Accurately measure propane level for under $10

[Snackchaser]

Although there are several ways to check propane tank levels, I’ve found the easiest way for me is a luggage scale. They have large hooks that balance nicely when hooked on to the fill valve, and they remember the weight so you don’t have to contort yourself to see the scale.  Mine has an analog dial with a memory needle, and thankfully no batteries.  I’d recommend these over ones with batteries that always seem to be dead when you need them.  Flame King sells a more expensive scale made for this purpose.  It conveniently reads in percentage, but it’s battery operated too.

A 30 pound tank weighs around 55 lbs when full, and about 25 lbs when empty.  A 20 pound tank is around 37 lbs full and 17 lbs. empty.  I’ve labeled my tanks with their weights and I can determine exactly how many pounds are left with the scale.  The tanks can be weighed in place with the spin-off clamp loosened, and it helps to put a stick or bar through the scale handle to lift with both hands.

I know some people swear by the Mopeka ultrasonic level detectors, and I heard the newer ones work pretty good.  But I’m still not over the problems and uncertainty of my old ones, so I’ll stick with my trusty scale for now.

Cheers!  Geoff

 

Edited 3 hours ago by Snackchaser
add pic

[John Dorrer]

1 hour ago, Snackchaser said:

Although there are several ways to check propane tank levels, I’ve found the easiest way for me is a luggage scale. They have large hooks that balance nicely when hooked on to the fill valve, and they remember the weight so you don’t have to contort yourself to see the scale.  Mine has an analog dial with a memory needle, and thankfully no batteries.  I’d recommend these over ones with batteries that always seem to be dead when you need them.  Flame King sells a more expensive scale made for this purpose.  It conveniently reads in percentage, but it’s battery operated too.

A 30 pound tank weighs around 55 lbs when full, and about 25 lbs when empty.  A 20 pound tank is around 37 lbs full and 17 lbs. empty.  I’ve labeled my tanks with their weights and I can determine exactly how many pounds are left with the scale.  The tanks can be weighed in place with the spin-off clamp loosened, and it helps to put a stick or bar through the scale handle to lift with both hands.

I know some people swear by the Mopeka ultrasonic level detectors, and I heard the newer ones work pretty good.  But I’m still not over the problems and uncertainty of my old ones, so I’ll stick with my trusty scale for now.

Cheers!  Geoff

 

Great idea. Do you have a link to the luggage scale?

[routlaw]

FWIW, Costco sells 20 lb tanks with a built in gauge. I have only one but it seems to work well enough. Like most things they have had a price increase recently but locally they are running around $42.