, the tank will be virtually empty. They really are a waste of $20 as far as indicating fuel remaining. I use mine for trouble shooting flow problems, and it works very well for that purpose, such as finding the culprit in the little red curbside regulator problems many of us have had.
I just let the auto change over regulator do its job. When it goes red, time to fill. I too wish there was a real gauge that worked, something like a fuel totalizer computer much like your vehicles "Miles Remaining Display" comes to mind.
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03-12-2012, 04:44 AM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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I just bought one of those magnetic things that supposedly changes color to tell you how much is in the tank. Didn't cost much so I thought I'd try it. Since both tanks are full I won't know how it works until I get back out on the road.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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03-12-2012, 05:06 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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Dick: Perhaps I just didn't know how to use them, but I've tried the strips with disappointing results. I think they work off temperature and if your tank is sitting motionless for some time or you're not drawing off quite a bit of propane ... the magnetic strip all looks the same to me.
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03-12-2012, 05:13 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Sunshine
Posts: 1,445
M.O.C. #538
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Just pour hot water on the tank and you can feel the level of the liquid.
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03-12-2012, 05:19 AM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Omaha
Posts: 6,750
M.O.C. #7560
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03-12-2012, 12:59 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: South
Posts: 2,499
M.O.C. #5140
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And in the summer heat, you don't even need hot water!
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03-12-2012, 01:12 PM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Palmdale
Posts: 177
M.O.C. #11365
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by dieselguy
Dick: Perhaps I just didn't know how to use them, but I've tried the strips with disappointing results. I think they work off temperature and if your tank is sitting motionless for some time or you're not drawing off quite a bit of propane ... the magnetic strip all looks the same to me.
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Right...they don't work all that well. Add a little color blindness on top that and they are totally useless. I have never been able to tell any difference with them. I just have to stay old school I guess.
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03-12-2012, 01:15 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Bakersfield
Posts: 5,316
M.O.C. #15
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I know it is really basic but I use the "lift" method to check for amount of fuel left in the tank. Often you can "see" or feel the level of liquid left in the tank -- provided the temp is cooperating. I remember Steve Reigle buying some sort of gauge that he was pretty happy with. Perhaps he'll drop in and make a comment. I believe it mounted on the tank but had a display that you could mount inside. Good luck. Dennis and Mary Kay
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I've got the gauges like from Wally World but I got them at Harbor Freight. I've also used the magnetic strips and they are OK to but I've found out just pouring a HOT glass of water over the tank then running your hand down the tank will tell you the best on how much fuel you have in it. The metal tank heats up from the water and the liquid propane keeps it cooler at whatever level it is at up the tank. I've got a wired gauge that you run the monitor into the Monte somewhere but have not put it on yet. The wired gauge is like the pressure gauges but sends the signal to the monitor. IT runs off two AA batteries! Like I said, the hot water works the best for me!
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