LP Gauge January 06, 2023, 08:35:14 pm I'm installing a SeeLevel system and trying to figure where to tie into the onboard LP tank's gauge wire. I was going to splice into it near the factory gauge above the stove but after removing the four screws holding the hood on, it just hangs there. Two questions:* Is there another screw perhaps under the cabinet floor to which the gauge display is hung?* Is there a better place to splice into that LP gauge wire?Thanks.jorNote: I'm familiar with SeeLevel and understand that the LP data is inconsistent.
Re: LP Gauge Reply #1 – January 06, 2023, 09:56:56 pm " ... understand that the LP data is inconsistent."Not at all sure what you mean by 'inconsistent'!By that are you implying that the LP readings are changing under different conditions? Please clarify! I have had the SeeLevel System for many years and have always found the LP readings to be reliable. Can't take credit for the installation, it was done by Mike Sylvester.
Re: LP Gauge Reply #2 – January 06, 2023, 11:31:35 pm When I installed a Seelevel II gauge on my 2003 midbath, I tapped into the wiring inside the stove hood. Quoting from the above web page, "LD owners: remove the stove-hood display panel and tap into the white/green wire you'll find back there, using a crimp-on 'tap splice' so you don't have to cut any wires. You can pick up the needed 12V and ground connections in the same way." (If I were doing the job now, I'd use 3-conductor Wago lever nuts.)Over the nearly ten years I had it, I found the SeeLevel II gauge to be mostly accurate. But the web page above does have this footnote:Followup, ten-plus years later: The SeaLevel gauges are good, but not perfect. The fresh water and gray tank sensors have always given accurate readings, but the black tank sensor can be fooled by crud that sticks to the inner tank wall. When this happens, the symptom is a non-zero reading after dumping. It's mildly annoying, but not a problem. It would be a problem if the gauge told you that the black tank wasn't full when it actually was—but that never happens. In any case, thoroughly flushing the black tank usually cures this problem.Not SeeLevel's fault, in other words--you just have to keep your black tank clean. (An in-tank rinser can help a lot.) The important thing is that the gauge never lies about how full your black tank is, so there's no risk of it overflowing into your toilet. 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: LP Gauge Reply #3 – January 07, 2023, 07:30:31 am I have not seen any discrepancies with my propane SeaLevel gauge.I tapped into the tank sensor wire near the tank. I installed the gray tank sensor at the same time, so routing the two wires back to the gauge was no extra effort.
Re: LP Gauge Reply #4 – January 07, 2023, 10:03:43 am QuoteNot at all sure what you mean by 'inconsistent'!Should have said inaccurate. I've installed the system on two previous rigs and found the LP reading to be inaccurate. I relied on the tank mounted gauge instead. Those rigs had big LP tanks (78 gallons). I wonder if that had something to do with it. Or maybe something with the wiring of that particular coach brand. Others with similar rigs reported the same. I'm glad to hear yours and others on the forum are accurate and look forward to mine being as well. Thanks.jor 1 Likes
Re: LP Gauge Reply #5 – January 07, 2023, 10:05:54 am Quoteremove the stove-hood display panel and tap into the white/green wire you'll find back thereDoes that panel just pop out? I was afraid of cracking the plastic if I pried on it. Also, for those that have dropped the hood, is there another screw in there? Thanks.jor
Re: LP Gauge Reply #6 – January 07, 2023, 11:22:22 am "Does that panel just pop out? I was afraid of cracking the plastic if I pried on it."You were right to be cautious, but removal is easy once you know how. Slide the panel upward about a quarter inch, then tilt outward from the bottom and remove. There's no need to drop the entire hood to access the interior of the panel space.
Re: LP Gauge Reply #7 – January 07, 2023, 11:57:09 am This is just my 2 cents. When I installed my Seelevel system I didn't even bother with the propane tank. That is so easy to check by opening the exterior door, why bother with it? I was far more interested in accurate black and gray water tank levels. The factory display and sensors for those tanks was more of an educated guess. Propane is easy to check...Steve K 1 Likes
Re: LP Gauge Reply #8 – January 07, 2023, 12:39:08 pm We still have the OEM monitor system in our ‘15 RB, however I did install the Mopeka propane tank monitor on our propane tank. It uses sonar, I believe, to read the tank level. It’s a very accurate system and has served us well for years. Looks like Mopeka has changed the magnetic sensor a bit, but it still sends data to your smartphone which eliminates checking the tanks actual gauge. Amazon.com: Mopeka Pro Check Sensor - Wireless Propane Gauge for your RV,...I’ve checked the actual fuel level before and after taking on propane and find the Mopeka to be spot on. Clever device all in all.Kent 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: LP Gauge Reply #9 – January 07, 2023, 12:43:14 pm Quote from: Steve K. - January 07, 2023, 11:57:09 amThis is just my 2 cents. When I installed my Seelevel system I didn't even bother with the propane tank. That is so easy to check by opening the exterior door, why bother with it? I was far more interested in accurate black and gray water tank levels. The factory display and sensors for those tanks was more of an educated guess. Propane is easy to check...Steve KFor me, it's a little strange -- possibly indicating that it's time to replace the gauge on my LP tank -- but the LD monitor panel is accurate for LP. The gauge on the tank is 1/4 tank off. (A freshly topped-off LP tank reads 3/4 full on the tank gauge, but reads as full on the monitor panel.) Jason
Re: LP Gauge Reply #10 – January 07, 2023, 01:11:27 pm Hi Jason; Inside the tank is a float, and it has a variable resistor to ground also inside the tank. Since the tank is long, and aligned with the chassis, the float is near the center so as not to affect the reading as much. The read out in the monitor panel is only as accurate as the gauge output. Mine has 'stickiness', and banging on the tank can affect the indicated level by quite a lot. Kent's totally different sensor bypasses that, but is more work and expense. As long as I don't run out I'm fine. Remember, the tanks full limit is 80%, so the mechanical gauge may never reach actual 'full'. Ron 1 Likes
Re: LP Gauge Reply #11 – January 07, 2023, 05:59:56 pm QuoteSlide the panel upward about half an inch, then tilt forward from the top and remove. Man, I can't seem to get it out. It moves upward but I'd say only 3/16ths or so. I'm just pushing on the plastic trim from the bottom and then trying to get a little grip on the top to pull it toward me. I remain fearful of a that awful crack sound when plastic gives up the ghost.jor
Re: LP Gauge Reply #12 – January 07, 2023, 06:20:48 pm Perhaps using a hair dryer on low heat might make the plastic a little more flexible?
