Refillable LPG bottles - possibly daft question (1 Viewer)

[David Guthrie]

All the stuff I've seen about refillable LPG systems seem to involve permanent installations, which might be a challenge on my vehicle.
Is it possible to just detach from the regulator, take the bottle outside the vehicle to refill it, just like changing a regular bottle?
David G

 

[tonka]

There are some bottles designed for just that...
But as I understand it very limited number of places that will do the re-fill.
http://www.safefill.co.uk/our-cylinders.html

 

[David Guthrie]

@tonka
Many thanks for that. Yes, their distribution isn't wonderful, though they do seem to be trying to expand the network.
I'll keep an eye on developments.
I guess the other types like Gasit and Gaslow don't support out-of-van filling (or running the filler pipe into the van!)
David G

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[GJH]

I guess the other types like Gasit and Gaslow don't support out-of-van filling (or running the filler pipe into the van!)

You guess right
If you want to know whether permanent installation is possible in your van have a word with Chris at Autogas 2000. They are in Thirsk so not too far from you.

 

[Stroppy Bird]

@tonka
Many thanks for that. Yes, their distribution isn't wonderful, though they do seem to be trying to expand the network.
I'll keep an eye on developments.
I guess the other types like Gasit and Gaslow don't support out-of-van filling (or running the filler pipe into the van!)
David G

Gaslow do.

It comes under Gaslow Direct Fill category.

http://www.gaslowdirect.com/epages/...ops/cyujrhdmmu67/Categories/Cylinders/Buy_Now

 

[hilldweller]

(or running the filler pipe into the van!)
David G

In the living space would be a huge no no. There is a big escape of gas when you remove the filler ( using the UK filler ) so you would turn your van in a bomb.

Inside an external door gas locker is technically OK but not liked by filling stations.

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[vwalan]

just open your car boot and fill them . dont wave the bottle around .
nobody really cares .
estate cars are better you can leave the hatch on first catch and any gas falls out as you drive off .
but side door of a van works .

 

[Floydster]

The best one I saw was when filling in France last month, a chap pulls up the other side of the pump in his car, his wife is sitting on the back seat with her arm around the bottle next to her with the window wound down and the chap proceeds to fill it ...

 

[David Guthrie]

@GJH @Stroppy Bird @hilldweller @vwalan @pandj
Thanks for the advice, info and amusing anecdote. I'll check out that Gaslow link, thanks @Stroppy Bird.
I just knew joining Motorhome Fun was a good idea!

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[David Guthrie]

So it looks as though off-van filling is okay - with either Gaslow or Safefill. Looks like the way to go, though locations that allow direct filling appear to be not so abundant. It's a possibility for next summer travelling season, so no rush!
Again, thanks to all!

 

[two]

All the stuff I've seen about refillable LPG systems seem to involve permanent installations, which might be a challenge on my vehicle.
Is it possible to just detach from the regulator, take the bottle outside the vehicle to refill it, just like changing a regular bottle?
David G

Yes that is possible. I have changed from Gaslow to SafeFill (to reduce weight) and now have the option to take cylinders out and refill from my car. Luckily (?) there is a local place that is reasonably cheap and happy to refill loose cylinders.

 

[Puddleduck]

It would still be worth having a word with Chris at Autogas. Remember you get Funster discount but let him know you are a funster before he quotes you.

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[David Guthrie]

@Puddleduck - Sorry sir! missed you out. I'll certainly do that! And Thirsk would be a nice trip out too!

 

[David Guthrie]

Further research reveals that Gasit consider that direct-filling is unsafe and frowned upon by HSE and the UKPLG organisation; they suggest it might be illegal.
They do, however, provide a compliant 'in-locker' kit which incorporates a bracketed locker fitting and a length of hose which can be led out of the vehicle and linked up to the filler nozzle. Apparently, this overcomes the objections of filling station staff who might otherwise forbid direct filling. It wcan also be used on Gaslow cylinders, but not Safefill.
Mind you, one wonders what the BBQ crowd who want to use Gaslow cylinders are supposed to do...

 

[Geo]

just open your car boot and fill them . dont wave the bottle around .
nobody really cares .
estate cars are better you can leave the hatch on first catch and any gas falls out as you drive off .
but side door of a van works .

Sorry Alan but its that kind of mentality that has caused safe systems be become a problem also

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[vwalan]

how else do you fill the safe bottles .
safe gas bottles can be used in portable gas fires in the house . so if they are strapped in the fire and we take the fire to the pump do we have to have a silly gas fill point fitted to the fire cabinet.
after all thats what seems to be the way with m,homes .
refillable bottles arent just for m,homes .

 

[two]

There is a growing community of SafeFill bottle owners who manage to fill them somewhere, somehow. As they are portable, it easier to do than for a fixed system.

 

[vwalan]

folk with fifth wheelers and big caravans also use them . they arent going to be moving the trailers etc just to fill the bottle . they ha ve tow vehicles for going shopping etc .
mind do the big m,homes want to move off sites to fill bottles /
after all thats why they aframe small cars .

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