Propane tank gauge accuracy issue

[ViperOne]

I’m having issues with my propane tank guage and don’t trust its accuracy. The reading drops as I use propane however when filling it takes forever to register a reading and sometimes doesn’t change at all. My tank is permanently mounted horizontally. Anyone else have the same problem how did you fix it?

[lwmcguir]

Lot of variables here

You can take off the magnetic pickup and see if the tank float gauge is reading correct after you have filled the tank and by feeling the tank to get the level.

If it is close, you can work with the sender and receiver to determine the issue.

If the tank float is compromised, then that is a bit larger problem and requires emptying the tank.

Since it is intermittent it could be either issue.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Are you referring to the gauge on the actual tank itself or the reading from inside the coach on the panel(s)?

[Bob Nodine]

Originally Posted by ViperOne

I’m having issues with my propane tank guage and don’t trust its accuracy. The reading drops as I use propane however when filling it takes forever to register a reading and sometimes doesn’t change at all. My tank is permanently mounted horizontally. Anyone else have the same problem how did you fix it?

My experience is that you would be very fortunate to have +/- 20% accuracy on a propane tank gauge. A lot of this is due to the expansion and contraction of the liquid as the ambient temperature changes. Not only do you have to deal with the diurnal and seasonal change in ambient, you have to contend with roadway heating of the tank. On a Class C with the horizontal tank mounted close to the asphalt, a tank that read 100% when you started the travel day might read 115% when you make a stop. Another factor is the type of gauge used. The Manchester horizontal 12 gallon propane tank that you probably have uses a float to move a potentiometer and a needle pointer as the liquid level inside the tank changes. It is possible to move the face of the gauge to change the percentage reading but keep in mind influence of the temperature and the level of the motorhome on the reading. A Class C motorhome with a horizonal tank mounted front to back will see a significant change in the reading based on the level of the motorhome. The Manchester horizontal tank has the gauge float mounted near the left end of the tank as you face it. If after you fill the tank the reading does not change the float could be sticking.

[lwmcguire]

Your gauges both should read around 80% when full

Some like the 80% tank level to show 100%, most prefer actual level

Liquid volume will barely see any changes due to temperature since it is compressed

Pressure will follow the vapor pressure charts

[Lt Keefer]

When I got my first RV that had gauges for the fresh water, grey and black water and propane I was constantly monitoring them and sweating about what they said. I seemed to forget that my previous RVs didn't have those gauges and I just went by experience for normal use of consumables like propane and water. I know that when my fresh water tank is empty, usually 5 or 6 days, I have to empty my waste tanks and fill fresh. I don't camp much in cold weather so for propane, I need to fill it every spring and it lasts for a year. What I'm saying is the gauges installed in a recreation vehicle are not engineered and designed for use by NASA. They are little more than idiot lights. Experimentation with your normal use will give you a baseline for consumables and then you can get on to having fun.

[16ACE27]

Wut El Tee said.