LP Tank Checker

[PennyC]

Hi We are looking at the Mopeka LPG Tank Checker vs the AP checker. Anyone using one of these Checkers and if so, can you recommend?

Thank you in advance. I appreciate your comments.

[RichR]

I have a Truma level check- works very well. About a hundred bucks, don't know about other brands.

[Art-n-Marge]

I have inline mechanical propane gauges that I have used for years, and I thought the $15 I spent for each of those were too much. I keep these gauges on the lines and swap out the tanks when things run out or get low. The RV has an autoswitchover so there is no interruption and I monitor the gauges just so I can plan a refill trip, then I remove and refill the empty ASAP to not worry about it.

These gauges are pricing out around $100 and I would prefer to spend my money on other things. If you do buy these we'd appreciate a review for those others with deeper pockets than me.

[Starmaster]

We use the Dometic LPGC10 Gas Checker. These are only about $40 on Amazon and accurately measures the level of propane in 5-40lb propane cylindars. To use, simply press the checker firmly against the side of the tank at various levels until it gives a green light (instead of the red light). This indicates the level of liquid propane in the tank.

This is similar to the Truma checker mentioned previously. These checkers are much more accurate than the pressure type gauges. These checkers use ultrasound to find the liquid level. The pressure type gauges only read the propane pressure in the cylinders. Since propane pressure is relatively constant until the tanks are practically empty, they only tell you when you are about empty, not how much propane you have left.

We use ours frequently so we can buy propane when it is convenient, rather than running out. Its much quicker and less trouble to use this checker than it is to weigh the tanks, which is the only other way to know the amount of propane remaining in the tank.

Here's a link to the Dometic checker on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-LPGC1.../dp/B00Q7379X0

Dave

[WeBeFulltime]

Like Art-N Marge I see no need for one. When one empties the auto change over will switch to the other tank. Remove empty and have refilled. Have been doing this full time since Sep 1, 2010 and never a problem with this method. Extra cost: $0.00.

[DQDick]

When we are on the road we do like art and Marge and David and Sharon, when we're at The Ranch, an Excapee park in Lakewood, NM we use a 100 gallon tank supplied by the local propane company and don't even think about it.

[PennyC]

Thank you everyone! I didn't realize that there were so many more checkers available.

[PackerFan]

I use a Tupperware glass filled with hot water, very Hi-Tech. Just pour it on the tank, as it runs down the side of the tank a Frost Line will appear that shows you the level of the LP inside. Cost of the glass was $0.00 since I found it.

[waynemoore]

I run one tank at a time. When one runs out, open the other one, pull out the empty and get it refilled. Easy to know when the open tank is empty the stove wouldn't light. Also I can tell when the tank is getting low as the stove flame color is mostly yellow very little blue in it.

[WeBeFulltime]

quote:Originally posted by PackerFan

I use a Tupperware glass filled with hot water, very Hi-Tech. Just pour it on the tank, as it runs down the side of the tank a line will appear that shows you the level of the LP inside. Cost of the glass was $0.00 since I found it.

Does it have to be authentic Tupperware?

[PackerFan]

WeBeFulltime: I tried other brands including the famous "Red Plastic Cup" but nothing worked as good!!

[lostshakerofsalt]

I used to do the one tank closed until the opened tank ran out but found out that it only runs out at ~2AM on a cold night. I got tired of having to get up and go out to open the valve on the other tank in the cold so now I use the auto-crossover. I check the tanks about every other day to see if it has switched over and if so, I fill the empty bottle. If the temp is low enough and there is enough humidity, you can see a frost line where the propane level is.

[1retired06]

quote:Originally posted by PackerFan

I use a Tupperware glass filled with hot water, very Hi-Tech. Just pour it on the tank, as it runs down the side of the tank a Frost Line will appear that shows you the level of the LP inside. Cost of the glass was $0.00 since I found it.

Tried that this afternoon. Nothing. Guess I am doing something wrong

[Art-n-Marge]

1retires06, I don't think you are doing anything wrong. I wonder if the ambient temperature and humidity could affect the method described.

I know of an inexpensive temperature sensitive magnetic strip when purchased that one applies to the side of a propane tank, THEN you pour hot water (minimum of 110 or so degrees) over the thing. The strip reacts to the hot water and the freezing temp of the propane contents to reveal the level of propane. While this is an even less expensive way of determining the fullness of a propane tank, I felt the hassle of obtaining hot water and then the messiness of the water on the tank was not as appealing to me as an inline gauge.

The only problem I've had with the gauge is that it is green until the tank is almost empty which is almost too late, but I'm getting pretty good at being able to tell about when the tank is about to go empty, then I wait until the autoswitchover occurs, then use the gauge to verify the tank is empty so that I can remove it and get it refilled.

[jcurtis934]

The mopeka system that can send tank levels to smart phone or dedicated display was just published in an article in february issue of trailer life. Hello 21st century.

[WaltBennett]

I've had an ultrasound pen for three years now. Works well, and I can also use it for our big BBQ tank. Don't know the brand name, but it ran $34 at Amazon.