Ultrasonic LP Tank Sensor Testing (How Accurate Are They?) (Full Time RV)

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  • Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024

Комментарии • 309

  • @bparkinson1234
    @bparkinson1234 Год назад

    Just put these on my propane and two on my grey and fresh water tanks. Tied it into my Victron cerbo. Very cool on the touch 50 display. Also put a couple nuuvitags into the cerbo for relay control. Cerbo 2.8 firmware or greater supports both. Nuuvi and mopeka. Thanks

  • @JohnBorgen
    @JohnBorgen 2 года назад +1

    When you first laid out how you were conducting this test i thought, "Wow, he's dedicated. This is going to take a week of using that tank and disconnecting everything, conduct the test, the hook everything back up." Bleeding a whole tank to complete the test in a day is definitely the way to go!

  • @tadred1
    @tadred1 2 года назад +2

    I have used the original sensors that they came out with for about 4 yrs and really enjoy knowing what my tank levels are. I have the wireless display (which was part of a package deal with 2 tank sensors) mounted inside the camper which is nice for anyone in the camper to be able to check the levels. I just in the last month found out from the Mopeka Tech Support that you can use the wireless display in conjunction with the phone app. I have changed the batteries in the sensors and the display 3-4 times in each unit. Thanks again for the great info!

  • @ixpioneer12
    @ixpioneer12 2 года назад +3

    On propane tank there are number on the collar the TW will be you tare weight of the bottle empty. That’s what you go off when you fill by weight. Also love you videos keep it up. Can’t wait until we can travel more

  • @tonyschy905
    @tonyschy905 2 года назад

    Loved seeing the footage of the Big Red Schoolhouse at the NRVTA as I sat outside looking at the Big Red Schoolhouse across the lake. Taking the fundamentals class this week.

  • @raylee4931
    @raylee4931 2 года назад +1

    This was very informative, I really appreciate your help with this video. I ran out of propane last fall and it was freezing in the camper the last night of our stay, needless to say, my wife was not very happy with me. This is a great solution!

  • @mnsignr
    @mnsignr Год назад

    Terrific info, thanks Chad, & Tara too, who was videotaping or napping, OR, both!!!

  • @TheAdventureKean
    @TheAdventureKean 2 года назад +1

    Thanks Chad. I have those sensors and have wondered how accurate they are. It was very informative.

  • @horizon42q
    @horizon42q 2 года назад

    I have one, it works great for me. The battery does last a while. I use it at home too.

  • @BruceS42
    @BruceS42 2 года назад

    We have Mopeka gauges, and when we first got them, they worked well. It didn't take long, though, for them to stop communicating. Replacing batteries helps sometimes, but even with fresh batteries in both sensors and the remote display, it often reads wrong or refuses to provide a reading. So we're back to loosening the hold-down, and getting a rough feel for the weight. The *idea* is great; apparently the execution is not good.

  • @pflucier
    @pflucier 2 года назад

    I love hanging out watching your "geek out" videos. 46 years as a software test engineer I totally appreciate the level of detail of your experiments! I wouldn't change a thing. 👍👍

  • @rvingwithdavidkarenandlucy9052
    @rvingwithdavidkarenandlucy9052 2 года назад

    Great video. You would be an awesome instructor. Thanks for sharing.

  • @jimdunn731
    @jimdunn731 2 года назад

    Great job Chad , very informative

  • @paulroesner
    @paulroesner Год назад

    Thank you Chad! This is a great overview!

  • @wwjoestarr
    @wwjoestarr 2 года назад

    This video was a gas! We have these, we also have a couple of the Pro H2O sensors on our gray/fresh water tanks. Those work ok as well.

  • @stevenfoster5737
    @stevenfoster5737 2 года назад

    Now you got me buying one more thing I'm gonna get in trouble for🤣.
    Actually these are awesome. I have 30lb tanks and also a JACK-IT bike rack on the tongue of my TT. I love the bike rack but because the tanks are tall I have to remove the top of the rack to pull the tank off the tongue.
    Thanks for the review!

  • @n1uno1965
    @n1uno1965 2 года назад

    Very much enjoyed this information!

