LP tanks question

rockelino · 12-19-2020, 02:26 PM

Rig: Winnebago Micro Minnie 2405RL (small fifth wheel)

Question: we used to own a Class-C, so this is our first trailer/fifth wheel. It has two 20 lb. propane tanks connected together, but I have a question on the connector and tank-select function (see images): The dealer said that the current position of the selector valve will use both tanks at the same time and/or if 1 tank is empty, it will auto select/use propane from the other one.
As there is no way to check the LP tank status (empty/full), I wanted to make sure I position the selector level to only use 1 specific tank, so when it runs empty, I would know (and then manually select the other tank, which is full).

How do I do that? Please see attached images.

Thanks!

powercat_ras · 12-19-2020, 02:34 PM

If both tanks are active (have propane and valves open) then the lever will determine which tank feeds propane to the regulator. If the tank facing the lever is inactive (out of propane or valve closed) it will automatically switch over to the tank not facing the lever.

Good youtube video

rockelino · 12-19-2020, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powercat_ras

If both tanks are active (have propane and valves open) then the lever will determine which tank feeds propane to the regulator. If the tank facing the lever is inactive (out of propane or valve closed) it will automatically switch over to the tank not facing the lever.

This explains a lot, thank you!
I'm guessing the green status near the selector valve will turn red when the "right" LP tank is empty, correct? Original image attached below again:

powercat_ras · 12-19-2020, 02:46 PM

If you are using some propane (even one stove burner on) and close the valve on top of either tank, you'll see one of the green arrows change. Try it !

Chances there's a paper operator's manual for it in your manual bag, too.

rockelino · 12-19-2020, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powercat_ras

If you are using some propane (even one stove burner on) and close the valve on top of either tank, you'll see one of the green arrows change. Try it !

Chances there's a paper operator's manual for it in your manual bag, too.

I just tried: closed the right tank and interestingly, several seconds later, both arrows changed to red, but the flame kept on. That's cool, so I know when the right tank is empty while automatically using the right tank.

**creativepart** · 12-19-2020, 05:13 PM

When I owned Travel Trailers I was instructed that the lever should point at the tank you wish to use. But if that tank ran out of propane it would automatically start to flow from the other tank. But I was also told the flow would be lessened and that I should manual switch the lever to the other tank to get full flow.

In the 10 years I had travel trailers, I'm not sure I ever waited for one tank to totally run empty before I manually switched the lever to the other tank.

Like with the propane tank on my grill at my home - I pretty much know when that tank gets near empty based upon usage.

gurroz · 12-19-2020, 06:33 PM

If you want a simple accurate way to monitor your propane check this out:

https://www.amazon.com/AP-Products-1...%2C2265&sr=8-3

I use it on our motorhome propane tank and it works great. The above link is for dual propane tanks. I opted not to buy the monitor because they have an app and you can check it on your phone.

golden13 · 12-23-2020, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockelino

Rig: Winnebago Micro Minnie 2405RL (small fifth wheel)

Question: we used to own a Class-C, so this is our first trailer/fifth wheel. It has two 20 lb. propane tanks connected together, but I have a question on the connector and tank-select function (see images): The dealer said that the current position of the selector valve will use both tanks at the same time and/or if 1 tank is empty, it will auto select/use propane from the other one.
As there is no way to check the LP tank status (empty/full), I wanted to make sure I position the selector level to only use 1 specific tank, so when it runs empty, I would know (and then manually select the other tank, which is full).

How do I do that? Please see attached images.

Thanks!

It's identical to mine. The little green triangles on the gauge will flip to red when a tank is empty, then the second one will do the same when it's empty.