ANG0225 Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 We have a 2012 Coachmen Chapparal. It has two propane tanks. Does it automatically shift from one empty tank to full tank or is there a manual method? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaH Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 It would depend on how your RV's propane system is set up, but it should automatically change tanks when one is empty. However, you should also be able to manually switch tanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 I'd think on a 2012 RV you'd have an auto changeover valve. Here is a test to see if your auto changeover valve is working, the test is easy and worth doing as a failed valve can be a real pain or even dangerous if not noticed. http://www.rvdoctor.com/2001/04/testing-propane-automatic-changeover.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberdave Posted September 25, 2015 Report Share Posted September 25, 2015 If you look at the regulator there should be a lever used to manually select tanks. If both of the propane tank valves are open, it will switch automatically. You can determine which tank is empty by flipping the lever from one to the other if the little red flag is showing, that tank is empty. The caveat to this is that the only way you know it has switched is to check the regulator every few days. Twice I've forgotten and we've run out of propane so I manually change tanks... keeps a happy camper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 It probably has an automatic change-over regulator, but you have to look at it to see if it is or not. Both types are still available and in use. If you don't know what to look for, as some experienced RV person to help out as they should know. Here is a link to some pictures of the automatic change-over type regulators. Here is a link to images of manual propane regulators. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjwicklund Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 The caveat to this is that the only way you know it has switched is to check the regulator every few days. Twice I've forgotten and we've run out of propane so I manually change tanks... keeps a happy camper. You never had to get up at 3:00 AM to turn on the FULL tank because the furnace was blowing cold air, happened once now I leave it on auto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyberdave Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 You never had to get up at 3:00 AM to turn on the FULL tank because the furnace was blowing cold air, happened once now I leave it on auto. Uhh, well yes I have.... Only to find that both tanks were empty. That's far worse than having to get up when it's cold and opening the tank. As I said, if you don't keep a routine check, you'll forget one day and be out of propane... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
filthy-beast Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 Uhh, well yes I have.... Only to find that both tanks were empty. That's far worse than having to get up when it's cold and opening the tank. As I said, if you don't keep a routine check, you'll forget one day and be out of propane... I've had this happen and also go manual now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skp51443 Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 I've seen some tank monitors that light up a warning when one tank goes empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted September 30, 2015 Report Share Posted September 30, 2015 Or you can keep two spare tanks in a vented compartment.....I had the spares mounted in the new coach after running out of propane because I didn't check them. Now I just have to remember to get the empties filled after changing them out which is getting more difficult as the years go by. What were we talking about?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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