Propane levels

[Crows Nest]

Any recommendations for propane tank level gauges? I found there wasn’t enough room for the screw-on type. Thoughts about the Mopeka magnetic sensor?
Thanks

[SRS]

Originally Posted by Crows Nest

Any recommendations for propane tank level gauges? I found there wasn’t enough room for the screw-on type. Thoughts about the Mopeka magnetic sensor?
Thanks

I installed the Mopeka system last year and so far it seems to work very well. Tank levels can vary some due to outside are temperature but that's pretty Minor. I got the kit with two magnetic tank sensors, the LED display and two tank Halo's to raise the base to accommodate the senors. The kit came with aluminum standoffs for the tank base but they look pretty flimsy and I didn't think they would hold up traveling on dirt roads since I usually boondock. Amazon now has a kit with all those items for two tanks.

Tank gauges only measure the vapor pressure of the gas at the top of the tank. Even with a tank that's 1/4 full, the gas at the top is pretty much the same pressure until the liquid gas is almost gone. Based on my experience, the Mopeka sensors are pretty accurate.

Others of course may have a different experience.


https://www.amazon.com/Mopeka-Pro-Ch.../dp/B0C5G9Q4FT

[MrLynn]

When I start out on a trip, I pull the tanks out and weigh them, subtract the TARE weight, and that's how much is in each tank—usually just one tank, as the first may be almost empty, but the second hasn't been touched. The one that's out, I take to be filled.

November we used a lot of propane in the furnace, so I had to get two tanks filled. I recommend Tractor Supply; charged by the pound, and not by the tank.

[CharlesinGA]

I have the Mopeka system and it works well. The screw on gauges tell you nothing, as they are pressure gauges and pressure is relatively constant until the tanks are empty.

If you get the Mopeka system get the pro sensors, the original ones are crap, and get water in them easily. I suggested Mopeka apply conformal coating to the circuit boards and they never replied to me, however they sent me two pro sensors to replace the originals.

If you are using 20 lb cylinders I suggest the Flame King cylinders with the gauges on the collar.

https://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-YS...08XYH6TND?th=1

Costco also sells these cylinders. the gauge operates magnetically from a piece inside as explained in this video.

https://youtu.be/qRk93DSYuro?si=eqTJOH5zHUX79Qlk

Not trusting the magnets on the Mopeka sensors to keep the sensors in place and since they are 30 lb cylinders which will remain with me and not get traded off, I used the plastic cage to retain them, and the rubber halo rings to space them up. The Halos were on sale so I bought an extra set. The cages are intended to retain the sensors on aluminum tanks but worked well for me.

Click the app screen thumbnails to see them clearly.

Charles

[dosby]

My gauge is a sticky mirror tape so I could see the red/green indicator without taking the cover off. I usually take a look when coming home from a trip and shutting down valves on both tanks for storage.
If red, switch the tanks with a switch, replace the empty one with a full one ASAP.
All in all, with at least one tank always full at the start of the trip, no need for any gauge.

[CharlesinGA]

Originally Posted by MrLynn

November we used a lot of propane in the furnace, so I had to get two tanks filled. I recommend Tractor Supply; charged by the pound, and not by the tank.

Just to note, LP is charged by the gallon. The Tractor Supply stores I have filled at have a typical mechanical meter with dials like that of an old mechanical gas pump. A diligent attendant will use the scale to verify the process.

Charles

[Centex]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

.... If you are using 20 lb cylinders I suggest the Flame King cylinders with the gauges on the collar.

https://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-YS...08XYH6TND?th=1

Costco also sells these cylinders. the gauge operates magnetically from a piece inside as explained in this video ....

Charles, a note of thanks for that info, I wasn't aware of those and I like the internal liquid-level float gauge concept.

I'd researched tanks by Manchester offering an internal float gauge in the past, but those are quite expensive with a special 'bung' on the tank for the gauge. Flame King's magnetic 'transducer' in the valve-head is an elegant and KISS solution, IMO.

The need to look at the gauge on the tank lacking a fancy remote display / app doesn't bother me at all. I much prefer the inherent simplicity, no batteries, and lack of any concern about something possibly susceptible to physical damage or ill-effects of moisture on the bottom of the tank.

