20 lbs propane tank

[smarch53]

I bought my camper last year, used it twice.  I'm wondering how long the propane tank last.  We have a shower in it, so we use the propane for hot water, and the heater, but not for cooking or the fridge.  Any ideas.  I've been out twice this year, and getting ready to go out this weekend.  So I'm wondering if I should refill it yet>
Thanks

[Scamper]

A simple way to check how full your bottles are is to dip a sponge in water or use a spray bottle, and wipe/spray down the side of the propane bottle.  Once it has been wiped/sprayed, let the water evaporate.  Since propane is colder then air, the water covering the part of the bottle with propane in it will evaporate slower then the water covering the empty part of the bottle.  You will be able to see the level of propane left in the bottle.  Hot water works best.

[AustinBoston]

Since propane is colder then air

Note that propane is only colder if 1) the air has been warming up or 2) the propane bottle has been in use.

Another way to check is to put the tank on a bathroom scale.  The tank will be marked with a tare weight (or T.W.) that will usually be about 17-18 lbs.  Subtract the tare weight from the scale reading, and that is how much propane is in the tank.

Austin

[hoppy]

The items that you have been using on the past two trips are the biggest consumers of propane. The modern furnaces gobble up propane like crazy. I have only gotten four nights on a full tank of propane when using the furnace. The water heater will consume a lot of propane depending on the number and duration of the showers.

  The best method I have found to check how much is remaining is using the weight technique with a bathroom scale. Estimate a completely full tank weight of 37 #, and the empty weight will be the tare weight stamped on the bottle.

[zamboni]

Even easier is to buy a simple Propane Tank Gauge (around $20 - you leave it on permanently).  It has 3 bars, for warm, normal, and cold (outside) temperatures.



http://www.cabelas.com/products/0013259511537a.jsp

[mike4947]

Save your money. The above gage only works on pressure. Since the tank pressure only drops AFTER ALL the liquid propane has turned to gas you get about a three minute warning that the tank is empty.

Of course you have to crawl under the bunk end to see the gage during that three minutes.

[flyfisherman]

One good thing about having this gage on line is that you know the gas is indeed flowing. But as already pointed out one would be hard pressed to perk the morning's coffee when the gage begins it's move from the "everything's O.K." into the empty (red) and the gas giving out.

The best and easiest method I know to determine L/P level is in the cool morning when the coffee is brewing (or the L/P is being used), to simply pour half a cup of luke warm water down the side of the tank and the condensation line will stand out like a sore thumb marking the tank's level.


Fly

[hoppy]

The tank pressure gauges are good for checking gas leaks in your LP system only. They are not worth a darn determining the amount of LP remaining in the tank as mike4947 explained. They are pressure gauges only..... they don't measure LP.

  Since I purchased one of those Gasgard model gauges anyway, I use it to test my gas lines and appliances, and it does a pretty good job for that purpose.

  I open up the valve at the tank with all the gas appliances off, and note the pressure on the gauge. Turn off the tank valve, and see if the gauge reading drops. Check again in 15 minutes or so. If there is no change in pressure, the system is in good shape. If not, I go hunting for the leak.

  So these things are a product searching for a purpose, the only problem is that indicating the remaining LP is not one of them. IIRC, they were even marketed as being "leak detectors"

  Weighing them, or the early morning dew on the tank while they are in operation are still the two best methods I have found to date.

[zamboni]

I've had the guage for years now.  Never failed me.  Continually, and accurately, shows the depletion of my tanks.  Had it on my BBQ for years, bought it for my camper a while ago.

It works exactly like a SCUBA tank guage works -- and they've been working for many decades; I've been diving for many years and never had a problem with air pressure guages, either.  LP ones work the same way (both air and LP gas are a liquid in the tank, until released).

[Campaholics]

IMHO the best solution is a second tank, and don't worry about when you will run out.
 
My very first mod was purchase a second tank and the set of hold down bolts, and mount a second tank.  The Coleman Sea Pine, and I assume all other 2000 models, have holes pre drilled for mounting one or two tanks.  Considering the number of PUs that I see with two tanks, it wouldn't suprise me if all PUs have the holes for two tanks.
 
Bob

[kampingkoge]

I always have a 2nd tank when I camp.  I hook my BBQ grill to the 2nd tank as it is usually setup towards the rear of the camper (which is why I dont use a T fitting on the front A frame).  If the main tank runs out I will pop the spare on.  I also purchased one of the gauges and so far it seems to work ok.  Now, I am a newbie and have only had my pup for a month, so I will have to see just how good the gauge works as I use up my propane.

[lushy]

I have 2 propane tanks and in my opinion that is the way to go. I do check the level using the water method. On our last day of camping before we leave, I always check the tank that has been in use. If the level is getting low I wait until I get home and have it filled at a local dealer which tends to be cheaper than buying propane at a campground or near a campground. If I do run out of propane at the campground I have my spare full tank and switch to it. This is especially beneficial if you run out of propane at 2 AM and you are using the furnace on those chilly nights!

2 propane tanks, no gauges, no worries!  :-()

Happy camping!