In this video, I continue my 2020/2021 winter RVing preparations with installations of an air conditioner cold-weather cover and Mopeka wireless LP gas level indicator for my two 30 lb LP Gas (propane) cylinders.
The AC cover will help protect the unit from the freezing weather and reduce cold drafts inside the RV. With the Mopeka wireless propane tank level meter, I should get a more convenient and accurate idea of when I need to head out for a refill.
The vinyl AC cover simply fits over the rooftop plastic cover and has a drawstring at the bottom to hold it in place. I also decided to layer the inside vent cover with Reflectix foil for added insulation against the cold.
The Mopeka transmitter attaches magnetically to the bottom of the propane cylinder and has two methods of attaining the level readings. One, a physical LED panel that I mounted next to my battery monitor or two a smartphone app. The smartphone app is much more accurate by displaying level readings as a percentage full.
Mopeka LP Gas Meters and AC Cover Install Video
UPDATE Feb 6th, 2021 Sensor Failure
In this video, I give you an update on my Mopeka wireless tank level monitors. Recently one of the tank sensors failed and started eating batteries. It happened right after I had used the tank with my propane fire pit, and the tank became quite frosty on the bottom. I take apart the two sensors comparing the good and bad sensor’s battery input ohm readings and theorize as to what happened. I believe the excess cold and moisture caused the main microprocessor chip to become defective.
*Update* March 16th, 2021- Added Conformal Coating
In this video, I apply MG 442C conformal coating to my Mopeka sensor circuit boards to improve their weather resistance. After coating, I reassemble and put them to the test by running my Outland Fire Pit on a cool, moist morning. The cold, damp weather causes a layer of frost to form on the propane cylinder’s bottom. I hypothesize that this is what caused the failure of my sensor IC chip. This time the sensor kept working fine, so I’m hoping the conformal coating has solved the problem.
Link to my other winter prep and cold weather RVing tips videos
