Advantages of fully installed vs removable motorhome gas setup

[Swamp]

Hi,
I’m thinking about refillable gas for the new MH and have read lots of posts on here on the subject.
I certainly have a much better understanding of options but have one remaining question:
As far as I understand, refillable gas options fall into two categories- Fully installed with a gas fill point somewhere on the van, or removable where you have to lift out the empty cylinder for refilling.
Other than the obvious extra cost of the fully installed setup, what are the pros and cons of either option? I have heard that some filling stations don’t like people filling removable gas cylinders? We plan to use the van both in the Uk and Europe so any advantages in either area?
Many thanks

 

[Brize]

Have had gaslow in the past, and have an underslung tank now.

Both work well at home and abroad (with filling adaptors), but on balance prefer the underslung tank. It frees up space for storage, and as gas bottles tend to be at the corners/side of the van whereas the underslung tank is pretty central underneath, the weight distribution is probably better.

In the end, it will probably come down to a cost choice.

Regards,

 

[EuroTrotters]

Swift Kon-Tiki has gas outlet on van to connect BBQ, presume others have the same.

We have 2x11kg Gaslow, we had plenty of headroom on payload and nothing else to go in the space why not.
So much simpler to pull up to LPG pump and refill in petrol station, often 24/7.
You can't refill removable at LPG pump

I meant I take the safefill out of the caravan locker and use at our house.

Both the caravan and motorhome have BBQ points

 

[hja]

We have two gaslow cylinders, 11kg and 6 (?) kg. External fill point. Have been at fuel stations in this country with sign saying no filling of removable cylinders, can’t remember how they phrased it. We had no problem filling first with diesel and then with lpg. I get the point of only needing one cylinder but if one cylinder goes wrong for some reason …….

 

[mapman55]

Hi,
Just checking with places for filling a safefill bottle around Newcastle area and being told they won’t allow it as I’ve removed it from the van. Would have liked safefill for the weight saving but don’t want the hassle about filling. I’ll look at Gaslow system with external filling point now. Would prefer filling point fitted just under the bumper if possible if height ok

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[funflair]

Hi,
Just checking with places for filling a safefill bottle around Newcastle area and being told they won’t allow it as I’ve removed it from the van. Would have liked safefill for the weight saving but don’t want the hassle about filling. I’ll look at Gaslow system with external filling point now. Would prefer filling point fitted just under the bumper if possible if height ok

I believe that Morrisons agreed to fill the safe-fill bottles, whether that changes or has changed I am not sure but worth an ask.

 

[TrudeandDall]

Hi,
Just checking with places for filling a safefill bottle around Newcastle area and being told they won’t allow it as I’ve removed it from the van. Would have liked safefill for the weight saving but don’t want the hassle about filling. I’ll look at Gaslow system with external filling point now. Would prefer filling point fitted just under the bumper if possible if height ok

We have our bottle locker in rear corner of our PVC. It was a very easy installation of an external fill point at the rear below the bumper. I have a van-swing so dropped it a little lower to clear the swing and cycle rack and have had no problems grounding on anything to date. An advantage of a rear location is that I can reach from either side and some pumps that I have used had restricted access that required reversing up to. Again no problems....

 

[Jonno1103]

Depends what your motorhome use is. If you're planning to spend a larger portion of your touring in mainland Europe I'd suggest that underslung or refillable bottles is the way to go. The LPG Shop is currently doing a refillable Gas Bank 10kg bottle, regulator & filler for £199.

If you're mainly planning on staying in the U.K. then I wouldn't bother, pump LPG is disappearing rapidly and as Clayton Dubilier & Rice are asset stripping Morrisons, their filling stations going to their partner MFG, there's currently a negotiation in progress on whether they'll still supply Safefill as MFG are not enthusiastic about supplies for refillable bottles. Current outlook is that they won't but will either opt for supplying Flogas standard & Light bottles or nothing at all.

 

[Lenny HB]

In the UK it is only propane, some European countries have a mixture depending on the season. I believe Portugal is propane only too.

Yep, that is correct, Spain can be up to 65% Butane. Most countries the percentage of Butane varies with time of year.

 

[AJM2]

I had the Gaslow fitted. Was going to go with 2 bottles but in the end went for just the 1 x11kg. Always amazed how long it lasts and have never considered having another bottle fitted. Would def have the same system fitted again on another motorhome.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[bladerunner]

I have 2 Gaslow refillable.
About to go skiing and I've known -29'c and EHU at €1 per kWh, so can get through a fair bit of gas in 5 weeks.

