Propane Tank

sbhtennis · June 2017

My propane tank is just a basic tank. Are there propane tanks with some sort of dial or other means to let me know how much propane is left in the tank.? Or how do people figure out when their tank is getting low? It seems too much of a hassle to take it out to weigh it to figure out how full or empty it is. If such a dial is available can it be added to current tank or do I need a different type of tank?

pthomas745 · June 2017

Here is a search for "propane gauge" that will get you some more answers.

https://www.google.com/search?q=propane+gauge+site:http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Ron · June 2017

Google "Viking Cylinders". Expensive, but you can see the propane level.

TabberJohn · June 2017

http://tab-rv.vanillaforums.com/discussion/4801/propane-gauge

BillRedding · June 2017

@ sbhtennis:

One solution would be to go to your local U-Haul dealer (the larger places that also have self-storage units) and get a new (unfilled) 20lb propane tank (made by Worthington) -- the one that has a gauge -- and then have them fill it for you.

Here's the one I'm talking about:

https://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Propane-Tanks-Heaters/U-S-20lb-Propane-Tank-With-Gas-Gauge?id=13318

They show 2 tanks with gauges: One is a "Canadian" version and the other "US" version. Choose the appropriate one.

But as has been mentioned, you can buy gauges separately and install them yourself, I just found getting the U-Haul tanks with gauge included to be less hassle.

I have 2 US version U-Haul tanks (as I got mine at a large U-Haul facility in Colorado Springs, CO): One for my small Weber grill and a second one as a spare or backup -- or for emergency heating use (with a Mr. Heater Buddy heater) if the power goes out during a Winter storm -- or if it just stays below zero for too long and I want to heat a particular room only.

Good luck,

-- BR

Tabster · June 2017

Costco has the tank with built in guage for about $25. Found that out after i paid $35 at camping world. Bought one f those screw on guages for $19 and it was useless. Really happy with the built in guage

Spruce1 · June 2017

I bought an AP Products device called Tank Check. It attaches to the bottom of my tank with a strong magnet. it stays attached while traveling and is easy to move from tank to tank. We have an app on our iPhone to check the amount in tank. It has an option for a gauge to install inside the T@B too but we find the app works just fine. It's a bit expensive at $40 but I only need one for multiple tanks. My experience is that it is accurate too. The customer service is outstanding. I had a questions about the battery and AP Products responded to my email with a very thorough, friendly, and professional manner in less than 24 hours. Here's a link to the one we bought: https://www.amazon.com/Products-024-1001-Propane-Level-Indicator/dp/B01C5RQJHS/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1497191025&sr=8-14&keywords=lp+tank+gauge

drpprmt · June 2017

I tried adding a gauge with terrible results. Took it back. Costco had tanks with built in gauge for about $20 if memory is correct. This works great!

Ratkity · June 2017

I still use the hot water over the side of the tank trick. After you pour it over the side, feel where it starts to get cool. That's the level of your propane. Gauges work on pressure and are temperature sensitive and prone to leakage.

Never heard of "Tank Check", sounds interesting! I think the RV industry is finally hearing people's needs to have an accurate way of quickly judging how much propane is left instead of guessing.

Verna · June 2017

I bought my first tank with the built-in gauge at Camping World when they were $50. Believe me, I thought long and hard about buying the second one, but the price had gone down. I do not regret this purchase. It is so nice knowing whether to change the tank before I go to bed or to know I can leave it in place for one more night.

Of course, now I do have a 10 lb and two extra 20 lb'ers at home (10lb'er is on the outside grill right now)...but if the power goes out, I do have a propane heater than can be placed in front of the fireplace to heat the kitchen and family room.

Sharon_is_SAM · June 2017

Verna, any problem having the tanks with the built in gauge filled?

Verna · June 2017

@SAM, absolutely no problems. I'm an extremely satisfied customer.

sbhtennis · June 2017

THANKS EVERYONE.. GOOD IDEAS

Newfisher · June 2017

The tape style and screw on gauge styles do not work. I tried them many moons ago and just ended up frustrated. I have never run out of lp and we boondock 99% of the time and camp 40 weekends a year. I always fill the tanks on the way home
Even if it was just a 2 day trip. Its only a couple bucks but the tank is always full and ready for the next adventure. I use green bottles on the outdoor cookers and also refill them at home when I return with an adapter. This method has worked great for many years.

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