I already have long tank pigtails which will allow orientation of both tanks to put the gauge at the 'front' in my 5.0 propane compartment, easily visible at a glance.

I find that Flame King YSN230b can be had at my convenient Home Depot for $59, which makes it competitive with the most basic Mopeka unit. I'll likely go this route when I approach empty on my current bottles, Tractor Supply for the fill is only a few blocks from my local HD .

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

Just to note, LP is charged by the gallon. The Tractor Supply stores I have filled at have a typical mechanical meter with dials like that of an old mechanical gas pump. A diligent attendant will use the scale to verify the process.

Charles

When I fill my 500 gallon propane tank at our home I get the propane at a “summer fill rate.
I only use about 175 gallons a year for my water heater, kitchen range and gas fireplace. It’s charged to me by the gallon and last year was about $1.70 per gallon.

When I go to my local hardware store I have the 11 pound and 20 pound tanks filled by the attendant there. Current price is$1.40 per pound or about $28 to completely fill (20 lbs) the tank. He puts in 20 lbs on the scale so my total tank weight is about 37 lbs ( tare weight plus propane). If I were to trade the tank out at most places it’s $23 for the trade and you get 16 lbs. as they only fill to 80%. So that’s a $1.43 a pound. Not much different but at least I know the history on every one of my tanks. I am careful not to beat them around and they are not dirty or rusty. I could do a little better trading out tanks at the propane dealer but he’s not open after 5 or on the weekends and it’s more miles driving into where he’s located.

I’ve had tanks filled on the road where it’s been considerably cheaper especially in the west and south. Not recently though. That’s my experience. “Iowa, great place to visit but not to buy cheap propane”. That’s my suggestion to replace my current slogan which is my take off on a former official slogan “Iowa a place to grow”. My improvement; “Iowa. A place to grow ….OLD.”
Iowa Dave

[MrLynn]

Originally Posted by CharlesinGA

Just to note, LP is charged by the gallon. The Tractor Supply stores I have filled at have a typical mechanical meter with dials like that of an old mechanical gas pump. A diligent attendant will use the scale to verify the process.

Charles

My mistake; thanks for the correction.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by Crows Nest

Any recommendations for propane tank level gauges? I found there wasn’t enough room for the screw-on type. Thoughts about the Mopeka magnetic sensor?
Thanks

With two tanks and the automatic switch over regulator, simply leave both tanks open and when one tank is empty (red indicator). Switch the lever over to the other tank and refill or exchange the empty. I really don't see the need for a gauge.

[kavm]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

With two tanks and the automatic switch over regulator, simply leave both tanks open and when one tank is empty (red indicator). Switch the lever over to the other tank and refill or exchange the empty. I really don't see the need for a gauge.

That’s where we are. A single tank lasts us a long time. When one gets empty, we switch to the other one and get the empty tank filled/replaced. But, there isn’t any panic involved as the time to running out the second container is long. I could imagine us being interested in the gauge if we were going on, say, a multi-month the Alaska trip. But, in regular camping - I am not keen to look at another gauge that doesn’t tell me much of interest.

I have had tanks filled but the last time we had one empty, we went to Wal-Mart which said they had gas. It turns out they take your empty tank and give you a full one. I think they called it Blue Rhino tank exchange. Seemed OK to us - even though we are still months away from using gas from it as we are now switched to the other side.

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

With two tanks and the automatic switch over regulator, simply leave both tanks open and when one tank is empty (red indicator). Switch the lever over to the other tank and refill or exchange the empty. I really don't see the need for a gauge.

Me, too. The system works well as designed.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

With two tanks and the automatic switch over regulator, simply leave both tanks open and when one tank is empty (red indicator). Switch the lever over to the other tank and refill or exchange the empty. I really don't see the need for a gauge.

I can certainly understand that, it's how I've rolled for many years, the auto switch-over regulator has never failed me and I've never been surprised by lack of LP.

The time I think I'd find a reasonably accurate gauge handy is when prepping for a long trip where I expect to use lots of LP. Knowing I have one full tank, I'd still like to see my 'in use' tank level without pulling the tank out of the compartment to check the weight, maybe consider a top-up before the trip. Heaven knows I can't remember / guestimate how much I've used since the last fill unless it was very recent.

