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01-08-2020, 01:00 PM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Tyler
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #23765
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Propane Tanks Question
I have a couple of questions about the propane tank system. Specially about the pressure regulators. I have a 3811MS and am wondering if the pressure regulator (with the tank switch and level indication) is an automatic changeover regulator? Mine is a Marshall Excelsior regulator but I can't find a model number. This regulator is on the driver's side. I am also curious as why the passenger side tank also has a pressure regulator connected before the cross pipe connection to the driver's side regulator. Would appreciate any explanation of the propane supply system anyone can give. Thanks
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01-08-2020, 01:17 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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The pressure regulator on the passenger side is reguired by law because of the distance between the tanks. The one on the dirvers side is supposed to be an auto changeover, but at least in 2017 Keystone used one that fails frequently and a number of us have replaced it with a better model.
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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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01-08-2020, 02:05 PM
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#3
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Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Tyler
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #23765
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Thanks for the reply. What better regulator model did you use?
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01-08-2020, 05:01 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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Actually we replaced the OEM one with a Marshall Excelsior so you should have a good one.
__________________
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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01-08-2020, 07:31 PM
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#6
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Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Tyler
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #23765
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This is what I have on my tanks. Seems to be pretty accurate.
GasSaf Propane Tank Gas Gauge Leak Detector - Universal for QCC1 Type1 Propane Tank Gas Pressure Meter(2-Pack) https://amazon.com/gp/product/B07QP6...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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01-09-2020, 07:44 AM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Livermore
Posts: 492
M.O.C. #17391
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Pressure meters don't work. All of a sudden there is no pressure in the tank. There is always pressure until there isnt. On the strips they work better but if you aren't using fuel than the tank is the same temp all the way through. When you use fuel than the release of pressure will make the propane get colder than the empty part. You may have to use lots of gas like for the water heater for you to see the level. I am not a fan of the automatic valve. You never know when it switches over unless there is a light that tells you which tank you are on.
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01-09-2020, 08:06 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,165
M.O.C. #6433
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As Slow Hand states, pressure does not indicate propane level.
From this site: https://www.propanetankstore.com/blo...tank-pressure/
"Pressure is not a measurement of volume. A pressure gauge only informs you of the internal tank pressure. A liquid level gauge is required to measure percentage of remaining volume."
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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01-09-2020, 08:48 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,688
M.O.C. #24086
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I have a Mopeka tank monitor system.
https://www.amazon.com/AP-Products-0...8584731&sr=8-4
Comes with 2 sensors. Then you download the app and can monitor from your phone. Has great range at least 100'.
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Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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01-09-2020, 01:44 PM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Moultrie
Posts: 250
M.O.C. #20747
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Use out of only one tank at a time. When one runs out of gas turn off the valve and open the other tank valve and then fill your empty at next opportunity. This way you most often know that you have a full tank in reserve. If you need to know how much is in a single tank, weight it. Bathroom scales work fine for this.
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Frank and Marilyn
2014 3402RL, Sailun S637/Disc Brakes
2015 F350 CC LWB SRW 6.7L PSD FX4
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01-09-2020, 02:03 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 525
M.O.C. #19994
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GAinaMontana
Use out of only one tank at a time. When one runs out of gas turn off the valve and open the other tank valve and then fill your empty at next opportunity. This way you most often know that you have a full tank in reserve. If you need to know how much is in a single tank, weight it. Bathroom scales work fine for this.
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Ditto, works fine for us
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The "Black Pearl"-2017 3731FL Legacy Package
2017 F-450 Platinum, 6.7 PSD
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01-09-2020, 03:30 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: 1000 oaks
Posts: 953
M.O.C. #19630
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GAinaMontana
Use out of only one tank at a time. When one runs out of gas turn off the valve and open the other tank valve and then fill your empty at next opportunity. This way you most often know that you have a full tank in reserve. If you need to know how much is in a single tank, weight it. Bathroom scales work fine for this.
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Ditto again.
Will sometimes use the hot water pourover to check. Just pull out the outside shower, turn on the hot and wash the tank in question. Feel for the temperature difference and the fluid level.
__________________
2011 2955RL Gen-Y Executive Kingpin
2022 GMC 2500HD Duramax/Alison
4X4 Crew Cab/Standard bed.
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01-09-2020, 04:21 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Winchester
Posts: 900
M.O.C. #19514
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GAinaMontana
Use out of only one tank at a time. When one runs out of gas turn off the valve and open the other tank valve and then fill your empty at next opportunity. This way you most often know that you have a full tank in reserve. If you need to know how much is in a single tank, weight it. Bathroom scales work fine for this.
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The only problem with this method is if you run out while something is in the oven, good luck getting a hot oven lit again, not to mention the uncooked food once you find out.
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2017 High Country 305RL
2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty
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01-09-2020, 06:44 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,165
M.O.C. #6433
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Loneoak
The only problem with this method is if you run out while something is in the oven, good luck getting a hot oven lit again, not to mention the uncooked food once you find out.
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Or furnace shuts off at 1 am on a frigid night.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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01-09-2020, 07:11 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,688
M.O.C. #24086
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BB_TX
Or furnace shuts off at 1 am on a frigid night.
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Yeah, 2AM. No heat, 22degF outside. I knew immediately what was going on. Had to go out and slowly turn on the other tank and switch the valve over. That's why I got the Mopeka.
__________________
Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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01-09-2020, 07:46 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,697
M.O.C. #12947
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We have been full time since late 2012, and it’s amazing how well the auto change over valve works. In the winter, when we use the furnace, I check the indicator maybe every couple days, and when it turns red, the auto valve has switched to the full tank and I then can remove the empty and get it filled. We have never had to get up in the middle of the night to have to switch tanks. Technology is great, almost like having a robot taking care of the regulator switching valve. I just don’t worry about how much is in the working tank, because I know the other one is full and the valve will tell me when one is empty.
__________________
Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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01-09-2020, 08:11 PM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daryles
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Love mine also - check it with the cell phone
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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01-09-2020, 08:18 PM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DQDick
Actually we replaced the OEM one with a Marshall Excelsior so you should have a good one.
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is this what you used?
HIGH CAPACITY Bulk # MEGR-253H Packaged# - MEGR-253HP Primary Cylinder BTU/Hr. - 350,000 Reserve Cylinder BTU/Hr. - 200,000
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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01-10-2020, 08:51 AM
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#19
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Established Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Tyler
Posts: 18
M.O.C. #23765
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If pressure gauges don't work why are gauges installed on permanently installed tanks on motor homes? As the liquid level is reduced the cubic area in the tank increases thus allowing the pressure of the gas to reduce thus indicating that the liquid volume is less.
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01-10-2020, 09:56 AM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,165
M.O.C. #6433
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mpchiar
If pressure gauges don't work why are gauges installed on permanently installed tanks on motor homes? As the liquid level is reduced the cubic area in the tank increases thus allowing the pressure of the gas to reduce thus indicating that the liquid volume is less.
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This link is a good explanation why pressure is not an indication on propane remaining. There is a huge difference in volume of propane vapor vs liquid propane.
https://www.hunker.com/12000128/why-...ressure-gauges
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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