  • @lcampm2
    @lcampm2 2 года назад

    Thank you

  • @shellgniech
    @shellgniech 2 года назад

    Thank you, shipmate! Good info

  • @enroutetoadventure
    @enroutetoadventure 2 года назад

    we have these and we love them!

  • @CFPVideoProductions
    @CFPVideoProductions 2 года назад +18

    I admire your evaluations on the various systems you have in your RV. I find them thorough and technically accurate. I appreciate the amount of time you take to research and produce these reports. On the LP tank level indicator, some people may wish to duplicate your method. I noticed that you did this analysis on a very windy day which is very good, however you may have made a statement that LP gas is heaver than air and without a wind, the gas can settle into lower areas and cause a dangerous situation. Please keep up the good work.

  • @robertnasser9937
    @robertnasser9937 2 года назад

    When you refill your tank remember to push the green button to reset the sensors. Also, propane heating pads are great in cold weather. I do like the plastic pads on the bottom of the tanks.

    • @cruisinguy6024
      @cruisinguy6024 2 года назад

      I’ve only had to do this once. Not sure why yours needs it every time you fill up.

    • @robertnasser9937
      @robertnasser9937 2 года назад

      @@cruisinguy6024 it may be because the last 3 tank fill ups have been in dirt or rocks (Alaska and Canada) and we removed the mopeka from the tank.

    • @cruisinguy6024
      @cruisinguy6024 2 года назад

      @@robertnasser9937 do you have the regular sensors or the new pro sensors?

    • @robertnasser9937
      @robertnasser9937 2 года назад

      @@cruisinguy6024 the older ones but they were bought new. Never saw the new round ones until today

    • @robertnasser9937
      @robertnasser9937 2 года назад

      @@cruisinguy6024 regular but purchased new.

  • @MrTkoedel
    @MrTkoedel Месяц назад

    Will this read 2 sensors at once? Would be nice to put sensors on both tanks. Thank you in advance.

  • @wizardpain2737
    @wizardpain2737 10 месяцев назад +1

    Greenhouse gas. Give me a break, you're one of those? 😂

  • @stevendunsford4568
    @stevendunsford4568 2 года назад

    Excellent

  • @AvengerRVAdventure
    @AvengerRVAdventure 2 года назад

    I liked the Mopeka system when I first set it up using the square sensors. Over time, I found the Florida heat was brutal on the batteries and I was constantly changing them. Then the sensors became unreliable and would not even sync with my phone right next to them. Do the new round sensors work better? If so, I might be willing to give it another try. Thanks for the great video as always! Steve

    • @ChangingLanes
      @ChangingLanes  2 года назад +1

      They do work well and seem to be more responsive than our originals.. But, we never had any real issues with the originals either.

  • @LukeRT
    @LukeRT 2 года назад

    Nice units just expensive other then that their cool. Be nice to maybe be able to do a manual calibration in the app to better fine tune if one wanted.

  • @mikestanbro6619
    @mikestanbro6619 2 года назад

    Thanks!

    • @mikestanbro6619
      @mikestanbro6619 2 года назад

      That’s to help reimburse you for the cost of the propane.

    • @ChangingLanes
      @ChangingLanes  2 года назад

      Thank YOU!!!! 😊

  • @user-qc6yq1jh4j
    @user-qc6yq1jh4j 6 месяцев назад

    How did the tank turn to ice?

  • @robertlacroix1371
    @robertlacroix1371 2 года назад

    What the deal with the spacers? Do I need them? I have a destination travel trailer.

  • @michaelwedin5474
    @michaelwedin5474 2 года назад

    Todd Henson will tell you, you have a DOT propane cylinder. Just finished Fundamental at NRVTA. 😀

    • @ChangingLanes
      @ChangingLanes  2 года назад

      Hope you loved it! 😀

    • @michaelwedin5474
      @michaelwedin5474 2 года назад

      @@ChangingLanes Going back in 2 months for furnaces and water heaters. Passed the Registered Tech test yesterday.

  • @hbrownjr1
    @hbrownjr1 2 года назад

    Excellent! I'm sold. What is the name of the product?