 

[the1andonly]

I have a 11kg Gaslow and 13kg Calor propane. Initialy 6 years ago i only got 1 gaslow as a suck it and see because of the cost, eventualy i found myself with 2 15kg butanes and a few 6,7 kg bottles so would they fit yes. so in todays climate im more interested in continuity of supply rather than a few quid. It will be a growing trend that LPG suppliers will have minimum fill /cost requirements eg £10, gone will be days when you topped up at every filling station you passed. Starting from scratch my ideal would be underslug 25kg and in the gas cuboard 11-13kg propane calor or flogas. I can see 6kg being more difficult to get (all ready seen it, and the panic that came with it). For future supply issues I will also be looking at 12V hot water solutions (no ehu but currently plenty of solar 550w)

 

[1967bowesj]

Our 'change over valve' is mine or hubby's grubby mitt closing one bottle and opening the other!

Straight through t piece then, no issues with an actual moving selector valve which we had, bloody manufacturer making things difficult lol

 

[Markman]

We have a diesel heater, so gas only for cooking. One (gaslow refillable) cylinder lasts at least three months on the road.

 

[VXman]

Hi,
Just checking with places for filling a safefill bottle around Newcastle area and being told they won’t allow it as I’ve removed it from the van. Would have liked safefill for the weight saving but don’t want the hassle about filling. I’ll look at Gaslow system with external filling point now. Would prefer filling point fitted just under the bumper if possible if height ok

My filler point is in the metal skirt under the gas locker. Simple to fit there, just ran the hose up through the ventilation hole in the bottom of the gas locker.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[mapman55]

My filler point is in the metal skirt under the gas locker. Simple to fit there, just ran the hose up through the ventilation hole in the bottom of the gas locker.

I’m just searching now looking at options on filler points and gas options

1: Gaslow 11kg with external filling point

2: Flow Gas 11kg swap when empty ( cost more ) but easy finding places with stock

3 Gaslight 10kg ( same place as flo gas ) just found out about these tonight and looking at information on them, I’m not a big user on gas


Thanks

 

[cyberyacht]

For those who aren't big users, refillables don't often make sense. For those that want to have refillable then Gaslow is OK if weight isn't an issue. If it is then Gasbank have the weight advantage of a Safefill but with the added ability for a remote filler point.

 

[Dickie0121]

We opted for a fully installed underslung tank. This also frees up the Gas locker for other easy conversion to a beer & wine storage!

 

[kev54]

Hi,
I’m thinking about refillable gas for the new MH and have read lots of posts on here on the subject.
I certainly have a much better understanding of options but have one remaining question:
As far as I understand, refillable gas options fall into two categories- Fully installed with a gas fill point somewhere on the van, or removable where you have to lift out the empty cylinder for refilling.
Other than the obvious extra cost of the fully installed setup, what are the pros and cons of either option? I have heard that some filling stations don’t like people filling removable gas cylinders? We plan to use the van both in the Uk and Europe so any advantages in either area?
Many thanks

We converted to 2 Gaslow refillable tanks with gauges and an external filling point. We had it professionally fitted (around £1000) for peace of mind. The gas (LPG) is considerably cheaper than 'renting' replaceable bottles. In Europe, if you're there long enough to need a refill, the replaceable bottles have a different fitting. You can change the connectors, but that suggestion felt unsafe. Also, we have found (as many above say) they will not accept you opening the door to refill, they really insist on an outside filling point - you just need the correct adaptors. We have three - Germany, France and 'other' EU, though a station in Portugal had a totally different fitting (he was happy to use it as we had an outside filling point. Only once, in 4 trips of 3 to 4 months each,) we found a Spanish Repsol garage who refused to allow a fill as it was not for propulsion, only kitchen etc. He said it was illegal in Spain, (not exactly true) but he sent us to a garage 15 KM away that would allow us (go figure!!!).

 

[dawsey]

You will find some places will not fill removable bottles. Certainly in Portugal if you have not got a fixed filling point then most garages will not let you fill. Not long back myself and a mate went to fill up I was ok with a fixed filling point but his didn't have an outside filling point it was inside by the bottles, the attendant checked and refused him so he had to go off and drill a hole to fit his filling point and change his pipes and went back next day and filled no problem.
Fit a permanent outside filling point and you can forget it and fill no problems

Also in France. We have been a couple of times refused filling until we proved that the fill point was on the van, no bottle removal required.

I understand it is to do with the fact that a fully installed system always has an integrated NRV and is thus foolproof. Bottles can rely on someone knowing when to open/close the valves. Apparently there have been ‘incidents’ with folk maybe renting/unsure.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

For those who aren't big users, refillables don't often make sense. For those that want to have refillable then Gaslow is OK if weight isn't an issue. If it is then Gasbank have the weight advantage of a Safefill but with the added ability for a remote filler point.

