A caravan is a great way to travel and see the country, but it’s important to make sure that you have all of the necessary supplies before hitting the open road. One of the most important things you’ll need for your caravan is a gas bottle, and it’s important to keep an eye on the level of gas in the bottle.
When you’re caravanning, it’s useful to have a gas bottle level indicator. This tool tells you how much gas is left in the tank, so you can plan and know when you’ll need to refill.
In this blog post, we cover some of the best and most reliable caravan gas bottle level indicators on the market today!
1. Truma Gas Fill Level Check
Many other gas indicator brands are emerging, but the Truma Level Check gas indicator stands out as one of the clear leaders, having won numerous industry awards for its performance.
The indication is designed to work with both all-steel and aluminium LPG cylinders, which should cover the majority of caravan owners.
For the reading to be accurate, the cylinders must have a diameter of between 200 and 250mm.
It contains an LED indicator that turns green if there is gas remaining in the cylinder and red if there is none.
Once you’ve completed measuring, the LED screen will switch off automatically.
This is a simple product that does the job well while also being durable and long-lasting. It also has a flashlight built in.
Our advice is to grab one while you can as they regularly go out of stock!
2. DOMETIC Gas Checker GC 100 Pocket-Sized Gas Level Indicator for Gas Bottles
New to the market is the Dometic Gas Checker. This pocket-size gas level indicator weighs only 30 grams and can be carried effortlessly anywhere. So you always know how much LPG is left.
The green and red LED indicators to provide information about the level of the gas bottle in no time at all.
The device is powered by two 1.55 V batteries and uses ultrasound to check the level of the gas. So you never have to worry about running out of gas when you are on the road.
This indicator can be used on both propane (LP gas) and natural gas bottles, so there’s no need to worry about compatibility issues with other products.
These are just a few of the best caravan gas bottle level indicators on the market today. Make sure to do your research before purchasing one of these products, and be sure to choose the indicator that is right for you and your needs.
3. Sound Vision Magnetic Gas Level Indicator
This handy little gas level indicator is a great option for caravanners.
It attaches to the side of your gas bottle using magnets, and it has a clear display that will show you the level of gas in the bottle. This indicator is easy to use and read, and it’s also very affordable.
But keep in mind that you have to wait 10 minutes for the reading to happen. It doesn’t happen right away, which may confuse those who haven’t read the instructions beforehand.
For the price, you really can’t go wrong!
4. Drehmeister – Bluetooth Gas Cylinder Indicator
Although expensive, this gas check meter is a practical accessory for your propane gas bottles.
The gas level indicator has a magnetic sensor/indicator that attaches to a propane gas bottle and is suitable for standard gas bottles (11 kg, 33 kg, 20 litres) –
The gas plug is connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth (Levelcheck app for Android and IOS).
The gas tester can monitor up to four bottles. The gas tester can also be optionally equipped with a monitor for the interior of the car, camper, caravan or caravan.
Important: The sensor is only suitable for steel bottles. The indicator is magnetically attached to the gas bottle. For aluminium, a separate bracket/clamping plate is required.
5. Jumbo Gas Level Indicator
If you’re looking for a gas level indicator that is larger and easier to see, then the Jumbo Gas Level Indicator is a great option.
The ACME/QCC1/Type1 connection fits all Propane tanks and is great for use with a camp stove, gas grill, heater, tabletop grill, fire pit table and more propane appliances.
Its safety built-in leak detector will restrict flow in case of hose or grill malfunction.
Monitors fuel level without removing the tank, Has three levels; Gas, Low Gas, Refill
Easy to install with handheel grip for tightening, no tools required
This indicator is made of durable plastic, and it has a large display that will show you the level of gas in your bottle quickly and easily.
It’s also very affordable, and it’s a great option for those who want an easy-to-use indicator.
Just be aware that this indicator is not waterproof, so you’ll need to keep it dry if you’re using it in a caravan…
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Do I Really Need A Gas Indicator Level Checker?
No! But it’s a very handy item to have and will avoid a lot of stress when you’re touring.
What Is a Gas Bottle Level Indicator?
A gas bottle level indicator is a device that is used to measure the level of gas in a propane or natural gas bottle – it’s an essential piece of equipment for any caravan owner.