    • @ChangingLanes
      @ChangingLanes  2 года назад

      🅿🆁🅾🅳🆄🅲🆃🆂 🛒
      + Mopeka Tank Pro Sensor with Magnets for Steel LP Tanks: amzn.to/3amCzP9
      + Mopeka LP Check Tank Halo (bottom tank spacer): amzn.to/3aifLQI
      + AP Products LP Tank Check Monitor: amzn.to/393arjW

  • @stevedenoyer5956
    @stevedenoyer5956 2 года назад

    What did the in person Rv class cost if you don’t mind me asking? I’d like to take it, so am curious. I’m sure I could look it up too. Thanks

  • @larryschultz2376
    @larryschultz2376 2 года назад

    The platform that your tanks sit on are they solid

  • @EvenaGirlCanDoIt
    @EvenaGirlCanDoIt 2 года назад

    Have you ever tested the non Bluetooth ones? My Dad doesn’t like using his phone to check levels ( old school) so I was wondering if you know anything about the ones with the display?

    • @ChangingLanes
      @ChangingLanes  2 года назад +1

      Yes.. the display does work.. but it's only 20% increments (5 LEDS) and, of course, there are no notifications when it gets low.
      AP Products LP Tank Check Monitor: amzn.to/393arjW

  • @whitebanditwagon9309
    @whitebanditwagon9309 2 года назад

    Do you need the tank halos? I have the other type but don't have the halos just the aluminum pegs that brings the tank up slightly

    • @ChangingLanes
      @ChangingLanes  2 года назад

      Any spacer should do the trick. 👍🏼

  • @mmccarthy19631
    @mmccarthy19631 Год назад

    Just not refilling until completely empty will save me money

  • @duanebuck193
    @duanebuck193 2 года назад +11

    Chad, thank you for a very detailed and informative review - I've wanted something for my horizontal tank in my Class A since the only system I have now uses the float inside the tank for a measurement, and it lacks a little bit. Since these can be set for the size of the tank as well as the characteristics of it (hard mounted horizontal ASME in my case), they sound like the answer!

  • @JeffP00001
    @JeffP00001 7 месяцев назад +3

    Real dedication. You emptied a whole tank for your viewers. Thanks for the video, it was super helpful!!!

  • @arkadybron1994
    @arkadybron1994 Год назад +1

    What I'd like to know, is how does it perform if you are parked on an incline.

  • @user-jy1md7vk1w
    @user-jy1md7vk1w 2 года назад +8

    Chad, this is perfect detail! I like how you're analytical and thorough like my mind works also. Sold! I'm getting some of these in just a minute. These little magnets will make it much nicer to check on the propane, instead of going outside in the dark and battling black widow spiders to check our levels. Thank you so much!! :)

  • @lynneabahm8294
    @lynneabahm8294 Год назад +1

    does the app work with 2 bottles? or it only records with 1 bottle?

  • @doughinkle2947
    @doughinkle2947 2 года назад +7

    Like so many others have said this content is awesome and so valuable. Please keep it up, you're an inspiration to all of us.

  • @nighthawk8764
    @nighthawk8764 Год назад +1

    I'm curious to know what the TW (Tare Weight) is that should be stamped on the collar of the 30lb tank. I have a 20 lb tank (TW=16.6lb) and a 40lb tank (TW=31.1lb). While watching this video, I used my bathroom scale to weight both of my tanks (full) and calculated that they have 4.57gal and 9.31 gal respectively. Great video! Thank you.

    • @paulcamplin8149
      @paulcamplin8149 6 месяцев назад

      The tare weight is the empty weight of the tank stamped on the collar by law.. The 20, 30, 40lb tank names refer to roughly how much propane they should hold. Thus your 20lb tank would weigh about 36.6lbs and your 40lb would be 70.1lbs when full. This is why you see many places place the tanks on some sort of scale.

  • @gordschultz1980
    @gordschultz1980 2 года назад +3

    Great video Chad! If we ever meet in the future I'll buy you a fill up of propane. The 6+ hours I can pay you back for. :)

  • @mikestanbro6619
    @mikestanbro6619 2 года назад +6

    Another excellent educational video! Thank you both for your time and effort to creat this. I have learned so much from you and continue to be impressed by Chads ability to explain relatively complex topics in concise and easy to understand terms. I suspect Chad wanted to take a long hot shower after dealing with that stinky stuff for 6 hours!

