Date:         Thu, 18 Jan 2007 13:23:34 -0600
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Subject:      Gauging propane level... was early 80s fridge question
In-Reply-To:  <BAY101-F3767C4D7907E15BDE1D27DA0AA0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; delsp=yes; format=flowed

When I've asked about the possibility of adding some kind of level
indicator at RV stores and on this list, I've run into a number of
problems I won't bother to recount here. Suffice it to say that if it
were possible, some of the guys I've talked to would have done it.
They haven't.

Anyway, the best solution is probably the extend-a-stay product
(google it) that allows you to keep an regular store-bought propane
container handy and hook it into your westy's tank to keep you going
for a while. It's about $50 to $60.

Others have used it and like it. I haven't gone that far. My simple
method is to keep a sticky note labeled PROPANE DAYS on my dash or in
the ashtray, and make a mark for each day camping that I used the
fridge and stove. I make two marks if I'm using the Wave three heater
much. When the marks equal 14, I refill. I am always way under where
I think I am, but better to be safe than hungry.

Jim

On Jan 18, 2007, at 1:05 PM, Dave Vickery wrote:

> That makes sense, it reads the voltage off the flame and was what
> they used
> before the LED.  Besides it's location inside the door, it seems
> better than
> the LED on the panel.  Too bad it isn't a tank level gauge--I hate
> running
> out in the morning when my coffee water is heating up.  Or the time
> I camped
> a few miles down the national seashore 45 minutes from the nearest
> propane,
> and ran out before making dinner.  Yah, sure good planning on my part.
> Still.
>
> Thanks
> Dave in Denver
> Syncro 2.5
>
>
>> From: Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
>> Reply-To: Mark Drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: EARLY 80s FRIDGE QUESTION
>> Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:45:50 -0800
>>
>> The very early Westy Dometics have a gauge like device inside the
>> door
>> that indicates the burner flame on condition. Much better than the
>> dim
>> led on the panel that the rest came with, other than having to
>> open the
>> door to see if still lit.
>>
>> The same type of gauge has been used on lots of RV fridges. It
>> runs off
>> the thermocouple like the later LED. It is possible to fit the
>> later LED
>> panel, run one wire, and have both the inside meter and the
>> outside led.
>>
>> The model number of these older fridges is RM182A, replaced by the
>> newer
>> RM182B in about 1982. These both look very alike but there are
>> differences in wiring details and many different internal parts that
>> don't interchange. Many more of the A version parts are NLA.
>>
>> The Westy kitchen main wiring harness is different for the 2
>> models too
>> so mixing kitchen parts can be confusing.
>>
>> Mark
>>
>> Dennis Haynes wrote:
>>
>>> What gauge? Is it a Westy?
>>>
>>> Dennis
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
>>> Behalf Of
>>> Dave Vickery
>>> Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2007 10:46 PM
>>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>>> Subject: EARLY 80s FRIDGE QUESTION
>>>
>>> Someone probably knows this answer off the top of their head.
>>>
>>> How does the LP gauge on the early 80s fridges work.  It
>>> obviously shows
>>> if
>>> the fridge is getting gas but is that it.  Can it actually tell
>>> relative
>>> amounts of propane left in the tank?  It sure looks like it, but
>>> if it can
>>> do that, how does it do it, and why would they not include that nice
>>> feature
>>> on later campers.
>>>
>>> Anyone know?
>>> Thanks
>>>
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