This device can be either digital or analogue, and it usually consists of a gauge that will show you the level of gas in your tank.
There are many different types of caravan gas bottle level indicators on the market today as we’ve shown above.
What Is the Best Way to Check Gas Bottle Levels?
If you have a digital indicator on your caravan’s dashboard, then this will be the easiest way to check gas bottle levels. However, if it doesn’t work or you don’t have one installed in your dash yet – there are other options available.
You can buy an analogue gauge (like the ones we’ve mentioned above) that attaches to your gas bottle and will show you the level of gas in your tank. You could also purchase a digital indicator, but these tend to be more expensive than the analogue ones.
Mike from the Trudgians explains how to use a Truma Gas bottle level indicator here:
How Can I Tell How Much Gas Is Left In The Bottle?
This is one of the most important things to know when you have a caravan. You want to make sure that you never run out of gas while on the road! There are two ways in which this can be done:
The first way is by using an indicator on your caravan’s dashboard. These indicators are usually small, red lights that will either be on or off, and they will tell you how much gas is left in the bottle.
The second way is by using a gas bottle level indicator. This device attaches to your gas bottle and will show you the level of gas in your tank. This is a great option for those who want more accuracy than what an indicator on the dashboard can provide.
Hot Water Method
Another way to get a rough idea of your gas bottles’ fill level is by using hot water:
- Fill a small bucket or cup with tap water making sure it’s hot
- Pour the collected water down the side of the gas tank
- Move your hand down the side of the gas tank until you feel a cool spot, this is where the gas ends
The highest point of the cool spot is where your tank is filled to. This happens because liquid propane absorbs heat from your water, causing the tank wall to be cool when you touch it.
However, above this fill line will remain warm from the water.
This method is not 100% accurate, but it can still help you decide when to refill the bottle. You should not wait for the bottle to run out completely before refilling it.
Whilst the video below refers to testing gas for a BBQ, the principle is the same:
Cook Time Method
You can use maths to figure out how long your gas tank will last. For example, if you have 1 litre of gas, it will produce around 20,000 BTUs.
You can use this number to figure out how long it will take for you to use 1 litre of gas with your appliance on its highest setting.
To figure out how many litres your gas bottle holds, multiply the number of hours by the number of litres you want to estimate.
There will be additional elements to consider, such as whether you’re just utilizing two out of four burners; this may suggest that the rough cook time would be twice as long.
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How Often Should I Check the Level of Gas in My Bottle?
This is something that depends on your personal preference. Some people like to check the level of gas in their bottle every time they fill up, while others only do it when they start to run low on gas. It’s important to find a method that works best for you.
When Should You Refill Your Caravan Gas Bottle?
If you don’t have a spare bottle on hand, it’s not good to get caught in the middle of cooking when you need one. You should always try to have access to a spare bottle at all times.
To avoid this problem, you should refill your tank when there is still some propane inside. This way, you will not run out of propane and be forced to find a place to refill your tank.
Some caravanners like to be on the safe side and fill up their tank when it reaches 25-30 per cent fill level You should refill your tank when it goes below 10 per cent to ensure you don’t run out.
Why Is My Gas Bottle Never Completely Full?
The gas in your bottle is not allowed to go past 80% of its capacity because it has a safety valve. Inside the gas tank, especially if it’s propane, there needs to be room for the fuel to evaporate to convert into gas.
This gas forms and stays at the top end of the tank which means that you can’t fill it to its complete maximum level.
This prevents over-filling and also acts as a release point if there’s too much pressure inside the tank. The propane will start leaking out when you reach that level, so don’t be alarmed!
How to Clean and Store a Gas Bottle
Once you’ve emptied your gas bottle, this is a good time to clean it! This is very important to prevent any bacteria or dirt from building up inside. Here are the steps to follow:
- Wash the outside of the bottle with warm, soapy water
- Rinse off all the soap residue
- Dry the bottle off with a towel
- Check for any cracks or damage and fix them if necessary
- Store the bottle in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in high temperatures
Cleaning your gas bottle is an important step to keep your caravan running smoothly! Make sure you do it regularly.
Happy travelling!