  • @bosch3540
    @bosch3540 2 года назад +5

    I really enjoy it when Chad gets "technical" about things. I usually learn things when he does.

  • @paulcamplin8149
    @paulcamplin8149 6 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for another great video. I have been looking at installing these on the propane tanks and water tanks to integrate into my Cerbo GX.
    You may know by now, but the empty tare weight of any tank is stamped on the collar behind the TW. This would save draining the tank. Just weigh the tank, subtract the TW and use the math to figure out how much is in there. Have a great day!

  • @TomSpurlock
    @TomSpurlock 2 года назад

    Darn it . It appears that sensor won't work with Class A motorhomes with horizontally fixed mount bottles. Correct?

  • @barenekid9695
    @barenekid9695 3 месяца назад

    Crap! Best Foolproof way to measure Contents of a BBQ Bottle is by WEIGHT..... exactly how the Refillers do.
    Even Weber BBQ's have a basic fill read device as a Weight measure. It WORKS !

  • @seanbhaney
    @seanbhaney 5 месяцев назад

    Chad: you are the dude, Man. What a nice scientific comparison for us simple folk. 🙂 I had the original Mopeka sensors years ago, and I wasn't impressed (mainly with battery life). The new round version seem to be a lot better as I read about them. As I know Mopeka has their app, I have also "heard" that the Lippert tank sensors are actually Mopeka sensors, and since our 2023 320MKS has One-Control, I'm wondering if this is an added benefit to buying the Lippert sensors. Can you comment?

  • @johnrogers8229
    @johnrogers8229 2 года назад +3

    Chad, the RV owners are lucky to have you! You definitely have a gift! Tara your awesome as well! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and educating us.

  • @tigxs
    @tigxs 4 месяца назад

    Does the Pro sensor have a USB plug to connect via the power bank or throw other power supplies? How long does his battery live?
    I want to install the sensor on my car's propane tank 70 liters. It is cylindrical and located horizontally.
    Will this pro version sensor work?
    Thank you.

  • @djaj423
    @djaj423 4 месяца назад

    Checklist checklist checklist..lol.. i need and will make a sign like shipboard use to put around valve that reads "remove the sensor" before removing.. another ONE left at a stop and go for gas and propane on the outer banks last week..arghhhhhhhhhhhhhh, now back to hot water method till i get Another SENSOR..lol

  • @nickdaugherty7976
    @nickdaugherty7976 2 года назад

    Off topic...
    Time for a updated video of the f450, pros, cons, mpg no rv (empty), with rv etc, truck mods

  • @mowens1972
    @mowens1972 3 месяца назад

    I watched your video and you are using the gray mopeka pro sensor. I thought the black mopeka pro was for steel tanks and the gray was for aluminum?

  • @garyzimmerman8679
    @garyzimmerman8679 Год назад

    Sadly these don’t work on horizontal tanks. I use two 20lb horizontal tanks with auto switchover.

  • @darrenminnick9168
    @darrenminnick9168 Год назад

    I remember watching this video a year ago and being so lost. Since then, I’ve done a lot research and went through the NRVTA coarse. The only issue I’ve come across so far is with the display 50. I’m running about 20 - 25 feet from the Cerbo GX. It seems like you had to run yours pretty far also. My question is do you recommend a hdmi extension. I was reading some forums and people were saying the extension was causing some issues on the display screen. If you had to use an extension, did you have problems? Do you recommend a good HDMI extension? Thank you for making great videos.

  • @christinehicks2264
    @christinehicks2264 8 месяцев назад

    My two 30 gallon tanks are not in a bay but on the front of my RV under a plastic tank cover. The temp outside has been between -4 and 27. My question is: will these sensors work well not in a bay in freezing temps?

  • @stevemurray2737
    @stevemurray2737 2 года назад

    These are Crap.. Very unreliable. Bought 2… Nope!

