Refillable LPG: Advice please

[Wingingit#1]

At the risk of sounding thick - can i ask how much gas does it take to fill 2x11kg gaslow bottles?
Only reason i ask is cuz it always takes far more than i think when we fill up .
We ran out in france due to cold weather and me not having the adapters
Think you were out Minxy the same time as us and it was damn cold through france

 

[Reallyretired]

At the risk of sounding thick - can i ask how much gas does it take to fill 2x11kg gaslow bottles?
Only reason i ask is cuz it always takes far more than i think when we fill up .
We ran out in france due to cold weather and me not having the adapters
Think you were out Minxy the same time as us and it was damn cold through france

If from empty around 44L .

 

[Shrimp]

There does seem to be less places to fill with LPG but as others have said just fill when you see it.
Use an external filling point, it’s easier to use and you there Is no tell+tale of what you are filling.

How do you know you've not over filled it?

The pump stops when bottles/tank is to it’s capacity.

 

[bugcab]

In winter months with the heating on 24/7, we can easily go through 1 x 11Kg refillable in 5 x days.
Fortunately, we carry two.

I was a big fan of my underslung bulk tank, but have since adapted to the refillable cylinders I inherited, despite having a third less gas capacity than before.

My advice is, if you have the locker space, fit 2 x refillables, even if different sizes, or an underslung bulk tank where the chassis space allows it.

Cheers,

Jock.

Hi Jock, yes have read the volume.of gas we could get through especially if in the mountains for a couple.of weeks!

My plan, if possible, is to fit the biggest underslung tank I can find then keep bottles in locker so I can use local ones when abroad. I fear it unlikely I will be able to refill when up the mountain but may be able to find local bottles.

Plan B is to fit backup diesel heaters but then I lose that lovely Alde heat.

Cheers,

P.

 

[JockandRita]

My plan, if possible, is to fit the biggest underslung tank I can find then keep bottles in locker so I can use local ones when abroad. I fear it unlikely I will be able to refill when up the mountain but may be able to find local bottles.

An 80ltr tank (65ltr @ an 80% auto cut off level), will last you about 2.5 - 3 x weeks with heating on 24/7.

In 14 x years of ownership with the bulk tank, I only ran out of gas once, which was purely down to me misreading the gauge at a glance. Sods law too that it was during one of the coldest nights of the year.

Cheers,

Jock.

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[Minxy]

Think you were out Minxy the same time as us and it was damn cold through france

Weren't it just! I still shiver at the thought

 

[Barryh]

It does make me wonder why people fit expensive double bottle and auto changeover systems.

I’ve got the auto changeover with an 11 and 6kg gaslow system. Probably had it 6 years now and the 6kg has never been used.

 

[Wingingit#1]

We had never used much more than 6kg in a season as we'd only use it for the oven .
Our first trip to europe this winter and we rinsed more than 22kgs worth in 2 months and very little of that was actually heating again mostly just cooking or running the fridge.

 

[Minxy]

I’ve got the auto changeover with an 11 and 6kg gaslow system. Probably had it 6 years now and the 6kg has never been used.

Better to swap them occasionally as you could find in the future if you do need to use the 6kg one that it's seized up, I'm not sure if keeping LPG stored for so long affects is quality either.

 

[gus-lopez]

In three years I've only had one girl come and check, at the Asda garage in Derby. As soon as she saw my bottles in the cabinet she smiled and walked back to the kiosk.
No problems

Same here. In all my time filling a bulk tank in the UK I have never ever had anyone even consider helping me or asking what i was doing. In fact I fail to understand where these garages are that actually have employee's doing anything other than taking money at the tills? the ones i always use never have the opportunity to stop serving customers?
here in spain it was only my local garage that has attended service & filled for me. All others that I have ever used in spain the lpg pump is so far away from the main fuel pumps that no one is interested in walking miles to help you.
One garage on the A23 i used i actually had to go in & ask where the pump was to be told it was 100m away back at the entrance i came inYou needed binoculars from the till to see the pump.

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[Phil.G.]

