Propane tank gauge

ericnliz

PXL, That was a visual I really didn't need!

Nomad

I have really nice skivies :-)
And I'm usually in the boonies so not a chance that anyone (or thing) will ever see them :-)

ericnliz

Probably have flamingos on 'em, huh?[pink]

Nomad

Never, never, never - Blue bunnies <- Or at least until that pack of coyotes saw me, seems they like bunnies. Now it's bears.

ericnliz

Run Forest, RUN!

Tommy

Handheld fishing scale ... hook it on and lift the tank and weigh your fish. Know your completely full weight and your completely empty weight at you're all set.

For instance. I don't vouch for this one - I have an old mechanical spring one but I'm going to upgrade to digital and keep it in the Tab.
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate54-Portable-Multifunction-Backlight-Capacity/dp/B017PQFXU8

rfuss928

The tank empty (tare) weight is stamped into the side near the top or on the handle/valve guard.  Generally about 20 pounds or 8kg for the common 20# capacity tanks.  Example "-TW8.2KG-"   This is used by some filling stations to determine when the tank is full.
Remember, it will need to be completely free of it's mounting bracket to get a meaningful measurement.

Nomad

Trouble with scales, you have to take the tank out :-(

TerryV6

I looked up those steak savers and found that there are inexpensive valves you can use to refill the little 1 pound bottles from a bigger tank.  Safe?

Nomad

I always thought you had to turn your 20lbr upside down to fill those little ones. That's the way people I know that do it have described using the kit.

rfuss928

The "new" tanks are required to have an OPD equipped valve.  These have a float that prevents the tank from delivering liquid propane when inverted as the older tanks would.  Descriptions of refilling the one pound cylinders from bulk tanks are from before the OPD requirement (over 10 years).   The most that will happen now is a little vapor will be pushed into an empty cylinder which, for any practical purposes, is still empty.
The "steak savers" adapter along with one or two disposable cylinders is a good back-up plan.  I know at least two T@B owners that use only these small cylinders. They save weight and space and are easy to find.  One will provide many hours of cooking and heat.
Have fun!
Bob
SUNT@B

Nomad

Ahhh - When I was using the smaller tanks with my WeberQ while baking, I'd get around 4.5-5 hrs per tank.

ericnliz

TerryV6, I have filled quite a few. There are several threads on youtube to fill these cylinders. My suggestion is to watch several, and pick the method you feel most comfortable with.
rfuss928, I don't "invert" the tank when filling the smaller ones. I have a 2x4 I set the bottom end on with the tank sideways. I also use a small set of hemostats to use for the pressure release valve on the small tank while it is filling. I have seen videos of people who turn the tank totally upside down. Didn't look too safe to me, so I chose the sideways method.

rfuss928

Even the best safety features can be defeated with determination.  Be careful !!

ericnliz

Thanks rfuss928, I am, believe me. I really don't want to end up in the neighbors yard!

AldebaranJill

UHaul has the tanks w gauge for less than Amazon, last I checked.