In France and in a gas quandry

[mgibbons]

Hi
I'm in France with one 8kg flogas cylinder the degree to which it is full is indeterminate and space for a spare cylinder. I am wondering what my options are if I run out of gas which does not require significant modification to the existing Trauma setup - see pictures. I have read a number of threads and an very confused as to my options. Before the next trip I plan on getting refillable cylinders. Thanks in advance. Cheers.

 

[PlacidoD]

Low cost options before your return to the UK are limited. Your "signature" says you don't own a van yet but that appears to be wrong! So to cover all bases.
1. If you have a Truma heater that uses either of gas or 240V get yourself on a site with EHU and use the 240 V for space and water heating.
2. Beg borrow or steal a 2nd propane gas bottle from another UK van. It does not matter what make.
3. If you are very lucky exchange your part-empty Flogas bottle for an identical full bottle with someone with two on board who is on their way back to the UK and give them some money for the difference.

But you may have enough in your 8kg bottle to cope. It goes a surprisingly long way. I put 16 litres as a first fill in my new SafeFill 11kg bottle (They advise 16 litres only for a 1st fill instead of the usual 19 litres.) That will be very similar to your 8kg bottle when full. After over 30 nights away so far since then including water always left on 40C unless showering when then set to 60C, cooking and occasional use of space heating and gas to power the fridge I have yet to empty the bottle (And I have a 2nd identical full bottle sat alongside it so I can afford to run it to empty!)

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

You could use a local cylinder. They are cheaper than in the uk but then you usually can't take them back for a refund when empty.the bottle connection you have is for a calor bottle and would need to be changed also to suit your purchased bottle and to ensure it connects to your regulator .
Or you could buy one of the single burner camp stove tops that use the canister cartridges to save on your existing gas.

Butane Stove Portable Cooker in Carry Case 2 4 8 12 Gas Bottles Camping BBQ Kit Gas Camping Stove with Automatic Ignition & Heat Control (Gas Stove + 2 Butane Cans) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CDHGH8WH?tag=mhf04-21

 

[royandsharont]

If you can get scales you can weigh your bottle & determine how much gas is left, the bottle weight is on the collar ring. As a guide I use EHU but when I had a van with gas fridge etc I only ever used less than 2kg gas in a full 8 week trip.

In addition to the good advice above

I know there are campsites in Spain that will fill a U.K. bottle, no personal knowledge, or about France.

I have an adaptor to swap to fit my pigtail to a Spanish bottle, there will be something similar for French ones if you enquire and I believe you can easily buy French bottles at supermarkets.

 

[mitzimad]

[Broken Link Removed] of these would work if it fits the foreign bottle

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[Lenny HB]

French bottles are cheap and you can get a pigtail from any Motorhome dealer.

 

[mgibbons]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm not bothered about the cost of the bottle; just the connection. I think the best solution for now was to get one of these before I left the UK - https://www.gasproducts.co.uk/propane-pol-to-butane-adaptor.html - but I'm not in the UK at the moment. I'll buy one for next time and if I do run out will try and find a motorhome dealer. In the past we've used campsites with little need for gas but this time have been experimenting with Aires where EHU availability has been variable.

 

[bigtree]

First thing to do is remove the unused hose and cap that side with the one hanging on the changeover valve, if you disconnect the POL fitting that will be a 21.8mm thread and some bottles in France have that.

 

[Bessy765]

If you can fit the larger cylinder just go to a Bricomarche, you can get a propane cylinder for 1 Euro plus the refill cost, just put the address as the nearest aire, they sell the adapter that screws on the bottle and the other end will fit you regulator. Where about in France are you/

 

[mgibbons]

If you can fit the larger cylinder just go to a Bricomarche, you can get a propane cylinder for 1 Euro plus the refill cost, just put the address as the nearest aire, they sell the adapter that screws on the bottle and the other end will fit you regulator. Where about in France are you/

Hi. Currently in Bayeaux. I see that there is one right next to us. I'll pop in there tomorrow on our way out. Thanks for the info. I'll let you know how I get on.

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[Emmit]

The large gas bottles found at garages in France have an outlet which is exactly the same as a UK Calor butane 'dumpy' 3.9kilo? bottle.
It has a left hand thread female nut.
You can usually buy one either the supermarkets or caravan dealers.
Obviously you would have to remove the 'spare' pigtail that is already fitted but at the Regulator end the fittings are identical.

 

[Mikey RV]

If your staying in France for a while just get a French cylinder, sometimes for sale on campsites from travellers, and go to a ironmongers and get a pigtail for the bottle and your sorted.

 

[Emmit]

It's not unknown to 'find' (I'm not condoning theft) at many garages attached to supermarkets because theyhave adopted a credit card buy/return system and there are sometimes occasions when a gas bottle gets abandoned at the site.

 

[fred_jb]

You could get a Camping Gaz 907 bottle, available here and in France in many supermarkets and an adapter for this from Amazon which takes your standard pigtail and incorporates a knob for turning the gas on and off. I did this as a backup when I initially only had one 5kg Calor bottle. Not very high capacity, but at least replaceable in France. I now have two 5kg Calor bottles but still have space to also put the Camping Gas bottle in the gas locker if required.

