Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Motorcoach & Motorhome > Class A Motor Coach
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 10-11-2018, 02:45 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Maine
Posts: 28
THOR #13246
Propane level

How does the monitoring panel on my 2017 AXIS know what the propane level is? More to the point, is the sensor in the tank a liquid level gauge or a pressure gauge. Many may know that a pressure gauge is useless on propane. Vapor pressure stays at the same level until the liquid is gone and then the pressure plummets with use. Thanks, kevin

__________________
redshift is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2018, 02:56 PM   #2
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
I'm waiting to see the answer... and for the gauge on mine starts to drop! We've had the rig for over a year, and it still reads "Full".
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2018, 03:06 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Skip 500's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 24F
State: Arizona
Posts: 250
THOR #2878
There is a float inside the tank and there is a small magnet in the top of the unit that is attached to the tank. The gauge actually screws into the top of this and reads the level from the magnet.
__________________
Skip 500 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2018, 03:32 PM   #4
Site Team
 
revjeffrey's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Axis 24.1 Windjammer
State: Illinois
Posts: 1,179
THOR #7074
In the non tech days we poured a cup of warm water on outside of the tank. you will see the liquid line.
__________________
Rev. Jeffrey 2017 Thor Axis 24.1 E450 Windjammer.
Silver Safe-T-Plus Steering Control
SSF-106-40 SumoSprings Solo Front Bump Stop SSR-107-47 SumoSprings Rear Bump Stop
Hellwig 7718 Front Sway Bar & 7180 Rear Sway Bar
Koni FSD Front Shocks 8805-1042 / Koni FSD Rear Shocks 8805-1043
revjeffrey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-11-2018, 03:39 PM   #5
Senior Member
 
Skip 500's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Chateau 24F
State: Arizona
Posts: 250
THOR #2878
On our bulk storage tank we had a lever with a small petcock in the center. You opened the petcock and turned the lever until liquid came out and you could determine your tank level. Also had that setup on one of our tankers.
__________________
Skip 500 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2018, 07:19 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
dkoldman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
Quote:
Originally Posted by revjeffrey View Post
In the non tech days we poured a cup of warm water on outside of the tank. you will see the liquid line.
I thought that Bob Denman was the only one that makes me smile. But you beat him this time. If this method is not old school, then I don't know what is.

On my external portable propane tanks, I just cook until the fire goes out. If it will not re-light, then I assume it is empty and swap the tank. Even though I have two spares at all times, I can't wait to try this. I don't need no stinky gauges"
__________________
2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
dkoldman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2018, 07:21 PM   #7
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
I bow to a True Professional...
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2018, 09:19 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Long & Winding road's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
Quote:
Originally Posted by redshift View Post
How does the monitoring panel on my 2017 AXIS know what the propane level is? More to the point, is the sensor in the tank a liquid level gauge or a pressure gauge. Many may know that a pressure gauge is useless on propane. Vapor pressure stays at the same level until the liquid is gone and then the pressure plummets with use. Thanks, kevin
It magic. LOL. They are off some. My gauge will show FULL inside but like 65 % on the tank gauge.

But a full propane tank is like at like 75 or 80% to allow room for expansion at higher temps.

I always refill once it gets to about quarter tank.... I dont want to run out when I might need it the most.

If I was going on a long trip (esp when cold at night) I would top off tank no matter what the level shows.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
Long & Winding road is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2018, 09:22 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
Long & Winding road's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
Posts: 2,669
THOR #12231
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkoldman View Post
I don't need no stinky gauges"
"Gauges, we dont need no stinking gauges".

Reminds me of an old movie. LOL

Treasures of the Sierra Madre with Humphry Bogart. Great movie.
__________________
2017 Axis / 25.4: Big Foot Levelers, Aims 1200 Watt inverter, Ceramic Window Tint, Full River AGM 6V batteries, Front Hellwig Sway bar / Rear Track Arm, Safe T Plus Steering Stabilizer, PD 4655 converter, Hard Wired Surge Guard, WEboost + WiFi Ranger, LED Headlights/Driving lights, TPMS, Surge tank, Tornado flush, Viair Compressor
Long & Winding road is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2018, 09:58 PM   #10
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Yes!!

__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2018, 10:08 PM   #11
I Think We're Lost!
 
Bob Denman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
Just don't try checking the level like this...

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1539382087
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Die Hard.jpg
Views:	241
Size:	81.5 KB
ID:	13476  
__________________
"What: me worry?"
Good Sam Member 843599689
Current coach: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
Bob Denman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2018, 10:39 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
Cason61's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 34F
State: Oklahoma
Posts: 628
THOR #8432
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
I'm waiting to see the answer... and for the gauge on mine starts to drop! We've had the rig for over a year, and it still reads "Full".
GAUGES? We don't need no stinking gauges!
__________________
Cason61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-12-2018, 10:43 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Cason61's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 34F
State: Oklahoma
Posts: 628
THOR #8432
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post
Just don't try checking the level like this...

