Re: [A/S] Tanks and valves

[Charlie/Betty Burke <burke@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks Jim,
I have been reading this thread and beginning to wonder if anybody knew
about their automatic changeover regulators. From the earliest days
Airstream has used some brand of regulator, but always an automatic
changeover for dual tanks. The current brand is a Fisher. Virtually all the
dual tank regulators available these days are automatic changeover. My
experience with gauges is they are much more of a pain then they are worth.
For 5 years I owned an SOB with no gauges, but an automatic changeover
regulator. Used properly you can't run out of propane, you don't have to
heft them to guess, you don't have to use strip gauges or pour hot water on
them. That is unless you can run through an whole tank of propane before
you can get the other refilled.
Basic operation: The starting point is with 2 full tanks hooked up with the
valves open. The knob/lever/pointer on the regulator is labeled "Service"
or the like for the tank it will draw from. Usually this will be on the
side of the regulator closest to the tank in use. There is an indicator
showing green/gray as long as the tank has propane in it. Take a moment
occasionally to check the indicator. If it has turned red, figure on
getting the tank it is pointed to refilled soon. When you wish to take the
tank off change the knob/lever/pointer to the opposite setting, close the
empty tank valve and go get it refilled. Replace the tank on the rack,
connect the high pressure hose from the regulator and open the valve.
We did a 3 month tour for the Air Force in Conrad, MT in the winter time,
saw -40 degrees with no problems.

getting off my soapbox.
Charlie