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Old 09-28-2016, 05:46 PM   #1
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Bad LP tank Float?

My 2016 Sunseeker LP tank gauge took a dump. I filled with propane before I left on an extended vacation, discovered the problem (guage outside and inside LED always indicates "Empty". Apparently my RV dealer did not get my voice message reporting the problem and I did not follow-up on the voice mail to verify receipt of the message. In the meantime my warranty expired, now the only recourse is to replace the LP tank according to the dealer ... 493.22 PLUS FREIGHT AND LABOR OF 437.50 = $930!! ... Apparently the "float" inside the tank is defective, no parts are available. Or at least they say they cannot get parts from their source. But, they can get a new tank. Contacted, but have not yet heard back from Forest River... I think I know what they're going to say. Has anyone experienced a defective float in their LP tank? So ... what is my best course of action? Trade it in for a Winnebago?
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Old 09-28-2016, 06:00 PM   #2
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There are other ways to determine the level in the tank. There is a peel+stick gauge that mounts to the outside of the tank. Do a Google for more info.

The old hot water trick is fairly reliable.

https://youtu.be/G6U_e7FrC2Y
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Old 09-28-2016, 06:10 PM   #3
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If you go to your local propane dealer ( not a fill station ) they can get a new float from one of their suppliers . The hard part will be to evacuate the propane tank . There are only a few companies that make tanks .
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Old 09-28-2016, 06:19 PM   #4
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There are other ways to determine the level in the tank. There is a peel+stick gauge that mounts to the outside of the tank. Do a Google for more info.

The old hot water trick is fairly reliable.

https://youtu.be/G6U_e7FrC2Y

The hot water trick kinda tough on the "built in" tank on the motorhome ... But thank you for your input! I just hate to cobble stuff up on a "new" vehicle or for that matter on any vehicle ...
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Old 09-29-2016, 08:41 AM   #5
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Are you sure that it's the float that's bad, and not just the magnetic indicator/sending unit stuck?

You can remove the indicator from the float assembly with the tank full.

Post a picture of the indicator and we can tell you how to remove it.
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Old 09-29-2016, 08:51 AM   #6
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Are you sure that it's the float that's bad, and not just the magnetic indicator/sending unit stuck?

You can remove the indicator from the float assembly with the tank full.

Post a picture of the indicator and we can tell you how to remove it.
X2 Float gauges are replaceable. I sell hundreds of them (I don't sell retail)

Please post a picture and there should br a number stamped on the gauge head.
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Old 09-29-2016, 09:32 AM   #7
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Are you sure that it's the float that's bad, and not just the magnetic indicator/sending unit stuck?

You can remove the indicator from the float assembly with the tank full.

Post a picture of the indicator and we can tell you how to remove it.

I did remove the dial type indicator (clip on type). Used a magnet to test movement, works OK, as did the RV dealer. My troubleshooting and the RV dealer' does point to a stuck/inoperable float ... Thank you for trying to help.
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Old 09-29-2016, 11:17 AM   #8
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I bet if you post a pic of the float flange and the data plate someone will be able to find a replacement float assembly. They're not hard to replace, you just have to make sure the tank is empty.

A real propane company will probably replace it for you.

The good news is that you don't have to be in a rush. You can just wait till you run the tank out of gas and then have it replaced.
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Old 09-29-2016, 01:19 PM   #9
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Get a Truma Levelcheck. I've had mine for a couple of years. It's very reliable and accurate. Of course, you do have to go outside and check it directly on the tank...
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Old 09-29-2016, 05:27 PM   #10
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Get a Truma Levelcheck. I've had mine for a couple of years. It's very reliable and accurate. Of course, you do have to go outside and check it directly on the tank...
X2 love ours.
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Old 09-30-2016, 10:25 AM   #11
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I have similar issue with older Coachman built in tank. Snap on gauge always showed full. Replaced it and now always shows empty. I don't think my tank has a float. As I understand it, the snap on gauge makes contact with a wire in the tank and measures resistance to determine the level, or something like that.
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Old 09-30-2016, 01:11 PM   #12
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Its a float gauge. Resistance gauges are not used in small (1 gallon - 90,000 gallon) tanks
Low cost rules
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Old 10-04-2016, 05:15 PM   #13
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X2 Float gauges are replaceable. I sell hundreds of them (I don't sell retail)

Please post a picture and there should br a number stamped on the gauge head.
Here is the "float" numbers. Can you make out the etchings?
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Old 10-04-2016, 05:42 PM   #14
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I had a hard time reading the stampings clearly, but didn't find anything definitive on replacement floats.

The data label off the tank would probably allow us to find a replacement float.

That looks like 1¼" tapered threaded mount.
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Old 10-04-2016, 06:03 PM   #15
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A regular propane dealer can get a float if you give them the manufacture name ( Worthing or Manchester ) and the diameter of the tantrum which will be on the data tank . I would let them change out the gauge because the tank must be evacuated be it can be worked on .
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Old 10-04-2016, 06:53 PM   #16
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A regular propane dealer can get a float if you give them the manufacture name ( Worthing or Manchester ) and the diameter of the tantrum which will be on the data tank . I would let them change out the gauge because the tank must be evacuated be it can be worked on .
Data Plate ....
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Old 10-04-2016, 07:41 PM   #17
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The measurement you need is12.13 OD . With that they should be able to get the right part .
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Old 10-04-2016, 08:07 PM   #18
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As Baba said, with the 12" dimension and the thread size you can find a replacement float assembly.

I found a few screw in models that fit a 12" tank.
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Old 10-04-2016, 08:14 PM   #19
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As Baba said, with the 12" dimension and the thread size you can find a replacement float assembly.

I found a few screw in models that fit a 12" tank.
Thank you!
Mfr. and Part No.?
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Old 10-04-2016, 08:27 PM   #20
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Manchester G12854-30 is one.

Rochester B7200 is another.
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