Propane tank upgrade input

[jtwilber]

Heading Xcountry in our Grand Design Imagine. I am swapping the (2) 20# tanks for (2) 30#. Because of the extra height the gas line is about 12" short. I can rig a short extension or replace the entire hose which runs up to a junction fitting about halfway up. Replace all or extension ok ?

I am also looking at this two year old regulator set up and wondering is this really the best way to set this up for extended trips. The auto switchover always leaves me wondering which tank I'm on, and how much is left. The red\green color thing never seems to work. Is there a better setup that has guages so I can see each tank ?

Images attached. (sideways... hmmm)



Input on these issues appreciated.

Jonathan
Plymouth, MA

[Calbar]

Heading Xcountry in our Grand Design Imagine. I am swapping the (2) 20# tanks for (2) 30#. Because of the extra height the gas line is about 12" short. I can rig a short extension or replace the entire hose which runs up to a junction fitting about halfway up. Replace all or extension ok ?

I am also looking at this two year old regulator set up and wondering is this really the best way to set this up for extended trips. The auto switchover always leaves me wondering which tank I'm on, and how much is left. The red\green color thing never seems to work. Is there a better setup that has guages so I can see each tank ?

Images attached. (sideways... hmmm)



Input on these issues appreciated.

Jonathan
Plymouth, MA

Sorry can't answer about the hose but I think the reason your regulator is not working is because you have the switch over half way in between. It should be pointing to one tank or the other and then it will work properly. As will you should also have the regulator attached on top of the hold down bar between the nut and the hold down bar so it doesn't bounce around.

Any other questions just ask.

Rob

[jtwilber]

Sorry can't answer about the hose but I think the reason your regulator is not working is because you have the switch over half way in between. It should be pointing to one tank or the other and then it will work properly. As will you should also have the regulator attached on top of the hold down bar between the nut and the hold down bar so it doesn't bounce around.

Any other questions just ask.

Rob

Thanks Rob for notes. I've had the switch both places and never had red\green. Regulator works... I just find the auto changeover confusing. I tossed the regulator on for the pic but proper way as you point out is to catch top of bracket frame. Thanks for input.

[Calbar]

Thanks Rob for notes. I've had the switch both places and never had red\green. Regulator works... I just find the auto changeover confusing. I tossed the regulator on for the pic but proper way as you point out is to catch top of bracket frame. Thanks for input.

That is really strange that it never went red when pointing to one tank even if the tank was empty.

Rob

[SolarPoweredRV]

Heading Xcountry in our Grand Design Imagine. I am swapping the (2) 20# tanks for (2) 30#. Because of the extra height the gas line is about 12" short. I can rig a short extension or replace the entire hose which runs up to a junction fitting about halfway up. Replace all or extension ok ?

I am also looking at this two year old regulator set up and wondering is this really the best way to set this up for extended trips. The auto switchover always leaves me wondering which tank I'm on, and how much is left. The red\green color thing never seems to work. Is there a better setup that has guages so I can see each tank ?

Images attached. (sideways... hmmm)



Input on these issues appreciated.

Jonathan
Plymouth, MA

I would replace the hose with an appropriatly longer one and install the regulaor securely.

As far as the tank switching goes: the way it is designed to work is: first you turn both tank valves fully on, next, you point the valve at one tank and it takes Propane out of that tank. When that first tank runs out of Propane, the little indicator changes from green to red letting you know that the first tank is empty. When you take the first tank off to re-fill it, you switch the valve to point to the other tank (the one that still has Propane in it). When you return with your filled tank you simply connect the full tank and turn the tank valve on. When the other tank (non-filled tank) runs empty the indicator will change to red and you will need to fill up the other (second) tank and start the process all over.

Basically, what this system does is keep you from running outside in the middle of a cold night, in your underwear, to switch to a new Propane tank because your Furnace quit working at 3 in the morning (ask me how I know this).

[Ynot4me2]

I agree with what @SolarPoweredRV said. You could also simply install lp extensions. That will make it easier to go back to 20 tanks without extra hose to deal with.
We also got these to help see the level in our tanks.
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01C5RQI74/..._hScdGbDSJ3F90

Sent from my SM-P610 using Tapatalk

[powerscol]

Thanks Rob for notes. I've had the switch both places and never had red\green. Regulator works... I just find the auto changeover confusing. I tossed the regulator on for the pic but proper way as you point out is to catch top of bracket frame. Thanks for input.

You might need to have a slight amount of Gas flowing for the regulator to change colors (light the stove to purge the lines). If you take both tanks off and then reconnect everything and turn on the valves it will be a while for the gauge to catch up. But the lever needs to be full right or left pointing to the tank your using.

Now if it never changes color when in use then you may have a faulty regulator.

Hope this helps

[Redapple63]

Jtwilber,

You have gotten good advice, and all I am going to do is add a couple of things.

1. Agree with replacing the entire hose, just get a replacement hose of the needed length. Keep the original hose if you decide to go back to 20lb tanks.
2. I also have the Mokeka tank registers they work great
3. Before your switch out your regulator, try to run the stove for a few and see if the red/green work, otherwise maybe replace the regulator.
4. With the regulator switch in the middle it will draw from both tanks. I don't like that, I always have it in one tank or the other.

I have 30lb tanks and and love em. You will too.