Which refillable gas system? Forums

oldenstar

FWIW I think that if you have gone to the trouble (and expense) of having refillable bottles, either fitted or as a DIY job, then you might as well have the external filler.

Had my new van done by MTH last month (2 x 13Kg) and they have fitted the newer external filler-with this the UK connector is already in place so it is just a matter of one turn to remove the cap, wang on the pump gun and fill er up.

It looks really neat too. Mine is on the rear of the van, in the back bumper, as my gas cupboard is at the rear offside corner.

I already had one 13kg steel tank from my previous van, but as MTH only had the aluminium cylinders in stock I now have one of each.

Both cylinders fill automatically when refuelling, but I have a manual changeover so that I know when one runs out-I simply close off the empty cylinder and open the other valve. I use the aluminium first as these do not have a gauge, which the steel cylinders do.

Oh for the chance to start really using it. Crying or Very sad

Paul

Rapide561

Hi

Irrespective of what type of system you purchase, my advice is to ask the installer to fill the system with lpg and test it for you. This way, any leaks will show up whilst you are with the installer, and not when you are alone at the refuelling point.

I speak from experience.

R

Buzzer

Hi everyone, many thanks to you all your much valued replies. After reading you posts and weighing it all up, I have decided to contact Richard at M.T.H. again, in regard to having a tank system fitted. If that is not a possible option for my particular MH, I shall probably go for the two 13 Kg aluminium bottles.

Thanks to all who have taken the time to reply, your input is much appreciated.

Happy trails Smile

Len

ActiveCampers

Resurecting this thread Smile

We currently carry 2x 6kg calor bottles, one connected in the (internal) gas locker; and one stored to swap over. The "spare" is the new calor lite with gas track.

We're doing lots of c. 6 week trips in Europe, and I am concerned how long the gas will last! As one bottle may almost be empty!

This thread mentions the dodgy eBay filler for calor bottles and also some refillable bottles.

So questions (contraversial!):-

The eBay type refiller for calor bottles:-
- If we had one of these, it would only be used on an empty bottle which would be removed from van for refilling. As such, the gas quantity would be known (12L) without risk of over filling (assuming you can stop it when you want).
- Who uses this? (Feel free to PM if you don't want to own up publically!)
- Is there a real risk associated with this? (I am aware some LPG people in Portugal will refill them for you anyway)
- Any factual rules/regs over this?
- Where would you practice a refil! Surprised

The other options seem to be refillable tanks available via MTH - and their website looks useful. Our issue is the gas locker can only take a single 6kg bottle which makes gaslow or a refillable bottle unusable as once its empty we're stuffed and its not worth filling a 6kg bottle when 1/2 full. OR IS IT?!

- The LPG underfloor tanks may be an option. Anyone here had them installed on a converted SWB transit? (where water tanks are slung under already!!
- Any view on these?

Thoughts welcome - only "thinking ahead" - if we can survive 6 weeks on a "bottle and a bit" then there is no need!!! (PS - had van 3 years, well over 100 nights away, and only on 2nd bottle!!! Mainly been on sites/hookup - but this will change on longer trips - so no benchmark yet)

Cheers

maddie

Hi ActiveCampers, I use one!!!!!!! Now where's my tin hat Laughing

If used as you describe (you have done your homework) Wink

there is not any problem.Go to a lpg filling station and watch somone filling there car (tell them you are thinking of buying an lpg car)or ask if they would let you/show you how,as this is a little unearving the first time.The only thing different from this is remember to close the valve before removing the filling nossel.You can put the adapter on your bottle at the campsite and also remove it there as and when you have time.It is easier if the bottle to be filled is fastened into the van asit is awkward to fit filling nossel (not adapter)and the bottle can move if this is not done
terry

mikeyv

With regard to the cost of Gaslow, it's not a question of affordability - as others have said, if you can afford the van, then another 450 quid isn't much of a stretch.

My problem is more to do with value for money - I just can't look at that fairly basic kit and see it as worth £450 - maybe at 200 quid I'd be tempted, but only from a convenience point of view - very few people will ever see an actual saving on gas.

oldenstar

ActiveCampers · Last edited by ActiveCampers on Tue Sep 02, 2008 5:12 pm; edited 1 time in total

Thanks for new replies

Heating is gas (or elec) - so have tended to use elec. On gas guess the single 85AH battery won't last long running fan Smile

Thats due to be looked at when it dies.

Whilst I won't say "cost no object" - if we need a refillable system we'd have it. The gaslow does not seem suitable though as I'm not going to stop and put in 7L of gas each time as it will only be a 6kg bottle. THe underslung thing would be £620.....

But if the calor refillable thing maddie recommends would do the job then great. I'm not planning on using it - but it may be a good option if we run out quickly. Of course, when we return with an empty we'd swap it with calor to ensure we don't use bottles that remain untested.

Maddie - Appreciate the comments - q's at you Smile

- Does this work on all calor bottles? e.g. 6kg? 6kg lite?
- How do you stop the gas flow - as from what I've seen (on TV) on LPG pumps it goes till its full? So how do you stop it?
- I assume it is used like:- so connect to bottle, connect LPG pump, open bottle valve, fill up, turn off bottle valve, remove LPG pump, , remove "device"
(edit: above changed;))
If you have any more info I'd be pleased to hear....

I would be unable to do this "in situ" - but I would have the wife with me.