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1539382087
Hans? You keep eating burritos before we go treasure huntin, I'm gonna turn this lighter into a Flamethrower, you hear me Hans?
__________________
Cason61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2018, 12:09 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
Cason61's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 34F
State: Oklahoma
Posts: 628
THOR #8432
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cason61 View Post
Hans? You keep eating burritos before we go treasure huntin, I'm gonna turn this lighter into a Flamethrower, you hear me Hans?
BTW Hans. What do they do for fun around here after they roll up the sidewalks at midnight?
__________________
Cason61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2018, 07:29 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Whirnot's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Vegas 25.2
State: Oregon
Posts: 272
THOR #6934
Quote:
Originally Posted by dkoldman View Post
On my external portable propane tanks, I just cook until the fire goes out.
I pick it up and wiggle it. You can tell by the weight, and can feel it as it sloshed back and forth. After a while you get pretty good at guageing it.
__________________
Whirnot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2018, 08:29 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
DogLovers's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Thor Tuscany 36 MQ
State: Indiana
Posts: 936
THOR #6280
Well in the old days we used the warm water poured on the tank side, didn't work well in winter. Then there was also the Parakeet in a cage method, PETA didn't like that very much so I have switched to the "Mother-in-law Propane/Methane" gage. My dear mother-in-law is a huge gas bag and shoots fireballs from her nether region when gas is present so the slower the fireballs come the closer the tank is to empty. I created a chart so I can count the fireballs and know exactly how much propane is in the tank. If I vary her diet I get a multitude of colors. She's not affected by weather, opinions, facts, common sense or any manner of coaxing so it's a very accurate read.

CONS: This is however the most expensive method of tank level indication. You must feed, clothe, house, hear and pretend you are interested in her all the time and she just won't go away.

PROS: The kids in all the camping spots love the fireworks display.
__________________
Bill & Martha more than 46 years.
Traveling with Shih Tzu's Baily, Bella and Maltese Buster. Towing, Golf Cart, Harley or Polaris RZR. 3 of our darling Shih Tzu's passed away recently and I just can't take them off of here. RIP Baxter, Baili & sweet sweet Bella. Buster is our little rock.
DogLovers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2018, 09:44 PM   #17
Junior Member
 
Brand: Dutchmen
State: Illinois
Posts: 23
THOR #13214
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cason61 View Post
GAUGES? We don't need no stinking gauges!
I have always just used the hot water guage
__________________
Local150 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 01:37 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
dkoldman's Avatar
 
Brand: Still Looking
Model: Sunstar 29VE Winnebago
State: Texas
Posts: 5,584
THOR #13058
Quote:
Originally Posted by DogLovers View Post
Well in the old days we used the warm water poured on the tank side, didn't work well in winter. Then there was also the Parakeet in a cage method, PETA didn't like that very much so I have switched to the "Mother-in-law Propane/Methane" gage. My dear mother-in-law is a huge gas bag and shoots fireballs from her nether region when gas is present so the slower the fireballs come the closer the tank is to empty. I created a chart so I can count the fireballs and know exactly how much propane is in the tank. If I vary her diet I get a multitude of colors. She's not affected by weather, opinions, facts, common sense or any manner of coaxing so it's a very accurate read.

CONS: This is however the most expensive method of tank level indication. You must feed, clothe, house, hear and pretend you are interested in her all the time and she just won't go away.

PROS: The kids in all the camping spots love the fireworks display.
In your case, you might need some stinky gauges....
__________________
2019 Sunstar 29ve; Toad Lincoln Navigator; RVi Brake 3 & Command Center; Roadmaster Nighthawk Tow bar & Baseplate; Sumo Springs; Safe T Plus; Onan EC-30 AGS; Vmax 250ah AGM; T-Mobile Internet; H/W Heater / Chassis Disconnect Switches; Southwire Surge Guard 44270 & 34951 w/Monitor 40301; Jet Flo Macerator; Alpine SPE500 Speakers; Visio M21D-H8R
dkoldman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 04:02 AM   #19
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2016 Axis 24.2
State: British Columbia
Posts: 7
THOR #5816
I tried a AP Products propane tank gauge:

https://www.amazon.com/AP-Products-0.../dp/B01C5RQJHS

It a wireless gauge so you can monitor it on your phone. I seems to work better than the LED panel, but it doesn't show each percent it jumps a few percent at a time. I only tested it a bit and used it on one trip so far.

I like it but it uses magnets to mount to the bottom of the tank. My propane tank compartment is open on the bottom and I didn't feel safe driving with it stuck on the tank like that. I was worried if I hit bump and might drop off on the road and be gone. I might come up with a safety mechanism. Until then I'll take if off while traveling.
__________________
2015 Thor Axis 24.2
2017 Ford C-Max Energi
jeffd11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 04:17 AM   #20
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds 31E (2019)
State: California
Posts: 249
THOR #12270
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skip 500 View Post
There is a float inside the tank and there is a small magnet in the top of the unit that is attached to the tank. The gauge actually screws into the top of this and reads the level from the magnet.
to add to this there is actually a "gas gauge" (no pun intended) on the tank that shows E to F. there is a small potentiometer attached to the needle that varies resistance to the inside digital gauge.
__________________
Diemaster is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 05:20 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2