As I said I have not yet purchased a cylinder yet. I assure you I explained that it was a properly designed refillable cylinder. If they are theLPG specialists they claim then surely they should be aware of the growing Leisure market for refillables. I think they probably make more on exchange cylinders.

l know this has been discussed many times but I would like some clarification and know there is a wealth of knowledge out there!

We have never really used a lot of gas, often using hook ups especially in winter. Hence, I have never seen the need for refillables, even when on the continent. However , after the hike in site prices I thought we might go more off Grid, CLs etc, also refillables would save me worrying about gas abroad.

After a lot of research and what I thought was an expensive quote for a Gas it system (fitted), I thought I would go for a large Safefill cylinder keeping one Calor in reserve, and made enquiries. I had practically ordered one when I called at my local LPG Centre, ( website says largest in South Wales). I saw they had a pump and called into the office, only to be told in no uncertain terms that they did not allow any refilling of cylinders. I know Morrisons allow Safefill to be refilled but am concerned that if they withdraw from the market it will be very difficult to find a dependable supply locally (Barry, South Wales).

I would be grateful for any feedback.

 

[Phil.G.]

View attachment 736315

I fitted this set up Wednesday £17 to fill at morrisons

 

[Lenny HB]

An 80ltr tank (65ltr @ an 80% auto cut off level), will last you about 2.5 - 3 x weeks with heating on 24/7.

That sounds very low in Feb we were looking after Mi's mum so only sleeping in the van. Heating was on for two hours in the morning and an hour or two in the evening.
We used between 3.5-4 Lt a day with Truma heating which normally uses less gas than Alde.

Perhaps it's the Scot in you and you only run it at 10°.

 

[Apacheman]

We have an 11kg Gaslow connected to external filler point and carry a 6kg Calor propane just in case. Kept the original pigtail so we can swap between. Gaslow has an accurate level gauge so when it starts to get low we find a LPG outlet and refill.
Autogas.app shows relatively up to date info on UK garages and found Fuelflash.eu to use on our upcoming trip to Europe.
I’m sure there are other links to the same info.

 

[Basildog]

I’ve got the auto changeover with an 11 and 6kg gaslow system. Probably had it 6 years now and the 6kg has never been used.

You must alternate between the 2 cylinders, you will eventually overfill the unused cylinder if you don’t use it every few fills , or at least use some from the reserve cylinder.

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[Stealaway]

At the risk of sounding thick - can i ask how much gas does it take to fill 2x11kg gaslow bottles?
Only reason i ask is cuz it always takes far more than i think when we fill up .
We ran out in france due to cold weather and me not having the adapters
Think you were out Minxy the same time as us and it was damn cold through france

A 13Kg Calor bottle holds 22 litres
A 10Kg Safefill bottle holds 19-20 litres

 

[Barryh]

Thanks Minxy Basildog for the advice.

 

[Lenny HB]

A 13Kg Calor bottle holds 22 litres
A 10Kg Safefill bottle holds 19-20 litres

A 13kg Calor bottle is approx 26lt, on. Bottles it is the a out of gas to the 80% level that is stated.

 

[Stealaway]

A 13kg Calor bottle is approx 26lt, on. Bottles it is the a out of gas to the 80% level that is stated.

Its all a bit ambiguous
One site says 22 litres and one site says 26 litres
So 26 litres is the capacity or the usable amount of gas - given the 80% rule?

It's only for for other peoples reference - I wont be buying calor bottle gas any time soon

 

[JockandRita]

Perhaps it's the Scot in you and you only run it at 10°.

That's strange Lenny, as I've not met anyone else as tight as you.

Jock.

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[Lenny HB]

So 26 litres is the capacity or the usable amount of gas - given the 80% rule?

It's the useable capacity with bottles, with tanks its the full capacity.
All done confuse you.

 

[Lenny HB]

That's strange Lenny, as I've not met anyone else as tight as you.

Jock.

I'll remember that next time you want help with your electrics.

 

[nicholsong]

That's strange Lenny, as I've not met anyone else as tight as you.

Jock.

We should meet Jock, but you will have to pay to get to Poland

Geoff

 

[Stealaway]

It's the useable capacity with bottles, with tanks its the full capacity.
All done confuse you.

