Propane Tank Gauge

[Sue46]

We have been out a month, propane was only used for the range. Not very often. At the beginning of the month the gauge said Full, now down a third(I don't believe that). Are these normally unreliable? Any suggestions?

[tim myers]

Are you referring to the digital gauge on your control panel or the actual gauge on your propane tank?

[Stevegd007]

I would go with the actual gauge on the tank it's self. Inside gauge is not that reliable.

[tim myers]

That's why I was asking the question. When my tank is filled to the max (80%) the indoor gauge never reads above 2/3, because it is less than full.

The gauge on the tank will never read full either but it is much more accurate than the one inside.

Something to remember is that even if the indoor indicator was accurate you would see 1/3 full at 60% because it is less than 67%.

[MaverickBBD]

The gauge on the tank hangs up sometimes. Give it a pretty firm tap on the side. On mine that is where the indoor signal originates.

I also have experienced reading fluctuation with temperature extremes, but enough about Tom Brady.

[Sue46]

I am talking about the inside one. I just didn't understand how it could go from full to down a third with little use. So, as usual, junky gauges.

[ChasA]

My one place propane is showing 2/3 right now because it is cool outside. If the weather warms to 80° or so, it'll show full.

[tim myers]

Originally Posted by Sue46

I am talking about the inside one. I just didn't understand how it could go from full to down a third with little use. So, as usual, junky gauges.

I wouldn't say junky, think of it this way.

Full = 100%
2/3 = 67%
1/3 = 33%
Empty = 0%

The tank can only be filled to 80% of capacity which means you will not likely see Full on either gauge unless you have expansion due to heat.

(Are you sure you saw Full on the gauge or did you just assume it was reading Full?)

This means you are showing 2/3 right off the bat.

You only have to drop to 66% capacity to turn the 2/3 LED off and light the 1/3 LED. Of course this is assuming complete accuracy of the sensors.

[Arch Hoagland]

Is your refrigerator running on propane?

[tderonne]

The inside gauge should be calibrated such that full, 80% on the outside gauge, reads full on the inside gauge. There's a cal procedure out there, it's been discussed here, let me see if I can find it....

[tim myers]

That would be good info to have

[Folis Jones]

Hi all,
Long time not posting, but now i have an issue with my propane tank gauge. It is unreadable and stinks of propane. All ads for gauges are for "after 1995 models", my unit is a 1985 Winnebago 30 ft Chieftain. What do you do if you have an ancient RV like i do?

By the way, we finally solved the extremely noisy a/c compressor issue. There is a kit we had installed that cured the issue. It is expensive and requires a different type compressor. The cost was $1400 installed, but it is quiet and works!
Folis Jones
Suffolk, VA

[Switchflicke]

Yup, mine also has all the lites on when it's FULL (80% means FULL) and if it shows 2/3 on a cold morning, it may go back to all lites on in the heat of the day.

[Folis Jones]

Originally Posted by tim myers

Are you referring to the digital gauge on your control panel or the actual gauge on your propane tank?

I am referring to the gauge on the actual tank itself. I have a 1985 Winnebago Chieftain 20 footer. All ads for gauges say for units manufactured "after 1995".
Thanks,
Folis
Suffolk, VA

[tim myers]

That folks is amazing.

[Miss_Red]

First of all, check for leaks. I recently had two issues with my Travato. The best way is to get a spray bottle with a rich solution of dish soap and water. spary everything that looks like a gas line or connection. The second one I found was where the guage screws into the tank. Took it to the dealer and they fixed it in an hour or so. After the fix the guage inside didn't work but it showed full the next day. I have no idea why but at least it is safe now.