Propane tank monitor?

[AuthorSP]

I tried a search but got nothing, so I'll ask- does anyone know of a good product to easily AND accurately see how much propane is in a tank? Simple systems are preferred, but looking for reliable and accurate. Thanks!

[gbaglo]

A digital luggage scale will tell you what the tank and contents weigh. Subtract the tare weight ( stamped on the tank ) and you will know what's left.

[Centex]

Perhaps of interest, this post with a product link and the 'endorsement' in the post that follows:

mention of Mopeka LP tank monitor system

(forum search "mopeka" for more hits on this particular item)

Have Fun!

[cpaharley2008]

There is a reason why you have 2 tanks, one to use when the other is empty and needing refilling.....

[AuthorSP]

Helpful.

[Vermilye]

You can purchase 20 pound propane tanks that have a dial attached to a float inside the cylinder. While they look a lot like the add on tank monitors, the float based actually work. Of course the problem is you need to purchase new tanks.

[fudge_brownie]

I have followed Glenn's recommendation and travel with a sub $10 luggage scale. Since I also have a 5 # tank it works across different weights. I have a pool of four total 20 # tanks and always have a filled one stored at home. Sometimes a partially depleted tank makes it to the outdoor grill.

Yes, you have to remove the tank to weigh it, but you have to remove it to fill it as well. The big thing is: THERE ARE NO SURPRISES. Gauges can have a mind of their own.

[Doug-B]

I saw this a while back. Maybe it might help.
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...vel-20576.html

[ritacasita]

These are great and very accurate. Works using sonar. iPhone connects.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C5RQJHS...p_mob_ap_share

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

I have followed Glenn's recommendation and travel with a sub $10 luggage scale.

And, you can use it to weigh your luggage. Try that with other gauges.

[Bea]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

You can purchase 20 pound propane tanks that have a dial attached to a float inside the cylinder. While they look a lot like the add on tank monitors, the float based actually work. Of course the problem is you need to purchase new tanks.

Fortunately, for us it wan't a problem to buy 2 new tanks because our back yard LP tanks were past the expiration date (10 years??) and they could no longer be refilled. So we decided to demote our 2 Escape LP tanks to the back yard and in its place we bought 2 Costco 20 pound LP tanks with the attached dials - and they are great! The dial on these tanks always shows the amount, regardless if it's turned on or off (unlike the add on kind). Very nice feature. They are a seasonal item at Costco so if you see them and want them, go for it. -Bea

[AuthorSP]

Around here, most LP tanks are drop off the empty one and pick up a filled one. I'll have to find a filler.

[Perry Butler]

Originally Posted by AuthorSP

Around here, most LP tanks are drop off the empty one and pick up a filled one. I'll have to find a filler.

Tractor Supply fills tanks. We've used them all over the us. There are 16 Tractor Supply locations in Maine.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Doug2000]

Pour boiling water on the tank for 5 seconds and then feel for the cold spot. The empty section will be hot. I have used this on all seven trailers, it hasn't broke, I haven't lost it and it didn't cost me money. I keep everything simple.

[AuthorSP]

Originally Posted by Perryb67

Tractor Supply fills tanks. We've used them all over the us.

Good tip, thanks. I'll have to check that place out.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by AuthorSP

Good tip, thanks. I'll have to check that place out.

A couple other places to check - Ace Hardware and U-Haul. Not all have propane but many do...

[cpaharley2008]

Some campgrounds also refill tanks........ask around.

[Bea]

Originally Posted by AuthorSP

Around here, most LP tanks are drop off the empty one and pick up a filled one. I'll have to find a filler.

Just a friendly note of caution to those who 'exchange' LP tanks (drop off empty tank and pick up a new filled one). I would suggest bringing along a luggage scale or a scale like this https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CTG...055438&sr=8-34 to ensure that you are getting a 'full' tank of propane. It is known that they sometimes only partially fill to 3/4 full (to about 15 pounds) but lead you to believe you're getting a full tank. Thus, I prefer to 'refill' our current tanks and use those until the certification expires. When we travel, we just do a search on google maps for propane supplier/refill but I think there are apps for your phone that also help locate suppliers. If anyone uses an app for this, please share! -Bea

[AuthorSP]

Another good tip, thanks!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Bea

Just a friendly note of caution to those who 'exchange' LP tanks (drop off empty tank and pick up a new filled one). I would suggest bringing along a luggage scale or a scale like this https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-CTG...055438&sr=8-34 to ensure that you are getting a 'full' tank of propane. It is known that they sometimes only partially fill to 3/4 full (to about 15 pounds) but lead you to believe you're getting a full tank.

I doubt you'll find anyone who completely fills exchange tanks, although the amount of propane will vary between suppliers and some might not even be filled to the claimed amount. The amount should be clearly marked on the label.

Blue Rhino is a major exchange brand in the U.S. They never filled their tanks (with the 20 pound capacity), and reduced the amount of propane from 17 pounds to 15 pounds in 2008. In Canada, PetroCanada only puts 16 pounds in them (which legally should be marked as about 7.2 kg). I've seen some marked as containing 7 kg (it would be 9 kg if filled). I've never seen one, but there are apparently pro2go vending machines (kiosks) in Canada - they claim 7.8 kg (17.2 lb).