Re: LP Gauge Reply #13 – January 07, 2023, 07:16:07 pm Ron you said, “Kent's totally different sensor bypasses that, but is more work and expense.”Personally I have found that the device I mentioned is easily attached to the bottom of the propane tank via the device’s strong magnet. However, I do add a small piece of duct tape to insure the propane detector does not get lost in the brush.Sure, the batteries need to be replaced yearly but I’m ok with scooting under the rig and batteries are cheap. Just sayin’Kent
Re: LP Gauge Reply #14 – January 08, 2023, 06:40:41 am JOR are all of your indicators in the front panel of the vent hood? I had mine apart but it had only switches for the hood. I seems like it did slide up and then out on the bottom, I'm not sure mine was plastic. My gauge indicator lights are in a panel to the left of the hood.Jon
Re: LP Gauge Reply #15 – January 08, 2023, 09:19:57 am Quoteare all of your indicators in the front panel of the vent hood? Yes. Just one plastic panel.Hilola, I suppose a little heat may make it less susceptible to cracking. I suspect though, following Andy's tip, it's just not releasing when I'm pushing up. I want to connect this wire before I button everything up so I'll give it another try today. Thanks.jor
Re: LP Gauge Reply #16 – January 08, 2023, 11:47:25 am For Jon and others Lazy Daze used to have a separate wall monitor panel, not on the stove vent that could be pushed up on, and had picture hangers attaching it. In 2000 they moved the monitor into the stove hood. The bundle of wires probably comes in from the side. In my case, that is to the right of the vent hood. That year they changed the cabinet around to put the microwave oven away from the stove hood, and made an empty cabinet above the stove larger. RonB
Re: LP Gauge Reply #17 – January 08, 2023, 12:42:46 pm I second the mopeka working well.We have used this for years, got it about when Kent did. It works very well for us.We have the removable tank, it is round on the bottom but following Mopekas tips it works well.
Re: LP Gauge Reply #18 – January 08, 2023, 12:50:17 pm In our 2003 LD, the propane tank's level indicator uses the monitor's eyebrows white wire, with a brown strip, the middle wire in the 7-wire plug, on the monitor's circuit boardOther year monitor boards may use a different color code.Our 2003 LD's See Level indicated propane level fluctuates a bit, and the tank's gauge changes a bit during the day.The indicated changes may be caused by temperature variations or movement in the coach, it's close enough for our needs.For more accurate measurements, the Mopeka propane tank monitor looks interesting. For those who want to, it's now possible to be able to monitor the propane, battery charging, and solar controller from your phone using a Bluetooth connection.Larry
Re: LP Gauge Reply #19 – January 08, 2023, 02:21:10 pm I've used Mopeka sensors on three rigs now, and they've been great. All three rigs had removable DOT tanks, like what Jane & Scott have and what was in my 1985 twin/king LD, but the Mopeka system should work just as well on the horizontal ASME tank found in most Lazy Dazes.Installation is a snap; the sensor has magnets that stick to the bottom of the tank. Download the Mopeka Tank√ app, pair with the sensor, specify the tank size, and you're in business. If I were installing SeeLevel gauges on a Lazy Daze, I'd hook up to the propane wire, because why not? That puts all your tank information in one place. That's what I did on my midbath. But if you don't intend to add SeeLevel gauges, and you just want more accurate propane readings that can't be influenced by a stuck float or other mechanical/electrical issues, Mopeka is a great way to go. 1 Likes
Re: LP Gauge Reply #20 – January 08, 2023, 06:06:06 pm QuoteI want to connect this wire before I button everything up so I'll give it another try todayI got the control panel out. On this one, there are several integral clips on the bottom edge. You push the panel up slightly and then pull it away from the bottom. Anyhow, I have the SeeLevel done except for the LP. I routed a wire from the gauge into the panel area. I'll find that white-green wire tomorrow and button it up. jor 3 Likes
Re: LP Gauge Reply #21 – January 09, 2023, 02:32:50 pm "You push the panel up slightly and then pull it away from the bottom."I have to apologize for giving bad advice. (Blame my faulty memory.) I said "top" when I should have said "bottom." I've corrected my post above, in order not to mislead anyone in future. Glad you were able to figure it out for yourself! 1 Likes
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