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Old 11-28-2018, 11:07 PM   #1
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Propane Gauge?

Before getting our Sprinter SMB, we had a VW Eurovan Camper that included a panel with level indicators for propane as well as water, etc. When we ordered the SMB it never occurred to us to ask about whether the propane system would have a gauge, but it doesn't. So we've been wondering how we'll know that we're getting low on propane. Has anyone gotten an SMB with a propane gauge, or added one to their system?

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Old 11-28-2018, 11:22 PM   #2
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My SMB has a mechanical gauge on the tank itself. The VW camper I had before didn't, but I never used the propane on that one enough for it to matter.

With BBQ bottles I usually estimate the propane level by looking at where the condensation is on the tank, or feeling it with my hand to see where it gets cold. That's the level of the liquid propane inside. Only works when you're actively using propane, though, and probably wouldn't work as well on a permanent tank due to the thicker walls.
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Old 11-29-2018, 06:23 AM   #3
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I suspect that your tank should have this Manchester Tank Propane Tank Gauge For RV's Snap-On Attachment
This is just the cover that snaps on over the the float part. I expect that your van came with a tank that has one of these or should. You could contact SMB or find one here https://www.amazon.com/Manchester-Ta.../dp/B005GY9UTC


You can replace that with Manchester Tank G12846 LP Gas Tank - Remote 90° OHM Sender
This is compatibly with any unit capable of reading a 90 ohm sender.

Note: it is not any more accurate than the original because it uses the same existing float in the tank

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Old 12-03-2018, 10:47 PM   #4
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That's the one I have. It's not especially linear, from what I've seen so far -- it sat at 3/4 for a few trips then suddenly dropped to 1/2 in one night, admittedly one where I used the furnace heavily. I guess the only position I really care about is "empty," though, so if it's accurate near that end it's good enough. ;>
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Old 12-03-2018, 11:25 PM   #5
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It is sensitive to van levelling.
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Old 12-04-2018, 02:24 PM   #6
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I was wondering the same and ended up getting the Bluetooth mopeka from Amazon. Is cheaper, is supposed to be more accurate, and you can check it from your phone inside or outside as long as you reach the device's Bluetooth transponder.
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Old 12-09-2018, 02:45 PM   #7
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Be sure to get a matched set of level sending unit and gauge. My 2015 Transit came with an inside LP gauge that SMB installed. I continually had issues with the readings. Then I found out that I couldn't fill the tank. After I took it to a LP specialist in the Denver area, he found the inlet check valve was stuck. He then also found that the level sender was 90 ohm and the gauge was 70 ohm. After I replaced the gauge with a 90 ohm one, the reading is fine. I also found that SMB incorrectly wired the outside LP kill switch, causing a short to ground when the inside and outside switches were in a particular arrangement. SMB's quality control had/has some issues. My LP system works fine now.
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Old 01-07-2019, 07:47 PM   #8
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Thank you for all the responses. I'm embarrassed to say that I had not thought to look at the tank more carefully. We have the Manchester gauge after all, but it is challenging to see. Today was finally a day when it wasn't freezing cold and the parking lot at work was snow free so that I could get down on my knees and look up under the van. Sure enough - there's the gauge - and it shows that after 1.5 years of ownership we have 3/8 of a tank left. We only use it for cooking.
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