Gas tank gauge (2 Viewers)

[nigglynelly]

I have no way of knowing how much gas is left in my propane cylinder so I would like to fit a gauge.
Does this have to be done by a specialst and what are the best gauges to use?

 

[scotjimland]

Presumably you are talking about an underslung LPG tank ?

If so, does it have a spare blanked outlet on the top? If so you should be able to fit one .. contact an LPG tank supplier.

if not.. it's a specialist job .. the tank would have to be removed to have it fitted then re certified..

 

[nigglynelly]

I have a locker that has the space for two 11kg Propane tanks. Not sure about the connector.

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[scotjimland]

I have a locker that has the space for two 11kg Propane tanks. Not sure about the connector.

you are talking about propane bottles... ?

There is no reliable way of knowing how much gas is in a propane bottle other than weighing it ...

 

[Snowbird]

I had a similar problem on the LPG tank on my VW until I got underneath and saw a plate with a big black knob on it.After unscrewing the knob the plate came off and there was a small gauge behind it.OK its not electric and I cant see it from inside the van,but its there. Most LPG tanks have this as well as a electric one inside.

 

[nigglynelly]

Yes. Sorry for the incorrect terminology:Blush:

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[Geo]

You can exchange your Calor bottles for the new lightweight ones at any Calor supplier
they have built in gauges on each cylinder:thumb:
they are only a £ or two dearer for the first exchange
Geo

 

[scotjimland]

Just to clarify

The Calor Lite® is our newest product and is specially designed to help caravanners reduce the nose weight of the caravan. It's made from lightweight steel weighing 50% less than our original cylinder, and has a GasTrac® gauge which shows you when you're running low on gas. No wonder Calor LPG has long been a firm favourite with caravanners.

Calor Lite does have a pressure gauge.. but it only tells you when your running low.. it is not a level indicator.

there is also an ongoing premium to pay each time you exchange

list price for 6kg propane is £19.99

list price for 6kg propane Lite is £25.99

 

[DBSilverfox]

As an alternative you can buy a gauge from the Gaslow range like i did. It just fits between the propane cylinder (does not have to be a Gaslow cylinder, don't worry) and the pigtail, easy to fit. Can't remember the price but I got mine from Brownhills last year

David

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[Stewart J]

These are cheap and reasonably accurate :thumb:

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[scotjimland]

These are cheap and reasonably accurate :thumb:

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These are cheap and a waste of time.. it only displays the level when you are using a significant amount of gas which generates a temperature difference between the liquid and gas in the bottle... you can often see this when frost gathers on the lower half of the bottle.

A pressure gauge is also a waste of money.. it only indicates when the bottle pressure drops.. ie .. nearly empty.. you know this without a gauge.. the cooker flame goes low.

The time honoured method:
You have two bottles, when one runs out you change over and have the other replaced ASAP . .. simples.

Nor do I like Auto change-over valves.. you could end up with TWO empty bottles.. and sods law says this will happen on a bank holiday or late at night when everywhere is closed..

 

[Stewart J]

These are cheap and a waste of time.. it only displays the level when you are using a significant amount of gas which generates a temperature difference between the liquid and gas in the bottle... you can often see this when frost gathers on the lower half of the bottle.



The trick when using these level indicators is to hold a cloth soaked in hot water over them for a few seconds, the space above the liquid gas warms faster so making crystals (which indicate level) change faster and more accurately.

We use similar ones onboard ship to check CO2 cylinder levels periodically. :Cool:

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[Squire]

These are cheap and a waste of time.. it only displays the level when you are using a significant amount of gas which generates a temperature difference between the liquid and gas in the bottle... you can often see this when frost gathers on the lower half of the bottle.

A pressure gauge is also a waste of money.. it only indicates when the bottle pressure drops.. ie .. nearly empty.. you know this without a gauge.. the cooker flame goes low.

The time honoured method:
You have two bottles, when one runs out you change over and have the other replaced ASAP . .. simples.

Nor do I like Auto change-over valves.. you could end up with TWO empty bottles.. and sods law says this will happen on a bank holiday or late at night when everywhere is closed..

'Time honoured method' Now THAT is good advice from someone who's got many years motorhoming under his belt. Spot on and totally accurate, right down to the auto change-over valves ... And what's more - it's the cheapest solution as well as the best :thumb:

 

[nigglynelly]

Thanks for all the advice. I will get a second bottle.:thumb:

 

[Squire]

As an alternative you can buy a gauge from the Gaslow range like i did. It just fits between the propane cylinder (does not have to be a Gaslow cylinder, don't worry) and the pigtail, easy to fit. Can't remember the price but I got mine from Brownhills last year

David

Sorry Dave but that's useless for what the OP wants. A Gaslow gauge is not a CONTENT gauge but a PRESSURE gauge, and the gas pressure within the bottle remains virtually constant until the bottle is nearly empty. It only tells you that you're low on gas as you actually run out! Not, say, that you have 'half a tank' left, or 'three quarters' or whatever.

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[DBSilverfox]

Sorry Dave but that's useless for what the OP wants. A Gaslow gauge is not a CONTENT gauge but a PRESSURE gauge, and the gas pressure within the bottle remains virtually constant until the bottle is nearly empty. It only tells you that you're low on gas as you actually run out! Not, say, that you have 'half a tank' left, or 'three quarters' or whatever.

Hmm, anyone want to buy a Gaslow gauge? Guess I should add that to the list of things that seemed a good idea at the time

 

[Squire]

Hmm, anyone want to buy a Gaslow gauge? Guess I should add that to the list of things that seemed a good idea at the time

You're not alone, Dave - I too thought it a good idea at the time and as a result I too have a surplus Gaslow gauge for sale That's how I came to know ! I never did buy an automatic change-over valve as otherwise that would be for sale, too But I DO swear by the Gaslow system and wouldn't be without it. I can't imagine going back to the old heave-a-bottle-about Calor system ....

 

[WynandJean]

These are cheap and reasonably accurate :thumb:

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I have to say I agree that these are a complete waste of money.
Wyn

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