 

[mgibbons]

Hi. Currently in Bayeaux. I see that there is one right next to us. I'll pop in there tomorrow on our way out. Thanks for the info. I'll let you know how I get on.

They had no large gas cylinders at all! The Carrefour had tons of different types but they all looked too wide to fit in the locker and most of them were clip on connectors. I've now decided to give up and wait until I get back to the UK where I'll then get refillable installed. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

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[mgibbons]

You could get a Camping Gaz 907 bottle, available here and in France in many supermarkets and an adapter for this from Amazon which takes your standard pigtail and incorporates a knob for turning the gas on and off. I did this as a backup when I initially only had one 5kg Calor bottle. Not very high capacity, but at least replaceable in France. I now have two 5kg Calor bottles but still have space to also put the Camping Gas bottle in the gas locker if required.

View attachment 959585

That sounds like a great idea to me. I shall look into that as a backup. Cheers.

Any thing I need to consider with with using butane instead of propane e.g. will the bulkhead regulator handle either type? I've read on the flogas site that you need different regulators.

Found it: Tezla Conversion Adaptor Kit from standard propane Pol to a Campingaz 907 904 901Cylinder https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CDCG2962?tag=mhf04-21

 

[fred_jb]

That sounds like a great idea to me. I shall look into that as a backup. Cheers.

Any thing I need to consider with with using butane instead of propane e.g. will the bulkhead regulator handle either type? I've read on the flogas site that you need different regulators.

Found it: Tezla Conversion Adaptor Kit from standard propane Pol to a Campingaz 907 904 901Cylinder https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CDCG2962?tag=mhf04-21

It seems that it used to be required to use a 28 mbar regulator for butane and 37 mbar for propane. However I think there is now a move to standardise on 30 mbar for both types, and I think most modern appliances are designed to use either gas. The following link to a 30 mbar regulator states in the description that it is suitable for both, though I am not sure if there is anything special about this particular regulator.

Cavagna 30Mbar Regulator x 8mm Nut/Olive/Copper

The Gaslow 30mb compact regulator by Cavagna is an ideal replacement regulator for your caravan or motorhome gas supply. Connection to 8mm Copper pipe with Nut/Olive

www.gaslowdirect.com

For what it's worth I tested the Camping Gas with my system which is fitted with a 30 mbar regulator and it all seemed to work fine, but you should maybe take professional advice on this. Having said that, my van is fitted with Calor cylinders which are propane and they also work fine through the 30 mbar regulator.

I got my Camping Gaz cylinder from Chorley Bottle Gas Ltd. Current price seems to be £70 plus £10 for next day delivery. It would cost less to swap for a refill - currently their website states £40 for that.

Campingaz R 907 Cylinder Complete

Ideal for a vast range of camping applications, including cooking, lighting and heating. Intended for regular use or for extended operating time, this cylinder is equipped with a safety valve and can be unscrewed from the appliance when not empty. The Campingaz 907 cylinder is the largest size...

chorleybottlegas.co.uk

 

[mgibbons]

It seems that it used to be required to use a 28 mbar regulator for butane and 37 mbar for propane. However I think there is now a move to standardise on 30 mbar for both types, and I think most modern appliances are designed to use either gas. The following link to a 30 mbar regulator states in the description that it is suitable for both, though I am not sure if there is anything special about this particular regulator.

Cavagna 30Mbar Regulator x 8mm Nut/Olive/Copper

The Gaslow 30mb compact regulator by Cavagna is an ideal replacement regulator for your caravan or motorhome gas supply. Connection to 8mm Copper pipe with Nut/Olive

www.gaslowdirect.com

For what it's worth I tested the Camping Gas with my system which is fitted with a 30 mbar regulator and it all seemed to work fine, but you should maybe take professional advice on this. Having said that, my van is fitted with Calor cylinders which are propane and they also work fine through the 30 mbar regulator.

I got my Camping Gaz cylinder from Chorley Bottle Gas Ltd. Current price seems to be £70 plus £10 for next day delivery. It would cost less to swap for a refill - currently their website states £40 for that.

Campingaz R 907 Cylinder Complete

Ideal for a vast range of camping applications, including cooking, lighting and heating. Intended for regular use or for extended operating time, this cylinder is equipped with a safety valve and can be unscrewed from the appliance when not empty. The Campingaz 907 cylinder is the largest size...

chorleybottlegas.co.uk

.

I shall check what regulator I currently have and take it from there.

It seems that it used to be required to use a 28 mbar regulator for butane and 37 mbar for propane. However I think there is now a move to standardise on 30 mbar for both types, and I think most modern appliances are designed to use either gas. The following link to a 30 mbar regulator states in the description that it is suitable for both, though I am not sure if there is anything special about this particular regulator.

