Viewing the Propane tank level

[djay]

I just cut a square hole where it says LP Gas embossed in the cover. A one inch hole taking out the “S” in Gas is enough to peek through but not big enough for much road dirt to get inside. Has worked well.

[Dave Walter]

Not sure that I understand the need for removing the cover or installing windows in the cover. I have always just opened the little hatch on top of the cover and looked to see whether the tank indicators were showing red or green.

[IMJ in FLA]

I prefer to only open one tank valve at a time. That way I can get up at 3am (it seems to always be about that time when it happens) when the fridge "out of propane" alarm wakes me . I then go outside, throw the selector over to the full tank, open the new tank valve, close the old one, go back inside, cycle power on the fridge so it returns to the correct mode, and then back to bed for the best time to sleep. It all takes just a couple minutes, and I then know I have an empty propane tank ready to be filled.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by IMJ in FLA

I prefer to only open one tank valve at a time. That way I can get up at 3am (it seems to always be about that time when it happens) when the fridge "out of propane" alarm wakes me . I then go outside, throw the selector over to the full tank, open the new tank valve, close the old one, go back inside, cycle power on the fridge so it returns to the correct mode, and then back to bed for the best time to sleep. It all takes just a couple minutes, and I then know I have an empty propane tank ready to be filled.

Of course it could happen just after you leave the trailer for an all day hike in 90°F weather

[Bill and Earline]

Many Costco's sell empty propane tanks with built in gauges for $25-28.

Best money I ever wasted.

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by Bill and Earline

Many Costco's sell empty propane tanks with built in gauges for $25-28.

Best money I ever wasted.

Does the gauge provide useful information? An add-on gauge I wasted money on didn't work and seemed to leak.

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

Does the gauge provide useful information? An add-on gauge I wasted money on didn't work and seemed to leak.

Depends on the type of gauge. The built in ones used in the Costco tanks use a float to show the amount of propane. The add on types use pressure, which is useless since the pressure doesn't drop until almost empty.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

The add on types use pressure, which is useless sin ce the pressure doesn't drop until almost empty.

My buddy and I both had add on gauges and both concluded that they reduced gas flow to our BBQs, as well as being useless. Got tossed.

[Bill and Earline]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

My buddy and I both had add on gauges and both concluded that they reduced gas flow to our BBQs, as well as being useless. Got tossed.

I agree with Glenn. My add-on one restricted flow to our barbecue, and it's available.

The Costco ones seem accurate and don't seem to restrict flow. My reference to "money wasted" is inaccurate. I should have said they are an extravagance that I treated myself to,

[John in Santa Cruz]

[flynfrfun]

Originally Posted by Bill and Earline

I agree with Glenn. My add-on one restricted flow to our barbecue, and it's available.

The Costco ones seem accurate and don't seem to restrict flow. My reference to "money wasted" is inaccurate. I should have said they are an extravagance that I treated myself to,

Like others, I switched to the Costco tanks since I wanted tanks with a real float operated gauge. I then had them filled in 1 gallon increments and marked the gauge with a sharpie. This way I have a pretty good idea of how many gallons are remaining as I use the tank.

[Bill and Earline]

Please post a pic of your marked gauge, since I have the identical ones.

Thanks.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by flynfrfun

Like others, I switched to the Costco tanks since I wanted tanks with a real float operated gauge. I then had them filled in 1 gallon increments and marked the gauge with a sharpie. This way I have a pretty good idea of how many gallons are remaining as I use the tank.

heh, that must have been a patient and or bored propane operator

[flynfrfun]

Originally Posted by Bill and Earline

Please post a pic of your marked gauge, since I have the identical ones.

Thanks.

Here you go...

[flynfrfun]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

heh, that must have been a patient and or bored propane operator

I would say patient. It was at my local mom and pop hardware store where I think they sell propane as a loss leader because the price is so low and always the cheapest around.

[Bill and Earline]

So 2 gallons left when it gets to yellow .

Good to know. I don't think I've ever run a tank out since I've had the gauges, but then I haven't run a car out of gas since they've had gauges. My '61 VW didn't have one. It did have a lever for the reserve, kinda like the 2001 SeaDoo I'm restoring.