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Topic ClosedDo I need two propane tanks
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mtdave View Drop Down
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Posts: 11 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Do I need two propane tanks
    Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 3:32pm
Lots of great advice! Thanks
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 3:17pm
I use and like the ultrasonic device. Easy to use without removing the tank and very accurate. About $40 from Amazon etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Dometic-LPGC10-LP-Gas-Checker/dp/B00Q7379X0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468005355&sr=8-1&keywords=ultrasonic+propane+tank+level+indicator

The best solution I've found.
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Mountainrev View Drop Down
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Posts: 193 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 2:51pm
Originally posted by mtdave

Is there a way to monitor the amount of propane in the tank? Some sort of meter?


Meters are supposedly very, very inaccurate.  IMO, the easiest and most accurate ways to determine how much propane is left is to pour hot water down the side of it, which leaves a line of condensation at the level of propane, or else just simply hefting it to see how empty it is.  You could always bring a bathroom scale and weigh it for more accuracy. 
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 2:43pm
Originally posted by mtdave

Is there a way to monitor the amount of propane in the tank? Some sort of meter?

Yes and no.  There are monitors out there, but they do a very poor job of informing you as to the amount of propane left.  They will read that the propane is good until they suddenly inform you that it's nearly empty.

The better and easier solution is to heat up a small pot of hot water and pour it over the side of the propane tank.  Then, feel of the sides and feel where the line where the tank goes from warm to cold.  That's point where the propane is sitting in the tank.  This is far more accurate than any gauge you'll find.

Keep in mind that a 'full' tank of propane is 80% of the capacity of the tank.
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sailor323 View Drop Down
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Posts: 281 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 2:22pm
I keep 1lb propane canisters and a "steak saver" in case my propane tank runs out.  No need for a second tank.  There are several devices on the market that supposedly allow you to monitor the level of fuel in the tank.  There is also the possibility of using a transparent tank.
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mtdave View Drop Down
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Posts: 11 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 12:09pm
Is there a way to monitor the amount of propane in the tank? Some sort of meter?
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this_is_nascar View Drop Down
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Posts: 466 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2016 at 7:48am
Anything that produces heat requires a bunch of fuel.  No way around that.
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WillThrill View Drop Down
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Posts: 298 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jul 2016 at 12:19am
I thought I would add a couple of brief comments here.

I've noticed that the furnace uses a lot of propane compared to the other propane devices in our Pod.  I would estimate that if it was being used throughout the day and evening in 40 degree temperatures that one 20# tank would only last a few days.

Since others alluded to this already, I just keep an extra 20# tank in my TV.  We have enough room for it, so it wasn't a big deal for us.  If we were cold weather camping, I would definitely have dual tanks installed and would probably look into 40# tanks as well.
"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien

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Grey51shadw View Drop Down
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Posts: 24 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2016 at 10:31pm
Thanks again
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Posts: 4517 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 May 2016 at 8:21pm
I do the same a Retroactive, I carry a 20 pound spare tank, use it for a back up and will sometime ( month stay at Cape Hatteras) will use it for my Weber Q.
Leo & Melissa Bachand
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