LP tank auto changeover

[clev]

I’ve learned that the auto changeover is not switching over to a full tank when one is empty. I believe that this is idiot proof, screw in the two pigtails, turn the dial to either one, make sure both tank valves are open, and forget about it. Is this repairable or is it better to just buy a new one? If I buy a new one, what do I get? I’ve already checked and they are $30’s - $70’s. For that price difference, there have to be some features that I’m not aware of.

Also, ryno; I’ve been to Key West and almost home, ~3400 miles, and except two old worn out DRV’s in the rv park at the navy base, I’ve not seen any DRV’s.

[rynosback]

I would think it is a replace item and not a repair item. Most things these days are just replaced and not repaired.
No DRVs at the SKP Roost either.

[MnP]

It is a replace item. Mine lasted about 2 years before it crapped out (same issue as yours). I don't think there are any bells or whistles that make one worth $70 and another worth $30. i ordered one like the original from Amazon and it's worked fine for about 3 years so far.

PS - 5 DRVs at Palmdale RV Resort in Los Fresnos TX two weeks ago.

[clev]

The valve on my last rv, Holiday Rambler, lasted over 20 years, no problems. Guess I’ll order one from Amazon.

I may be going to the wrong areas to see DRV’s. In over 2 years, I’ve got about 20k miles traveling between TX, UT, AZ, FL, VA, Okie, and back to TX. In all that time and distance, I’ve only seen 3-4 DRV’s.

[Cummins12V98]

I don't want mine to change over. I always run on the outside tank with the back tank closed. If I run out I simply close the front and open the rear and flip the arrow on valve to the full tank. I then fill the empty tank at my leisure. Wash rinse and repeat. I NEVER run out of propane.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by clev

The valve on my last rv, Holiday Rambler, lasted over 20 years, no problems...

That probably tells you more about how well they used to make the parts...

[rynosback]

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

I don't want mine to change over. I always run on the outside tank with the back tank closed. If I run out I simply close the front and open the rear and flip the arrow on valve to the full tank. I then fill the empty tank at my leisure. Wash rinse and repeat. I NEVER run out of propane.

I do the samething. I ran out of gas and woke up at 3am FREEZING!!
Ran out of gas. Since then I keep the inside tank closed like you. When the outer runs out I switch to the inner and get the outer filled up the same or next day.

[Fulltimer50]

I do as well. Dont need no stinking change over valve.

[Terry and Jo]

Of course, we have to be different. We stay in one place for extended periods, so we generally lease an external LPG tank (120 gallon to 250 gallon size) and hook up differently. While in Utah, the LPG guy just ran a line from their tank and regulator and bypassed our tanks and regulator. Otherwise, I use different lines, depending on whether the LPG tank has a regulator or not.


Currently, we are running off of a 250 gallon tank and plumbed into the pigtail on the outside 40# cylinder. The inside 40# cylinder is turned on, just in case a changeover needs to be made. (Not ever happened yet, but it got close once.)


Terry

[DbleDutch]

Loved the auto gas valve on our ultra light 5th. 2 - 15# tanks and the auto switch valve. The valve had an indicator that showed red when the operating tank was empty and switched to the other tank. Rotate the valve to the full tank to know the tank in use. Fill the empty tank at you leisure and never have the 3am shivers due to empty tank needing to be switched.

[wingnut60]

Yes, but you are not struggling with 10 gal tanks that weigh in at 76 lbs full...and are mounted one behind the other. It is a strength test that is just about to over work me.

[Terry and Jo]

Originally Posted by DbleDutch

Loved the auto gas valve on our ultra light 5th. 2 - 15# tanks and the auto switch valve. The valve had an indicator that showed red when the operating tank was empty and switched to the other tank. Rotate the valve to the full tank to know the tank in use. Fill the empty tank at you leisure and never have the 3am shivers due to empty tank needing to be switched.

Sadly, not all the auto-switch valves work properly. We have had one give out for us.


Terry

[Porthole]

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Yes, but you are not struggling with 10 gal tanks that weigh in at 76 lbs full...and are mounted one behind the other. It is a strength test that is just about to over work me.

When heartland switched from 40’s to 30’s in the Landmarks their response was that the change was based on consumer response to the extra weight. Yet when all the members of the club and forum were queried no one looking to or who recently bought wanted smaller tanks.

Given the choice I would prefer to deal with the extra 10 pounds of propane quantity and resulting tank weight less frequently that extra quantity allows.

I don’t use the auto switchover. I use the outer tank until empty. I’ll then use the inner tank until I get it filled. Filled tank then goes to the inner.

I’m still on my first tank with this trailer, but with 30’s in the previous trailer I was getting about a season and a half out of a tank.

On a side note, when filling tanks at the Local Ace hardware the ‘kid’ asked me what the 56# was sharpied on the tank. Told him that is what it is supposed to weigh when filled. He said ‘oh’ and took it back to the fill station.

I have only been to one facility that charged by gallons dispensed. I would think small propane tank filling is something state ‘weights and measures’ could oversee.

[Cummins12V98]

"I have only been to one facility that charged by gallons dispensed."

Must be a regional thing! I have ONLY been charged by the gallon, mostly WestCoats fills.

[wingnut60]

Denver rental center, 4 days ago--$0.89/lb, that is $3.74/gal. No distributors close enough to justify driving for better price.

[dapperdan]

I had the outside tank refilled last fall, charged me by the gallon here in WI.

Dan

[Porthole]

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

"I have only been to one facility that charged by gallons dispensed."

Must be a regional thing! I have ONLY been charged by the gallon, mostly WestCoats fills.

Don’t know one way or the other.

Almost every propane fill I have had since forever was ‘hook up, open tank, open fill valve, crack bleeder screw, shut off when liquid comes out’

Seldom have my tanks been filled by weight and only once charged by the gallon. And it was about $6.50 a gallon.

[wingnut60]

Wow. Paid $2.00gal at Tractor Supply in Prescott Valley last month.
U-Haul in Aurora, CO, also checks the recert date on each tank.

[clev]

Been kinda under the weather and trying to catch up. I definitely make use of my auto changeover for LP for a couple of reasons. First, I do a visual check of the valve and tank sweat (if there is any) every day, especially in cold weather. If tank #1 is showing red, I'll change it over to #2, pull the tank, fill it, and put it back, returning the selector to #1. If tank #1 runs out in the middle of the night in cold weather, I want it to start pulling on tank #2 automatically. When this happens, I pull tank #1 within a day or two and reinstall it. Then, I'll put the selector back on tank #1. This way, it takes a long time for tank #2 to finally empty and I don't have to muscle it out every time. Second, I have found some LP stations fill based on the size of the tank, whether it's empty or not. So, when I take mine in, I want it empty. I have found that this works best for 'me'. And that's what it comes down to. Most of us are experienced, RV'ing adults and have discovered our own patterns through a lot of trial and error.

Refills in Wimberley and San Marcos, TX ranges from $2.50 ~ $2.75 per gallon.