Its never been hard and it seems to be getting easier

 

[The Old Man]

I'll remember that next time you want help with your electrics.

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[JockandRita]

We should meet Jock, but you will have to pay to get to Poland

Geoff

Never been to Poland Geoff, but always fancied it, incorporating Auschwitz and Birkenhau perhaps, though they wouldn't be Rita's choice.
What's the roads like?

Cheers

Jock..

 

[nicholsong]

Never been to Poland Geoff, but always fancied it, incorporating Auschwitz and Birkenhau perhaps, though they wouldn't be Rita's choice.
What's the roads like?

Cheers

Jock..

Jock

We are 26kms from Auschwitz(Oschwiem in Polish) but like Rita I have no desire to go, because I know enough, and Basia had to take her school class every year so does not want to repeat.

We are just 3-4kms off A4 M/Way and have a yard with EHU, Water, grey dump and a garage toilet for cassette dump, so you would be welcome. You could leave Rita with us for a good lunch while you visit Auschwitz. Basia could give you a packed lunch

Main roads are fine, some country roads less so. Over 3.5t, as you are, you would need the 'e-Toll' App which charges through GPS per Km on M/Ways and Trunk roads, but nothing like France.

Wildcamp anywhere within reason, ignore advice that it is forbidden, probably old communist law not repealed, but we have seen no enforcement. South from here (100km) one is in Polish and Slowak Tatra (low) Mts.

Cost of living is still low, but rising like everywhere - we are buying Australian Shiraz for £2.56 a bottle(how do they grow it, transport it 12,000 miles, pay tax and sell it at a profit?) and 5% beer is cheap.

Geoff

 

[JockandRita]

Jock

We are 26kms from Auschwitz(Oschwiem in Polish) but like Rita I have no desire to go, because I know enough, and Basia had to take her school class every year so does not want to repeat.

We are just 3-4kms off A4 M/Way and have a yard with EHU, Water, grey dump and a garage toilet for cassette dump, so you would be welcome. You could leave Rita with us for a good lunch while you visit Auschwitz. Basia could give you a packed lunch

Main roads are fine, some country roads less so. Over 3.5t, as you are, you would need the 'e-Toll' App which charges through GPS per Km on M/Ways and Trunk roads, but nothing like France.

Wildcamp anywhere within reason, ignore advice that it is forbidden, probably old communist law not repealed, but we have seen no enforcement. South from here (100km) one is in Polish and Slowak Tatra (low) Mts.

Cost of living is still low, but rising like everywhere - we are buying Australian Shiraz for £2.56 a bottle(how do they grow it, transport it 12,000 miles, pay tax and sell it at a profit?) and 5% beer is cheap.

Geoff

Thanks for the info Geoff, and the extremely kind offer of an overnight stop. Much appreciated thanks.

I buy Australian Shiraz here in the UK for £3.99 a bottle. The exact same brand in Germany is €1.99 a bottle.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[MisterB]

Hi Jock, yes have read the volume.of gas we could get through especially if in the mountains for a couple.of weeks!

My plan, if possible, is to fit the biggest underslung tank I can find then keep bottles in locker so I can use local ones when abroad. I fear it unlikely I will be able to refill when up the mountain but may be able to find local bottles.

Plan B is to fit backup diesel heaters but then I lose that lovely Alde heat.

Cheers,

P.

I would also look at installing a lithium battery (and inverter) big enough to provide power to boil a kettle, or power an induction hob, which may reduce your gas usage - though of course if using gas for a hot drink, some if the excess energy produced will add to heating the van.

 

[Bessy765]

I know it's possible as someone had fitted to my old van but is it permissible to have a tandem setup. Underslung tank and bottles, switching between either? The benefit being not having to move van to filling station when bulk tank runs out Looking at options to maximise winter off-grid stay with Alde. Also cont find a tank larger than 100ltr at the mo. Anyone know of larger capacity available Ta. P.

We have that set up, the requirements are the the point where the hose from the bottle attaches has to be capped of when not in use so if the no return T piece fails you do not have an open end.

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