Or Alugas we have 2 x 14kg Alugas.

 

[Lenny HB]

I meant I take the safefill out of the caravan locker and use at our house.

Do you connect it outside the house as you are not allowed to have Propane bottles inside a residence?

 

[bigtwin]

Only once, in 4 trips of 3 to 4 months each,) we found a Spanish Repsol garage who refused to allow a fill as it was not for propulsion, only kitchen etc. He said it was illegal in Spain, (not exactly true) but he sent us to a garage 15 KM away that would allow us (go figure!!!).

That’s similar to our experience; only one refusal (at a Repsol station) thus far.

Ian

 

[two]

If you are the 'worrying type' get a system with an external filler.
I've not heard of a SafeFill owner selling their bottles to change to GasLow (or similar) so they must get by, somehow. I think the 'difficulties' of getting a re-fill are hearsay, used by folk who want to justify their added expense of a GasLow (type) solution.
SafeFill is more flexible, in that you can transport them in a car to get a re-fill. You can also use them for a BBQ or genny without the need of an external gas point. If you can find a non-forecourt supply, you might even get reduced VAT charged (not for propulsion).

 

[kev54]

If you are the 'worrying type' get a system with an external filler.
I've not heard of a SafeFill owner selling their bottles to change to GasLow (or similar) so they must get by, somehow. I think the 'difficulties' of getting a re-fill are hearsay, used by folk who want to justify their added expense of a GasLow (type) solution.
SafeFill is more flexible, in that you can transport them in a car to get a re-fill.

I do worry about gas - no justification needed. Can you connect SafeFill in Europe? I only ask because I don’t know how they work. GasLow was the best-sounding solution for us.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Southend]

As others have mentioned, storage space in a smaller van is an additional consideration. Our 6m PVC has an underslung tank and the additional internal storage available as a result of not having a gas locker is really valuable on longer trips.

 

[drmartinwhite]

If you have room for two 11 Kg Safefill (or equivelent) bottles then the simple option is to go for two of those. Two full 11Kg bottles has been enough for us on every trip up to four weeks for the last 8 years. (so never needed to use a filling station other than the local Autogas station at 87p per litre - and they fill the bottles for me)

I find it no hassle to lift the lighter Safefill bottles out of the gas locker. And they use the same connector as Calor Propane if I ever need to go back to Calor. (which has not happenned yet). It was also dead easy to put the Calor back in when we changed the van.)

I have used Morrisons once in 8 years - just to confirm I can do it myself if I ever need to.

Same here, we have 2x11Kg gaslow, longest trip was 31 days up France in the summer, don’t think I used the second one. Longest in Winter has been 9 days (March), again never went through both bottles. Never had to fill up outside the UK yet.

 

[PaulC70]

I've 2 of the big gaslows, filler in skirt. All self fitted and all bought from Basildog on here who's brilliant for advice etc.
No lifting of heavy cylinders in and out etc etc even the safefills. yes I see people advocating them and saying how light they are to get out of the locker but isn't the whole point to fill them up? So when you are lifting them back in you've tripled the weight. Might not be a big issue if you don't have a bad back, but if you do or don't want the inconvenience the best thing is a refillable system that simply needs to be filled just like the diesel or petrol tank

 

[oldiesontour]

As others have said body fixed fill point,think mine with hose about £40 ,much easier than lifting bottles around especially in poor weather.I fitted 1 x 11 kg gas low also plumed in via tap regulator for calor bottle( take calor longer trips in case. Can leave at home if I choose..best of both worlds for £10 extra plumbing / regulator.

 

[McLouis]

Or Alugas we have 2 x 14kg Alugas.

Another thumbs up for Alugas, no weight probs, easy install. We use a lot of gas as we like doing a lot of trips in the winter and there is no point being cold!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Minxy]

somehow. I think the 'difficulties' of getting a re-fill are hearsay, used by folk who want to justify their added expense of a GasLow (type) solution.

Not hearsay at all as you can clearly see from what has been said by others already who have been refused, it is a rather ingenuous comment to make as it is basically calling them liars.

We had in-locker fillers and did indeed have some occasions when we were refused due to their location. I eventually fitted the fillers externally and actually purchased new filler inlets - small square one rather than the standard large round one I already had, as it was easier to find a suitable location for the smaller one - thus I actually spent a bit more dosh to do it so justifying the cost never came into it otherwise I'd have used the original filler inlet.

If you want to risk being refused filling due to not having an external filler inlet that's up to you but I'd much rather be able to do it without a problem when I want to and thus far since having an external filler we've never been refused once in the last 8 years.