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02-24-2018, 05:43 PM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Everett
Posts: 187
M.O.C. #10319
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Propane monitoring
We have had a trailer or fifth wheel for more than 10 years now, and I have always been uncomfortable not knowing how much propane I have left in my tanks. I learnt early on to not open both and allow it to auto-switch over. I did buy a number of years ago a magnetic strip that you attach to the side of the tank and then pour water on (I think that was how it worked). I was not impressed.
This last weekend we camped and for Western Washington it got pretty cold. We were getting through the Propane. So I searched the web and found a product that seemed like it might help me.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/AP-Products...72.m2749.l2649
These are magnetic and attach to the bottom of the tanks. I may add some duct tape too because I am nervous about losing them. They use an ultrasonic pulse/reflection to measure the level of gas in the tank. I tried it today and it worked well. It measured that one of my tanks was full (90%) and the other very low (15%).
The version I bought (for $72) is just 2 measuring devices, you read the level with a free app you install on your smart phone. They have another version that is a little more money with its only monitor display, that you could mount in your rig - its all Bluetooth btw - so no wires are necessary.
So far I am very happy with it and wanted to share with this group.
Happy Camping
Chris
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02-24-2018, 05:47 PM
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#2
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Established Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Pueblo
Posts: 37
M.O.C. #20707
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Have used the Mopeka LPG Tank Check for a year and a half...and I love it. Pretty accurate and the app is super easy to use.
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Bill & Andrea
Pueblo, Colorado
2018 340BH - 2018 RAM 3500 CCSB 6.7 Cummins
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02-24-2018, 05:52 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bee Branch
Posts: 2,620
M.O.C. #20693
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My wife says I have expensive friends on this forum LOL
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James & Irene Wilson
Bee Branch, AR.
2017 Ram 1 ton diesel duallyCrew Cab/Long Bed
2018 Montana High Country 381TH Garage Full of Toys
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02-24-2018, 07:07 PM
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#4
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Established Member
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Pueblo
Posts: 37
M.O.C. #20707
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mtlakejim
My wife says I have expensive friends on this forum LOL
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Seems to be the consensus with our better halves. I've spent more money on things I didn't know I needed since I joined this forum. She "understands"...but it has taken its toll on our savings.
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Bill & Andrea
Pueblo, Colorado
2018 340BH - 2018 RAM 3500 CCSB 6.7 Cummins
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02-24-2018, 08:19 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,923
M.O.C. #20477
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I only run one tank at a time and refill when it runs out. As I can run a few days on a single tank even in cold weather running the heater I am comfortable without a gauge. I also carry a spare smaller tank for my grill which could be used if required.
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Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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02-25-2018, 02:18 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Willis
Posts: 896
M.O.C. #20587
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Traveler
I only run one tank at a time and refill when it runs out. As I can run a few days on a single tank even in cold weather running the heater I am comfortable without a gauge. I also carry a spare smaller tank for my grill which could be used if required.
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That's what I decided - a couple of grill tanks as spares - have them sitting around house anyway for grills, outdoor shower, & fireplace. Simply stack the leveling stackers under the tank and lock with top ring. Works great if you cannot get to a refill station in really cold weather.
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2018 Montana 3791RD (SOLD)
2017 Ram 3500 DRW 6.7 Cummins Aisin, B&W RVK3600 (SOLD)
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02-28-2018, 06:36 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: westminster md
Posts: 2,318
M.O.C. #17894
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Its pretty simple as others have stated. Only use one tank at a time. As soon as it is empty go get it filled ASAP while using the other. You will never run out.
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02-28-2018, 06:47 PM
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#8
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Toms River
Posts: 54
M.O.C. #20896
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Sometimes the simplest answer is the best. I aggree, I have the gauges on each tank and when one runs out, and i know it's going to happen soon by monitoring the gauges, i switch them over and refill tank. Never run dry!!. A full 30 gal tank will take some time to run dry!. Lesson learned is you have to stay on top of it and always monitor the tanks.
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2018 Montana 3810MS, 5.5 Gen
2015 Chev K2500HD, 6.6L Diesel
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02-24-2018, 08:33 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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We have never felt the need for a gauge either.
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Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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02-24-2018, 10:18 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Tacoma
Posts: 1,567
M.O.C. #20475
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I never had the need for a gauge and I leave both open and I have for the BBQ if need to.
Bob & Carol
Washington St
2017 352RL 2008 Dodge 3500 DRW CC LB 4x4 6.7L
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02-24-2018, 10:23 PM
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#11
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Toms River
Posts: 54
M.O.C. #20896
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I went to Lowes and purchased a tank monitoring gage that screws right into your LP line, between the tank and the supply hose. It's made for your home LP Barbecue. No fuss, no muss. Just screw it on. I have one for each tank. Works great!!
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2018 Montana 3810MS, 5.5 Gen
2015 Chev K2500HD, 6.6L Diesel
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02-24-2018, 10:35 PM
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#12
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Site Team
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,914
M.O.C. #19755
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnandJoyce
I went to Lowes and purchased a tank monitoring gage that screws right into your LP line, between the tank and the supply hose. It's made for your home LP Barbecue. No fuss, no muss. Just screw it on. I have one for each tank. Works great!!
