Propane Regulator Question

[rbgatti]

We were camping the past weekend and as I was checking my regulator indicator to see my propane situation, I noticed both tanks were cold.  The supply tank had condensation on it as expected.  The other was cold with a little condensation.

Some facts:

- I do not smell propane.
- Both tanks are turned on.
- I turned the supply tank off and I do hear a click as the switchover to the other tank takes place.  Supply is unaffected.
- I have, once so far, successfully emptied 1 tank, switched over to backup, removed/filled/replaced the empty and left the switch at its current position...drawing from the 2nd tank.

When I noticed this, I did happen to have 2 inside stove burners, the oven, the hot water heater and outside RVQ grill all going at once.

Any ideas?  Bad regulator?  Drawing too much gas from a 20 pounder...taking gas from both?

Thanks, Rico

[pershingd]

Sounds absolutely normal for that much of a load on the system. The propane in the tank is in a liquid state. As the gas is drawn out of the tank, the propane liquid changes to gas which makes the tank cold.

If you still have concerns, stop by a propane dealer (one that deals with home propane delivery) and they'll check it out.

David

[tlhdoc]

It sounds normal to me.  What do you think is a problem?  That the spare tank is cold?  I think it would get cold just from sitting next to the tank you are using.

[rbgatti]

It sounds normal to me.  What do you think is a problem?  That the spare tank is cold?  I think it would get cold just from sitting next to the tank you are using.

Yes, that was my concern.  I didn't want a situation where we were drawing from both tanks at the same time, all of the time.  That would mean I wouldn't really have a "back-up".