How To Check Your Gas Bottle Level
Running out of gas during a trip can turn a great day into a frustrating one. At Carac, we know how important it is to stay prepared when you’re on the road. Here’s how to check your gas bottle level quickly and easily so you can enjoy your trip without worrying.
DIY checks when you’re on the go
Pouring hot water
Pour hot water (not boiling) evenly down the side of your gas bottle, then run your hand down the metal surface. Where the bottle starts to feel cooler, that’s roughly where the gas level is sitting. While it’s not the most precise method, it’s a quick and handy way to get a rough idea when you’re on the go.
Weighing it
Check the tare weight printed on your bottle, often marked as “Tare” or “TW”. If you have access to a scale, weigh the entire bottle and subtract the tare weight to estimate how much gas is left. For reference, a full 9kg gas bottle usually weighs around 18 to 19 kilograms in total, depending on the tare weight of the bottle. If your bottle is closer to 10kg, it’s nearly empty.
Smart tools to check your gas level
Magnetic Gas Level Indicator
Simple, budget friendly and battery-free. This simple strip is magnetic and sticks to the outside of your gas bottle. As gas flows, the liquid inside cools the metal where the gas level sits. The strip reacts to this temperature change and shows the level with a colour change. Place the strip on a clean spot on the lower half of the bottle, turn on the gas and wait about 10 minutes for the colour to show.
Truma LevelCheck
The Truma LevelCheck uses ultrasonic tech to detect the gas level inside steel or aluminium cylinders with a diameter between 200 mm and 350 mm. It delivers results in just a few seconds, with no setup or calibration needed. Simply press the device horizontally against the bottle and check the light. A green light means there is gas at the point where you place it on the bottle. If it shows red, the bottle is empty at that spot.
BMPRO SmartSense
This small device is a customer favourite thanks to its real-time tracking and smartphone connectivity. Simply download the app, pair it with the device and stick it to the bottom of your gas bottle. The app shows you exactly how much gas you’ve got left. No more guesswork. The SmartSense app also allows you to set custom alerts, so you’ll get notified when gas levels drop below your specified threshold.
LCI Lippert BottleCheck
Another great tool is the LPI Lippert BottleCheck. BottleCheck sensors are magnetically attached to the bottom of propane tanks and they periodically measure propane levels and wirelessly send the fill level to the free Tank Sensor app. Using ultrasound technology, it provides an accurate reading of how much gas remains, helping you avoid unexpected run-outs during camping trips or outdoor cooking.
Using two gas bottles?
Both the BMPRO SmartSense and LCI Bottlecheck have a two-pack available, so you can monitor both bottles at the same time using the same app.
How To Detect Gas Leaks?
Knowing your gas level is important, but detecting a leak could be lifesaving. The Companion Gas Leak Detection Spray is a quick, reliable way to check for leaks in gas BBQs, stoves, hose connections, and any gas-powered appliance. Supplied in a compact 125ml atomizer spray bottle, it's easy to use: just spray it directly onto any gas fitting or connection. Bubbles will appear where gas is escaping: instantly for fast leaks, or after a few seconds for slower ones. Plus, its fluorescent formula makes leak detection easier even in low-light conditions.
Ready to take the guesswork out of gas checks?
At Carac we stock a full range of gas bottle level checking devices to suit every type of traveller. Visit our store in Dandenong South for advice and support. Our knowledgeable staff are looking forward to assisting you!
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