Finding your level (in a gas cylinder)

[PetenAli]

Although the weather is getting better now we've used our Propex a lot over the last few months and I haven't a clue how much is left in the cylinder. Just spent three nights away and I kept turning the Propex thermostat down when the boss wasn't looking!! We use Calor Propane 3.9 kg as these provide the best compromise between space used and value for money.

I've been looking at some possible level indicators. This type doesn't get a good press as gives less than 5 mins warning of the bottle running out:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/14155164 ... 108&ff19=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This type looks a bit better (but may only be available in the USA):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ6ImO5VYXw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Truma do this one:
http://www.levelcheck.com/uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This one looks like it might be OK as well although they are out of stock:
http://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/G ... tAodNjwAmA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Calor do combined regulators / pressure gauges but they also give very little warning as the pressure doesn't drop until the cylinder is nearly empty.

I've also read on one of the caravan forums that you can pour a kettle of boiling water over your cylinder and where it evaporates will show you the gas level. Accurate but a pain to get the cylinder in and out...

Does anyone have any experience of these gadgets and any views on their effectiveness? I have had a look at the Wiki but it doesn't have much beyond the cheap ones only giving five minutes warning.

Thanks,

Pete

[jamesc76]

The tare weight of the cylinder is stamped an the bottle, weigh it and deduct the weight of the bottle will give you weught of gas. Then once you get a new full bottle leave some bathroom scales under it to give real time weight. Cheap and accurate

[tforturton]

You can buy cheap magnetic temperature strips that stick to the side of the cylinder, and the temp-sensitive coloured strip shows where the cold gas is. A bit rudimentary, but they do the trick. Couple of quid off ebay.
Or are you talking about a cylinder sling under the vehicle?

[jpennington]

I use 56kg propane bottles for domestic cooking (country life!). Tried the magnetic strip device - utterly useless. Pressure guage is ok for identifying leaks but no good for judging tank contents.
Best method I found was to go out early in the morning after a heavy dew and look at the dew line on the side of the tank - a very good level indicator.
In the end I decided the only sensible solution was to have two bottles and a changeover switch.

None of the above is any use to you I'm afraid - unless you want to keep the bottle outside the van overnight. Try tapping on the side of the bottle; with practice you can get a feel for roughly how much gas is there.

jp

[itchyfeet]

The tare weight of the cylinder is stamped an the bottle, weigh it and deduct the weight of the bottle will give you weught of gas. Then once you get a new full bottle leave some bathroom scales under it to give real time weight. Cheap and accurate

This^^^

I keep a spring balance hanging on the handle
when I gef a new one I weigh it and write on the bottle, 4kg less it's empty

look here on the spec tab for weights, bottles can vary from 5 to 6 kg, my current 3.9 bottle was 9kg full

http://www.calor.co.uk/3-9kg-propane-gas-bottle.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[itchyfeet]

I just picked up a nearly full spare 3.9 propane for 10 quid on a boot sale, when it's getting low and I'm going on a longer trip I can swap to the fuller one.

[marlinowner]

I've got a combined regulator/pressure gauge, not terribly useful for indicating quantity of gas left, but good for leak testing - close valve on cylinder and see if pressure drops with time.

[shepster]

I always carry 2 then you can simply swap over when you run out, I've had them for free in the past from the local tip.

[a1winchester]

You were lucky. They aren't supposed to sell the bottles on. Probably illegal.
All down to 'elf an' safety and all that!