Got Gas?
Keeping accurate tabs on LP-gas levels in cylinders found on almost all towables is fast and easy with Truma’s well-engineered Level Check.
By Bob Livingston / Photos by author
P
ropane is a vital source of energy for just about all travel trailers and fifth wheels — and most motorhomes — and when you run out unexpectedly, you’ll have to do without until you can get to a re-filling station.
If you have a motorhome, you can check propane level on a remote monitor or, at the very least, via a gauge built into the tank. Unfortunately, most towables have no such gauge, leaving owners to monitor levels using unconventional methods like pouring hot water over the cylinder and running a hand down the side looking for a cold spot. Granted, some cylinders do have gauges — but most are not very accurate.
Truma’s Level Check allows the user to establish the level of propane in any vertical cylinder. This device is engineered and built in Germany and locates the LP-gas level via ultrasound. This particular device has been kicked around inside a drawer for many years and even though it shows signs of surface wear, it still works perfectly.
Trailers fitted with dual cylinders have an automatic switchover regulator, and if you’re paying attention you’ll know when one cylinder runs out, leaving the other in service long enough to get the empty cylinder filled. Rather than waiting until one cylinder is empty to determine propane supply, however, you can use a Truma Level Check device to monitor levels as often as you wish, circumventing surprises.
To find the LP-gas level in the cylinder, the Truma device is pushed against the sidewall. If a red light is illuminated, there’s no propane at that level; when the green light glows, the device has discovered how much LP-gas remains in the cylinder. This cylinder is just about empty.
Unlike common — and less accurate — scales that require removal of the tank in order to weigh it and then engage in a bit of mathematics to “guesstimate” at remaining fuel, the Truma “gauge” uses ultrasound to accurately detect LP-gas levels in a cylinder. Locating LP-gas levels is accomplished by simply resting the end of the Level Check against the outside cylinder wall (Level Check is not designed for use on composite and horizonal cylinders) and watching for a green light, signifying there’s propane at that point. If the light turns red, there’s no LP-gas at that point, so you’ll continue to check multiple locations — up and down — until the light turns green, and that’s the level. It doesn’t get any easier.
The Level Check is very well built and feels substantial in your hand. The back plate that provides access to the 9-volt battery has a screw to make sure it doesn’t come lose inadvertently. This battery has been service for many years.
There’s even a LED light built in to help with close work in dark quarters like checking the regulator switchover sight gauge (that changes from green to red when the cylinder in service at the time is empty). Level Check operates on a 9-volt battery, which lasts for many years. My Level Check has been tossed around in a drawer for many years, and although it shows scratches and wear marks, it still works perfectly. Truma sells the Level Check on its website (truma.net) for $72.79 or you can find it on Amazon for the same price.