RE: Dual propane tanks

[whippetwrun]

 I thought I remembered reading here about setting up two tanks so that when one runs out, the other will switch over.  Is that possible?  If so, how?  I did a search but wasn t coming up with anything.  
 
 We just put on a second tank.   I d like to try and set it up so that if we are using the furnace and run out in one tank I don t have to go out in the middle of the night to switch them.
 
 Any help, or a link to where it s been done, would be appreciated!
 
 

[SactoCampers]

 whippetwrun
You want an auto changeover regulator that any RV store/dealer should have in stock. They are very common. I would recommend you have the dealer install it for you if you re not familiar with propane systems.

[whippetwrun]

 SactoCampers
Thank you for the quick response!  I had hoped it was something as simple as that, but then some of the mods I have read about get (for me) pretty complicated.[]  
 
 Is it any more difficult than hooking up a line to the tank(s)?

[Campaholics]

 whippetwrun
The only thing that throws a monkey wrench in the plan is Coleman s dual pressure system.  I think most change over regulators are low pressure.  But, all is not lost for $100 (ouch).  Colman came out with dual tanks with auto change over for 03.  As far as I know, you have to buy the whole kit.  
 
 If anyone knows the model number of auto change over regulator that works with Colemans please pass it on.
 
 The Campaholics

[griffsmom]

 whippetwrun
We also thought about the auto dual changeover, but I had read somewhere (that I don t remember anymore) about there being some sort of complication or something not working well with those.  We have dual tanks but switch them over manually.  If we re worried about running out in the middle of the night, my DH just switches it over before we go to bed, even if the first tank isn t quite completely empty.
 
 HTH![]

[mrflinders]

 whippetwrun
Switching over the tanks, even in the middle of the night, isn t that big of a deal.  Like Lori says, you can always witch them out before bed if you are worried.  I like to know when a tank is empty, so I can get it filled promptly.
 
 Having an auto-switchover setup would expose me to the danger of completely running out of gas becuase I have drained both tanks!  It s so hard for me to jugde how much fuel is in the tanks anyway.  The way things are now, one tank goes empty, I switch over, then fill the empty tank promptly.  That way I never completely run out, because I always know I have one full tank.
 
 Just my $.02

[whippetwrun]

 griffsmom

 

ORIGINAL:  griffsmom
 
  If we re worried about running out in the middle of the night, my DH just switches it over before we go to bed, even if the first tank isn t quite completely empty.
 
 HTH![]
 

 LOL - my DH would  assume the tank would last the night and when it ran out, he d just roll over and pull the covers off of me, leaving me with the choice of shivering or going out to switch it myself.
 
 I think for now we ll stick to your idea of switching if it seems low. I just need to remember to check the tank before bed!

[TheWallRocks]

 whippetwrun
I sent a note to Marshall (the regulator people) a month or so ago about making an auto-changeover regulator that has both a high and low pressure output....... but no reply.  Unfortunately I purchased the regulator and empty tank indicator before I found out that the outside stove needs high pressure.  I did install a dual tank holder..... one without those horrid " J"  rods, so at least I can carry two tanks.
 
 We do a fair amount of cold weather camping so the auto-changeover would be nice.  I ll have to investigate the Coleman kit that was mentioned.
 
 If anyone wants to buy my Marshall 245 regulaor and empty tank indicator let me know.