LP tank level is certainly not anything I seek to monitor on a daily basis.

[MrLynn]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

With two tanks and the automatic switch over regulator, simply leave both tanks open and when one tank is empty (red indicator). Switch the lever over to the other tank and refill or exchange the empty. I really don't see the need for a gauge.

If you leave both tanks open, when the one on the left is empty, it'll switch over to the one on the right automatically.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by MrLynn

If you leave both tanks open, when the one on the left is empty, it'll switch over to the one on the right automatically.

Correct, but, you should flip the lever over to the new tank, before disconnecting and replacing the other tank.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by kavm

..............
I have had tanks filled but the last time we had one empty, we went to Wal-Mart which said they had gas. It turns out they take your empty tank and give you a full one. I think they called it Blue Rhino tank exchange.................

Most exchange places only fill to 15# instead of the allowed 20#.
Handy and quick, but you pay a premium for such.

An 80% fill (the legal limit) on most "20#" tanks equates to about 20# of propane.

[Centex]

I don't exchange tanks with Blue Rhino (or anyone), but having found no local LP dealers or disposal / recycling facility willing to take custody of old unwanted tanks, I have taken advantage of this recycling invitation found on their website:

[Iowa Dave]

We own multiple tanks so if I’m going on a trip where I anticipate using lots of propane, I put on two full tanks and use the partial up on a non critical project like our weed burner, sweet corn boiling stove etc. we also have a third tank 11 lb capacity in the front box for the Weber Q, camp stove and propane campfire . Checking the propane is just one of several simple tasks we perform before we leave. They are on the list.
Iowa Dave

[CharlesinGA]

Originally Posted by Centex

Charles, a note of thanks for that info, I wasn't aware of those and I like the internal liquid-level float gauge concept.

I'd researched tanks by Manchester offering an internal float gauge in the past, but those are quite expensive with a special 'bung' on the tank for the gauge. Flame King's magnetic 'transducer' in the valve-head is an elegant and KISS solution, IMO.

The need to look at the gauge on the tank lacking a fancy remote display / app doesn't bother me at all. I much prefer the inherent simplicity, no batteries, and lack of any concern about something possibly susceptible to physical damage or ill-effects of moisture on the bottom of the tank.

I already have long tank pigtails which will allow orientation of both tanks to put the gauge at the 'front' in my 5.0 propane compartment, easily visible at a glance.

I find that Flame King YSN230b can be had at my convenient Home Depot for $59, which makes it competitive with the most basic Mopeka unit. I'll likely go this route when I approach empty on my current bottles, Tractor Supply for the fill is only a few blocks from my local HD .

Costco had these in the store, I mean stacks of them for $42.99 back in December. I picked up one and turned it over and watched the gauge go full (empty cylinders, so I was using gravity to make the float move). It uses the same float that the OPD valve uses, if you watched the video you know.

Sadly 30lb cylinders use the same float and valve, so the float does not go to the bottom of the cylinder, just about 2/3 of the way, so they don't install the gauge type valve on 30 lb ones.

Its nice to be able to check the gauge and know if you are going to run out soon, especially if you are using a gas cooker outside and lp fire pit, etc. People just say let the auto change over do its thing, but you still gotta check the tanks and then you may be miles from no where in BFEgypt and would like to know if you have enough to run the generator, etc or conserve.

I have 30lb cylinders and a Onan 2500LP generator underneath so I can burn thru a lot of LP fast if I'm not careful.

Charles

[oldwave]

I’ve been using the mopeka sensors in both my trailers, first the standard one then the pro. The aluminum standoffs are crap but the plastic standoff rings work very well. These pair with my Cerbo S Victron management interface so I can see all my systems on one display. Since my trailer is located in a fenced lot and I have internet access I can see my trailer’s internal temperature, the state of solar charging, the batteries charge, and the amount of propane (with a bit of temperature related inaccuracy) from my devices. Of course I also have tpms and a levelmate pro. All these systems have worked flawlessly on our last 3 month trip.
In my old escape it was just the levelmate and mopeka sensors which also worked very well.