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Old 01-08-2020, 01:00 PM   #1
mpchiar
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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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Old 01-08-2020, 01:17 PM   #2
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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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Old 01-08-2020, 02:05 PM   #3
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Thanks for the reply. What better regulator model did you use?
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Old 01-08-2020, 05:01 PM   #4
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Actually we replaced the OEM one with a Marshall Excelsior so you should have a good one.
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Old 01-08-2020, 06:58 PM   #5
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kind of on the subject of propane, what do you use or how do you tell how much propane you have left? i have been looking at this https://www.amazon.com/AP-Products-1...8PQB7ASJWV7NZV or
maybe this
https://www.campingworld.com/gli-gas...ator-4317.html
anyone use either one or something else
thx al
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Old 01-08-2020, 07:31 PM   #6
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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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Old 01-09-2020, 07:44 AM   #7
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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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Old 01-09-2020, 08:06 AM   #8
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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."
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Old 01-09-2020, 08:48 AM   #9
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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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Old 01-09-2020, 01:44 PM   #10
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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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Old 01-09-2020, 02:03 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GAinaMontana View Post
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.
Ditto, works fine for us
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Old 01-09-2020, 03:30 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by GAinaMontana View Post
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.
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.
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Old 01-09-2020, 04:21 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GAinaMontana View Post
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.

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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Old 01-09-2020, 06:44 PM   #14
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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.
Or furnace shuts off at 1 am on a frigid night.
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Old 01-09-2020, 07:11 PM   #15
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Or furnace shuts off at 1 am on a frigid night.
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.
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Old 01-09-2020, 07:46 PM   #16
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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.
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Old 01-09-2020, 08:11 PM   #17
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Originally Posted by Daryles View Post
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'.
Love mine also - check it with the cell phone
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Old 01-09-2020, 08:18 PM   #18
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Actually we replaced the OEM one with a Marshall Excelsior so you should have a good one.
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
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Old 01-10-2020, 08:51 AM   #19
mpchiar
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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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Old 01-10-2020, 09:56 AM   #20
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Originally Posted by mpchiar View Post
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.
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
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