How do you check your Propane tank???

[Austrian Hunter]

Ok, how do you check the propane level    I'm talking on the camper, don't know how empty or full they are   

[KFhunter]

got a scale?  bathroom scale would work.

Look for a stamp on the tank indicating the TW (tare weight) of the empty tank,  anything above that is propane.

Should be about 20lbs full (20lbs propane + 18ish tare weight) would be nearly 40 lbs for a full tank

[BsB]

You can get it refilled. It doesn't have to be empty.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

[KFhunter]

You can get it refilled. It doesn't have to be empty.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

having a scale and knowing how to weigh it would be really handy though, specially if your extended stay camping you'll have a good idea when to run to town for a fill up before your out in the middle of the night.

decent fish scale works nice - I'd get a dedicated 50lb hanging scale with a hook and mark lines for full, 3/4 1/2 and empty

[KFhunter]

Empty weight on this tank is 27 lbs

see in the picture TW 27.0




If this tank were plum full it would weigh 27.0 + 20lbs propane = 47 pounds total   (assuming this is a 20 pounder - can't tell from the pic)

Some RV's have 30 lb tanks too,  so look for the TW then add 30 lbs propane for a total weight.

also, not all tanks have their overflow stems set at the same depth within the tank, so one 20lb tank might be full with 19.2 lbs and another might fill to 21 lbs.   

[smdave]

gallon of propane weighs 4.242 lbs

[flinger]

easy way is to just fill a large pan of very hot to boiling water and pour over the top and feel the tank for the cold line where the metal changes temp. that will be your propane level

[kisfish]

Check the date of manufacture as well. Tanks have to be re-certified 12 years after manufacture and 7 years after that, and the 5 years on the next. They will not fill a out of date tank. The tank in the pic was made in Jan 2005

[BigD]

I thought there was some type of tape you can put on the tank that changes color with level, I think it has to do with the temp

[KFhunter]

Check the date of manufacture as well. Tanks have to be re-certified 12 years after manufacture and 7 years after that, and the 5 years on the next. They will not fill a out of date tank. The tank in the pic was made in Jan 2005

ASME tanks are exempt, as would be found on most motorhomes.  All the pickup truck slide in camper with lay down tanks also fall in this catagory.

DOT portable tanks DO need certified, as would be found on most BBQ's.

the PROBLEM is most gas station attendants don't know this and refuse to fill tanks out of date.  You can argue with them but your best bet is to find another place to fill your tank - a propane supplier would be best.

[KFhunter]

I thought there was some type of tape you can put on the tank that changes color with level, I think it has to do with the temp

It is the temp, they work OK is the tank is in use especially heavy usage.   Propane cools as it exaporates (boils) into propane vapor and these sticky strips will indicate the temp.  Just easier to use your hand to feel it. 

If the tank has been sitting a long time with no usage the temp varience won't be enough to get a good read on the sticky strip.


Pretty much those strips are junk and wear out quickly.

[kisfish]

Check the date of manufacture as well. Tanks have to be re-certified 12 years after manufacture and 7 years after that, and the 5 years on the next. They will not fill a out of date tank. The tank in the pic was made in Jan 2005

ASME tanks are exempt, as would be found on most campers.  All the pickup truck slide in camper with lay down tanks fall in this catagory.

DOT portable tanks DO need certified, as would be found on most BBQ's.


the PROBLEM is most gas station attendants don't know this and refuse to fill tanks out of date.  You can argue with them but your best bet is to find another place to fill your tank - a propane supplier would be best.

The fifth wheel and bumper pull trailers I see all have dot bottles.
KFhunter, Do you ever run into firberglass bottles?

[smdave]

Check the date of manufacture as well. Tanks have to be re-certified 12 years after manufacture and 7 years after that, and the 5 years on the next. They will not fill a out of date tank. The tank in the pic was made in Jan 2005

ASME tanks are exempt, as would be found on most campers.  All the pickup truck slide in camper with lay down tanks fall in this catagory.

DOT portable tanks DO need certified, as would be found on most BBQ's.


the PROBLEM is most gas station attendants don't know this and refuse to fill tanks out of date.  You can argue with them but your best bet is to find another place to fill your tank - a propane supplier would be best.

This tank pictured is a horizontal tank it says right on it DOT in the upper left.

Some horizontal DOT tanks are only exempt to having OPD valves, they still require visual inspection at 12 years after date of manufacture and then every 5 years after that.

All ASME tanks do not require DOT inspections.

If you need inspections done PM me I work in Burlington at a propane company and can do DOT inspections.

[KFhunter]

I haven't ran into any fiberglass ones


I'm not in the propane business anymore so I'll defer to SMdave.   I used to certify tanks and had a valid handlers card when I was moonlighting trying to pay for college books.

[Austrian Hunter]

Lots of great info!!! Thanks a bunch!!  The scale makes sense, and so does the boiling water!!! All good info!!