  • @larryjanson4011
    @larryjanson4011 11 месяцев назад

    less reliance on that tracking gizmo. the better.
    the less tech needed to just get out and have fun. the better.
    i run a three tank system.
    drain down tank 1,
    switch over to tank 2,
    install tank 3
    and i know i need to get tank 1 refilled in the next 72-96 hrs. but that is if i am using a LOT of the stuff. most times i am not so the time to refill can increase three to five times.
    as i have two full tanks to burn through, before i would run out.
    and as i use a couple of the bar-be-q tanks for everything outside. so if ever needed i have plenty of spare on me when i go out for a couple weeks.
    as i also have a 120 volt heater, that i can use for heat. but that requires gasoline. (honda eu 3000). everything else ok on battery power.
    but in 23 years only camped in the snow once. but it does get cold at night in the high country even in the summer. extra blankets. but some falls, it can be warm even above 8K feet at 2-3:am.

  • @Yukonjackman1
    @Yukonjackman1 Год назад

    Is the black ring on the bottom a requirement just wondering, can't find on the website or Amazon ?

  • @LivinOurDream
    @LivinOurDream 2 года назад +3

    We have been using Mopeka sensors for several years on our travel trailer tanks, and now on our Class A and love them. We did notice changes in the reading on ultra cold days before and after the sun would warm up the tanks.

  • @kevinf3861
    @kevinf3861 Год назад

    What's the T.W. listed on the tank (tare weight=Empty Tank Weight)?

  • @rodneymutzabaugh6605
    @rodneymutzabaugh6605 2 года назад

    So how confident are you that the magnets will hold? Considering bouncing with potholes.

  • @sc_ttvgamer8684
    @sc_ttvgamer8684 Год назад

    Just saw a sensor that works with the Victron GX. I think it would cost about $400. Do you think you would consider it or you happy with this?

  • @chadshumaker2789
    @chadshumaker2789 2 года назад

    Something is up with your audio in a lot of your videos. You must have 2 audio sources going because it sounds like you have a very faint doubling on your voice

  • @jdsisler
    @jdsisler Год назад

    Have you looked at the Lippert LP Tank monitors ?

  • @rdance3
    @rdance3 Год назад

    If you vent it off fast enough, boiling will occur inside the tank. This boiling will cause the level inside the tank to increase, like a boiling pot of water boils over.

  • @frederickfrei8286
    @frederickfrei8286 Месяц назад

    If you have 2 tanks . Do you need 2 seperate sensors ? Or can you swap it from tank to tank ?

  • @charleslathan
    @charleslathan 2 года назад

    Chad, thanks Appreciate it very much.

  • @timjaeger6919
    @timjaeger6919 Год назад

    Propane gas sinks, keep this in mind when you release large quantities of it without burning it off. He had a decent breeze which made it less dangerous. But doing this could create a giant bomb at your feet if the gas finds an ignition source.

  • @chadgoyette33
    @chadgoyette33 Год назад

    What about sideways mounted tanks? Do those sensors work for those tanks?

  • @Formulabruce
    @Formulabruce 2 года назад +1

    Excellent Chad, thanks!!

  • @joeromans1836
    @joeromans1836 2 года назад

    Love watching your videos I’ve been watching you for about a year now thinking about getting the sensors since I have two tanks do I need to sensors will the app switch from one sensor to the other per tank love the video on your fuel saving fuel card through Open Roads have a plied for it have had it about a year works really great I love it let me know about the sensors I’m curious to see if I need to buy one or two thanks

  • @howardblasingame7961
    @howardblasingame7961 Год назад +1

    Excellent tutorial. This weekend I'm helping friends install Mopeka on 2 tanks & now I am armed & ready.

  • @aufan57
    @aufan57 2 года назад +2

    I have these same propane sensors. Glad to see your test results. It sure boosts my confidence in the accuracy of these sensors.
    Also, nice truck in the background!!

  • @djaj423
    @djaj423 Год назад

    should have checked it against the tank gauges too see how bad they are off?? safe travels CL crew

  • @ericg1391
    @ericg1391 2 года назад

    Did you compare the tar weight stamped on the cylinder? Ot did I miss that part

  • @notagain8661
    @notagain8661 2 года назад

    Has anyone ever had there sensor fall off the bottom of their tank on the hwy? Wondering if some tape on it would help hold?

  • @stevedenoyer5956
    @stevedenoyer5956 2 года назад +2

    Cool test, appreciate the info. Very interesting. Could you have estimated pretty close without having to drain it, based on maybe the first couple of reductions? Did the weight go down proportionately in weight based on the %?