Cavagna 30Mbar Regulator x 8mm Nut/Olive/Copper

The Gaslow 30mb compact regulator by Cavagna is an ideal replacement regulator for your caravan or motorhome gas supply. Connection to 8mm Copper pipe with Nut/Olive

www.gaslowdirect.com

For what it's worth I tested the Camping Gas with my system which is fitted with a 30 mbar regulator and it all seemed to work fine, but you should maybe take professional advice on this. Having said that, my van is fitted with Calor cylinders which are propane and they also work fine through the 30 mbar regulator.

I got my Camping Gaz cylinder from Chorley Bottle Gas Ltd. Current price seems to be £70 plus £10 for next day delivery. It would cost less to swap for a refill - currently their website states £40 for that.

Campingaz R 907 Cylinder Complete

Ideal for a vast range of camping applications, including cooking, lighting and heating. Intended for regular use or for extended operating time, this cylinder is equipped with a safety valve and can be unscrewed from the appliance when not empty. The Campingaz 907 cylinder is the largest size...

chorleybottlegas.co.uk

Thanks for that info. I shall check what regulator I currently have and take it from there. Cheers.

 

[MisterB]

The local 'tip' will have gas bottles and a friendly worker might let you have one, then you can go and exchange it at a garage for a full one and a quick stop at a Brico for the correct connector....

I've had a few from tips, including the lightweight ones. Not all tip workers are obliging though ... and someone will add to the the post that it's illegal etc, remember you're not going to use the gas bottle, you're going to exchange it with a tested full one one!

If you're really brave go onto leboncoin.fr or Facebook marketplace and check locally ..

 

[mgibbons]

Thanks for that info. I shall check what regulator I currently have and take it from there. Cheers.

Update: gas ran out at 9pm tonight. Heading back home in the morning so will try and grab a butagaz 13kg propane tank before I leave and get the relevant adapter or pigtail when in the UK. Will also get a backup campergaz canister once I have checked the regulator. I read through the Rapido manual and noticed that they "strongly advise not to use LPG due to contaminants etc" which can degrade the regulator. FUD or do they have a point?

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[Lenny HB]

You are uikely to get a pigtail for a French bottle in the UK.
Always advisable to fit filters inline with the regulator. French & Spanish LPG can have high oily residues.

 

[John The Foot]

After many years of using Calor propane bottles in uk in different Moho's usually 6kg bottles with left hand thread pig tails. !3kg bottles to tall for the Burstner. I have now changed over to Flogas 11kg bottle which does fit and changed the pigtail to fit the green Propane bottle, much easier to change bottles and of course will also fit the French style bottle. I have for many years carried a French Le Cube light weight bottle as a spare with a push on type regulator. Now I have no use for English style regulators and spanners to suit. Plus Flogas is generally cheaper in the UK.

 

[John The Foot]

Just as an addition to my last post regarding French gas. Last Friday returning to UK from Cherbourg I had emptied my Frech spare Le Cube and decided to get a refill. I went to the gas vending cage at the large Intermarche and all went smoothly until the cage opened and wanted to deliver me Butane instead of Propane. After much arguing with French staff there I got the Bottle changed to Propane but now find that the "system" of taking from your credit card the payment for the gas and deposit and supposedly returning your deposit later has not happened. A dispute will now follow hopefully Mastercard will get my deposit returned to me. With current exchange rate the whole charge including deposit is only £49. for 5kg Le Cube not a lot more than a refill in UK for 6kg Calor propane, its the principle that matters here.

 

[Jerrywh]

Does anyone know why some connections are LH thread and some RH? I have not come across LH threads anywhere else and it is hard to think what benefits they offer..

 

[Bessy765]

It used to be left hand flammable right hand not but not so now?

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[mikebiggles]

Hi
I'm in France with one 8kg flogas cylinder the degree to which it is full is indeterminate and space for a spare cylinder. I am wondering what my options are if I run out of gas which does not require significant modification to the existing Trauma setup - see pictures. I have read a number of threads and an very confused as to my options. Before the next trip I plan on getting refillable cylinders. Thanks in advance. Cheers.View attachment 958918

View attachment 958919

View attachment 958920

I would suggest fitting one refillable Gaslow bottle (size depending on space) with external filling connection. The Gaslow bottle outlet connection can be fitted with an adapter to suit your pigtail shown. Keep the flogas cylinder for emergencies if you cant find local LPG station.

 

[MGDavid]

The local 'tip' will have gas bottles and a friendly worker might let you have one, then you can go and exchange it at a garage for a full one and a quick stop at a Brico for the correct connector....

I've had a few from tips, including the lightweight ones. Not all tip workers are obliging though ... and someone will add to the the post that it's illegal etc, remember you're not going to use the gas bottle, you're going to exchange it with a tested full one one!

If you're really brave go onto leboncoin.fr or Facebook marketplace and check locally ..

'tip' = dechetterie in French

 

[AndyT4]

Propane Gas Level, simples! Boiling water over shoulder of cylinder, run hand down it till you feel it freezing, that’s the level of your gas, compressed gas drops in temp. under pressure…Boyles Law…perhaps?