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I wonder how that works? Seems like the only thing it could measure would be pressure and I thought (maybe wrong) pressure remained constant until the tank was really low.
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Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
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02-25-2018, 02:43 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Auburn
Posts: 879
M.O.C. #18474
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I too, use the Mopeka tank gauge. Did I need it? Nope. Is it nice to have? Yep! I can walk by the camper with my phone out and tap the app and it tells me exactly what is in each tank. That way I don't have to take off the tank straps and pick them up to know how much is in them before each trip.
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2020 Montana 3790RD Legacy EditionOnan, TST TPMS, TrailAir pin, Discs,
2013 F350 DRW 4x4 CC LBViair 10007, Ride-Rites, Westin HDx, 12k Smittybilt
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02-25-2018, 05:41 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
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I do the one tank open at a time routine. It never ceases to amaze me that I have to go out and do the manual switch over in the middle of a cold night.
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Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
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02-25-2018, 06:17 AM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Trinidad, TX
Posts: 506
M.O.C. #20746
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Speaking of propane monitoring, with the dual auto switch over, am I correct in assuming that one tank will be totally depleted before the switch occurs if both tank valves are open? My last rig had a manual switch.
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2018 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn 4X4 Dually Cummins Aisin CC LB / B&W Companion hitch
50 Gallon Transfer Flow in bed tank w/ Trax 3
2018 Montana 3121RL
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02-25-2018, 06:43 AM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Upstate NY
Posts: 1,788
M.O.C. #14547
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In 50 years of owning an RV, I can only recall running completely out of propane one time and that was on the first trip with our 2006 SOB. The dealer said the tanks had been filled and I believed him. Oops, lesson learned about RV stealerships. I too only keep one tank on at a time, even with the auto changeover function. If one tank 'kicks' then I will then go out and turn the other one on even with the potential penalty of getting cold and wet at O-Dark-Thirty(which has happened). I've had more failed auto regulators, including the current one which failed on the last trip of last season, then empty tanks.
The Mopeka(sp?) is a nice gadget if you feel you need one though
__________________
Dave W
2014 Montana High Country 343RL (Sold!)
2011 Ford 6.7 Lariat CCLB (Went to PU Heaven)
2019 F150SC XLT SE Sport,w/full tow package
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02-25-2018, 07:57 AM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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We have always run the tanks on auto changeover 4 TT's and 2 5th wheels over 25 years or so.We have never run completely out of propane.We have learned after years of Rv'ing how long a tank of propane will last in various weather conditions. We open the compartment and check accordingly. We have tried about every kind of tank gauge over the years and none of them work as well as auto changeover and looking. Strangely enough we have never had a regulator fail.
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02-25-2018, 08:28 AM
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#18
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Republic
Posts: 257
M.O.C. #16103
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Another option
Here’s another option for checking the propane level in your tanks. Its not as slick as a Bluetooth link on your phone, but works on the same principal and can be used on multiple tanks/rigs. Its less than half the cost of the Mopeka.
https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-LPGC1...70_&dpSrc=srch
Dave
__________________
Dave, Barb, and Paisley the Wonder Wiemeraner
Was - 2015 3160RL Legacy Edition & 2014 F350 6.7l PSD SRW Platinum
Now - SOB
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02-25-2018, 02:21 PM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Willis
Posts: 896
M.O.C. #20587
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Starmaster
Here’s another option for checking the propane level in your tanks. Its not as slick as a Bluetooth link on your phone, but works on the same principal and can be used on multiple tanks/rigs. Its less than half the cost of the Mopeka.
https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-LPGC1...70_&dpSrc=srch
Dave
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Was wondering if that thing really works?? Hey Dave, where do you folks observe? I see your avatar is a telescope. Do you build them? Starmasters that is?
__________________
2018 Montana 3791RD (SOLD)
2017 Ram 3500 DRW 6.7 Cummins Aisin, B&W RVK3600 (SOLD)
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02-25-2018, 10:06 PM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Republic
Posts: 257
M.O.C. #16103
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Quote:
Originally Posted by masterdrago
Was wondering if that thing really works?? Hey Dave, where do you folks observe? I see your avatar is a telescope. Do you build them? Starmasters that is?
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The thing works great, very accurate. Just press it up against the tank at various level from top to bottom. When the light turns from red to green, you’ve identified the propane level in the tank.
My avatar is a generic graphic, but I have several scopes, some like the refractor in the graphic, and also several reflectors. The pic in my sig was taken on top of Sandra Peak in Albuquerque. It was 70* at the base and 46* at the peak, darn cold in a T-shirt. Guess who’s wearing my sweatshirt!
I observe all over the US. I’ve logged observations in FL, MS, OK, NM, WI, MI, KS, TX, and MO to name a few. My main scope is a 14”, I always carry an 8” when we travel.
I have designed/built/modified several dobs of various sizes, but I don’t manufacuture any. Starmaster scopes were made by Rick Singmaster in Arcadia KS. Rick retired a couple of years ago, he was tired and had some health issues, its been about 6 months since I’ve talked to him.
Dave
__________________
Dave, Barb, and Paisley the Wonder Wiemeraner
Was - 2015 3160RL Legacy Edition & 2014 F350 6.7l PSD SRW Platinum
Now - SOB
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