  • @shellingson78
    @shellingson78 2 года назад

    I. Glad you do this cause si gle women .ay not k own about this thank
    you

  • @Sally-nd5pc
    @Sally-nd5pc 2 года назад

    Hi, how can I contact you about the product sponsorship?

  • @schlz69
    @schlz69 2 года назад +5

    as much as I like the concept, for many of us with 20 lb tanks, I know what will happen, I would be in a place where there was no fill and I would have to exchange the tank and would forget the sensor on the bottom.

  • @bosndangreene1857
    @bosndangreene1857 2 года назад +2

    Hey Shipmate, I’ve been thinking about getting these things. Thank you for the research. You have sealed the deal for me. Thanks for all the work you do for the rest of us. You have no idea how many times you have saved my six and my money! Fair winds to both of you!

  • @gilianrampart8514
    @gilianrampart8514 Год назад

    Pressure guages are useless for saturated volume detection!

  • @tossedsalad5532
    @tossedsalad5532 5 месяцев назад

    The weight of the empty tank is stamped on the tank

  • @FOREMAN3301
    @FOREMAN3301 Год назад +1

    Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Definitely going to purchase one now.

  • @caravanadventureadriaadora9526

    素晴らしい
    購入して日本で使ってます〜

  • @datchu8458
    @datchu8458 2 года назад

    Watch a Foreigner stories in phillipines

  • @robh063
    @robh063 9 месяцев назад

    I have the standard sensors (gravestone shaped) on my 30 pound propane tanks in my RV. They have been working great until today. I had a tank that was reading 2% yesterday which I thought to be pretty close to accurate as I've used propane for my stove, furnace, grill, refrigerator and hot water tank for the past couple of weeks and we’ve had some chilly nights. This morning, I expected the tank level to read 0% or Empty. Instead, it read 54% left. Then a little while later, it read 10% left. Then later still, it read 12%. Sometimes it says "Low Quality: Tank empty or sensor is incorrectly positioned" while other times there is no warning. I haven't moved the sensor or the tank and I put fresh batteries in the sensors the last time I had the tank filled. What do you think is causing the readings to be all over the place?

    • @scottwhitesell5476
      @scottwhitesell5476 4 месяца назад

      Same experience so far here. I've had them for a couple months, also on two 30 lb tanks. One is still reading full, the other has read as low as 4% last week and is currently at 36%. My guess is the huge temp ranges we've experienced. From near freezing to about 92 degrees today. I imagine it gets pretty hot under that black plastic cover, especially when the sun is shining on it. Time will tell I suppose.

  • @rockyjay55
    @rockyjay55 Год назад

    The batteries don't last long is there a setting for that?

  • @cruisinguy6024
    @cruisinguy6024 2 года назад +2

    I also use those Mopeka sensors on the gasoline tank for my generator on Momentum! You have to set up a custom tank in the settings and measure the height of your fuel cell but it’s very accurate.
    It’s the only way I’ve found to know how much gas I have left for the generator without having to get out of the RV and go check the gauge.

  • @MrSantaclaus112
    @MrSantaclaus112 Год назад

    Thanks from video

  • @TheMyersAdventure
    @TheMyersAdventure 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for doing all the hard work and verifying that it is accurate. We appreciate you👏🏼 It looks like you filmed this while at Elkhart Campground @Chad.

  • @vbdaniel4
    @vbdaniel4 Год назад +1

    Nice video. Nice sensor! The pro version has the big advantage, that it can "talk" directly to the Victron GX and you can integrate the readings! Though the gx needs the newest firmware...

  • @coreymerritt7742
    @coreymerritt7742 2 года назад +1

    Hi chad lippert just released those as well on the l I one control app

  • @robertpenland2429
    @robertpenland2429 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for your time great info . I’ve wondered how accurate these were. time to order me some :) thx again safe travels.

  • @NewsThatMatterUsa
    @NewsThatMatterUsa Год назад

    Way to much talking

  • @Birdiegirl-ck6hm
    @Birdiegirl-ck6hm 2 года назад +1

    Thanks Chad ! Great product evaluation and good general info about propane. 👌🏻