how much propane in tank?

[riven1950]

Ok, getting ready to go on a trip. Can't remember how long present tank has been used. Will be running frig on propane so don't want to run out of gas

So the dumb question of the day is: Is there a method to Estimate how much propane is left in a tank without removing it?

I have seen something about a stick on gauge. Don't have one, no time to order. Also, remember something about condensation showing level on outside but search did not find that.

Don't need exact amount. We always have an extra tank just in case. Just don't want to run out in middle of the night while at my daughter's house for a few days.

[Chuck_thehammer]

sgfrye wrote:

RCMAN46 wrote:
This will not help you now but in the future may be very helpful.

I have a set in my trailer and also use one on my home barbecue.

That way I know if there is enough to do the steaks this evening.

Propane level checker

x2 on these. i have a pair for my 2 tanks. pull out my iphone and check.. 6 months of use i like them. pricey but long term investment

if its bluetooth.. Why so few phone models listed ?

[sgfrye]

RCMAN46 wrote:
This will not help you now but in the future may be very helpful.

I have a set in my trailer and also use one on my home barbecue.

That way I know if there is enough to do the steaks this evening.

Propane level checker

x2 on these. i have a pair for my 2 tanks. pull out my iphone and check.. 6 months of use i like them. pricey but long term investment

[fj12ryder]

Stefonius wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
Not with my 5th wheel. It's a real pain, almost literally, to get the tanks out to fill, let alone just to weigh.

I feel your pain. I can't for the life of me figure out why the propane compartment door couldn't have been made just one inch taller. The tank literally cannot come out vertically. It has to be rocked back on one edge and pulled out diagonally, with the break in the top ring centered over the top of the compartment door.

That sounds like mine. I'm going to try the Dometic jobby and see how it works.

[Stefonius]

fj12ryder wrote:
Not with my 5th wheel. It's a real pain, almost literally, to get the tanks out to fill, let alone just to weigh.

I feel your pain. I can't for the life of me figure out why the propane compartment door couldn't have been made just one inch taller. The tank literally cannot come out vertically. It has to be rocked back on one edge and pulled out diagonally, with the break in the top ring centered over the top of the compartment door.

[ICamel]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
I use a simple handheld baggage scale to weigh my DOT cylinders. I think it cost about $9...

#MeToo

[Dutch_12078]

I use a simple handheld baggage scale to weigh my DOT cylinders. I think it cost about $9...

[01tundra]

We use an AP Products Tank Check Bluetooth unit, it's been 100% accurate when I've had it filled so I trust it. It's a little pricey, but since we only have one tank we have to keep up with it a little more than most people do and it's well worth the cost to us.

http://mopeka.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Products-024-1001-Propane-Level-Indicator/dp/B01C5RQJHS/ref=pd_sim_263_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EXQNVRT1H7WQDZ2TRCX7

[mowermech]

Dave H M wrote:

Grit dog wrote:
My apologies, like others, unless I buy a pre filled tank, I've always paid by the gallon, in many states. Didn't know some parts of the country gouge for propane.

In your case all of the options mentioned will work.

I have very rarely paid by the gallon. The places i frequent most have a sign posted as to what they charge for say 20 or 30 lb. Way it is. So maybe that is why the op is wondering how much is in the tanks. I got the same thing going on. My camper has been in the barn since this spring and since I am older than dirt, don't remember for sure what my tanks status is since I turned them both off when I backed it in the barn. The flat rate is OK with me if that is what is posted clearly. I don't see how that can be gouging if you have a choice.

I take it then, you would be OK with paying for 34 gallons of diesel, because your truck has a 34 gallon tank, even though you only put ten gallons in?
THAT is why some of us consider "flat rate" charges to be a gouging rip-off! We simply believe propane should be dispensed by weight or gallons, not by "Oh, you have a 20 pound cylinder, we will charge you for 5.4 gallons of propane, plus a service fee and taxes."

[jplante4]

fj12ryder wrote:

jplante4 wrote:
Run the propane (stove or furnace) and spray the tank with water from a mister. The temp difference between the gas and liquid should show up as a dew line.

Alternately, you could get one of these.

I wonder if those actually work well. I hate the idea of spraying down the inside of my tank storage area with water when I want to find the level of propane. One thing I don't need is rust.

Somebody needs to buy one of those and report back on their efficacy. C'mon, somebody step up and take one for the team. 🙂

We sell them at the store, and believe me, if they didn't work we'd hear about it. We put them on sale for $20 and now they're gone.

[Farmboy666]

riven1950 wrote:
Farmboy666, I didn't say I had a problem getting my tank filled. I asked a simple question about determining amount of propane in a tank. You could either answer the question or hit delete and move on.
🙂

First thing is I didn't quote you but I guess you could figure I was answering you. Second, if I didn't have a problem filling the tanks for what ever I had to pay I would have done it already.

[Dave_H_M]

Grit dog wrote:
My apologies, like others, unless I buy a pre filled tank, I've always paid by the gallon, in many states. Didn't know some parts of the country gouge for propane.

In your case all of the options mentioned will work.

I have very rarely paid by the gallon. The places i frequent most have a sign posted as to what they charge for say 20 or 30 lb. Way it is. So maybe that is why the op is wondering how much is in the tanks. I got the same thing going on. My camper has been in the barn since this spring and since I am older than dirt, don't remember for sure what my tanks status is since I turned them both off when I backed it in the barn. The flat rate is OK with me if that is what is posted clearly. I don't see how that can be gouging if you have a choice.

[Grit_dog]

My apologies, like others, unless I buy a pre filled tank, I've always paid by the gallon, in many states. Didn't know some parts of the country gouge for propane.

In your case all of the options mentioned will work.

[fj12ryder]

Farmboy666 wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:

Grit dog wrote:
Why not just go fill up the partial bottle of you think it's low?
Not sure who charges full price, every propane outfit or gas station I've been to charges you what they dispense.
Or....isn't that why you have 2, so when one runs out?

Not everyone works the way you think they should. We have two outfits that fill tanks, one is the local propane supplier, and they both charge a set price. So you pay for a full tank even if it's only 1/2 empty.

Exactly how much money are we talking about for a full tank? I guess if I had such a problem getting my tank filled and had to worry about being charged for more than I got I would keep a better handle on what was going on.

You're reading a lot into this. No problem getting my tank filled and I usually do it when it's empty.

It's more the issue of being charged for something you're not getting. Would you mind if you got charged for a full tank of fuel if you only needed a half tank to fill up? Less money for sure, but the same principal. Just a bit aggravating.

[mowermech]

I sure am glad I live in the West. Every time I go get propane cylinders filled, they charge for the gallons and tenths pumped. Yes, the meter is temperature compensated (required by state law).
It doesn't matter if it is the two 20 pound cylinders for the grill, the 5 pound spare cylinder, the motorhome chassis mounted tank, or the house tank; all are charged by the number of gallons pumped in.