Gas Auto Changeover Kit

DK1083

DK1083

Joined
Feb 10, 2024
Posts
60
Likes collected
47
Location
Gloucestershire, UK
Funster No
101,160
MH
Autotrail Tracker
I have a GasIt refillable system on my van and an 11kg cylinder. I also carry a 6kg Calor propane cylinder as a “spare”.
I was intending to fit an automatic changeover kit which would save having to change pigtails if the need arose.
Unfortunately, it appears that there is insufficient space above the existing regulator, (about 2”), to fit one. (See photo).
2227FC2C-0D92-4697-A90A-F17A202E7648.jpeg

Can anyone advise if there is a way around this?
 
As denisejoe we just keep the gasit bottle opened the calor lite shut in seven years never used the calor just keep topping up don't really know why I keep it but as per usual just in case:oops:

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denisejoe said:
We don't bother with the changeover anymore. Just keep one bottle open and the other closed. At least that way we know if one of the bottles empties rather than it just changing over and not realising.
Click to expand...
A good idea but at the moment I don't have the facility to do that and I would have to change over pigtails to change cylinders. Apparently the GasLow device can be used in the upside down position which might resolve my lack of locker roof space.
 
DK1083 said:
I have a GasIt refillable system on my van and an 11kg cylinder. I also carry a 6kg Calor propane cylinder as a “spare”.
I was intending to fit an automatic changeover kit which would save having to change pigtails if the need arose.
Unfortunately, it appears that there is insufficient space above the existing regulator, (about 2”), to fit one. (See photo).View attachment 875160
Can anyone advise if there is a way around this?
Click to expand...
The "T" piece as per #2 would not work as it is over 3" high and needs a pigtail to be fitted vertical from it, increasing the height needed.
The manual changeover as per #7 would be okay as it is under 2" high and both pigtails afe fitted horizontal. This option is not an auto changeover but slows two cylinders/pigtails to be permanently fitted, you just decide which bottle is in use by opening or closing the valve. Ad a bonus you will get a gaslow gauge...
 
i have a Gaslow 11kg and a 13kg Calor and manualy switch from one to tother. I initaly used up some 15kg blue that i had lying around so found manual the most approprite. I use Mopeka sensors to suss levals. pherhaps auto might be useful when i knew it was going to switch off overnight and then put it back on manual. I decided to use up all the 6kg i had due to what seemed like shifts in the Gas market. 13kg always available and not such a rediculous price.

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TrudeandDall said:
The "T" piece as per #2 would not work as it is over 3" high and needs a pigtail to be fitted vertical from it, increasing the height needed.
The manual changeover as per #7 would be okay as it is under 2" high and both pigtails afe fitted horizontal. This option is not an auto changeover but slows two cylinders/pigtails to be permanently fitted, you just decide which bottle is in use by opening or closing the valve. Ad a bonus you will get a gaslow gauge...
Click to expand...
I’m liking the look of this one. From reading various threads on here I appreciate there are pros and cons to auto and manual but what I’m really after is something that saves having to change pigtails should I have to change cylinders.
 
DK1083 said:
A good idea but at the moment I don't have the facility to do that and I would have to change over pigtails to change cylinders. Apparently the GasLow device can be used in the upside down position which might resolve my lack of locker roof space.
Click to expand...

If the auto changeover valve can be used when inverted then a W20 elbow will allow it to be connected to the regulator in that position.

Here’s one from BES but other suppliers are available:

www.bes.co.uk

BES.co.uk | Next Day Delivery On 15,000 + Plumbing Supplies

Wall Block & Fittings / W20 Elbow - PN: 22746 - Order Gas and Plumbing Supplies online at BES.co.uk. Low Prices, Free Next Day Delivery Available, 15k Plus Products in stock
www.bes.co.uk www.bes.co.uk
 
I fitted an auto change over valve. Sometimes I use the auto facility and other times I choose not to so I can monitor gas usage. But at least when I choose to swap cylinders it is just to operate the valves. Nothing else. Since fitting gas gauges I just use it as auto, and the app for gas usage.
 
DK1083 said:
I have a GasIt refillable system on my van and an 11kg cylinder. I also carry a 6kg Calor propane cylinder as a “spare”.
I was intending to fit an automatic changeover kit which would save having to change pigtails if the need arose.
Unfortunately, it appears that there is insufficient space above the existing regulator, (about 2”), to fit one. (See photo).View attachment 875160
Can anyone advise if there is a way around this?
Click to expand...
Fitting a Gaslow system yesterday I had to us a 90degree angle to move the change over unit away from the regulator
 
DK1083 said:
...........what I’m really after is something that saves having to change pigtails should I have to change cylinders.
Click to expand...
I fitted one Gaslow and one Calor, both connected to the regulator with pigtails so no changing of pigtails needed. I use the Gaslow as the main supply and the Calor as a back-up. I don't want auto changeover and because I can top up the Gaslow at any time I've not had to change to the Calor in 6 years of touring. If I did need to change over it's just a matter of shutting the valve on the empty cylinder and opening the valve on the other one.

2018-04-21 Gas locker connections 004.JPG

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Are you SURE a t-piece wouldn't fit, with an elbow joint if required? I fitted one recently to existing elbow joint, along with a second pigtail. Short of the bottle running out overnight, which could happen and would be annoying, I'd rather manually open the new bottle so that know when I have to replace one.
IMG_20240315_092105317.jpg IMG_20240315_092053541.jpg
 
Indeed - a T piece would fit by using the existing elbow. There would be one extra connection to keep gas tight and if it was me, I would somehow clip the T piece to the bulkhead to give it some extra support...
 
Spriddler said:
I fitted one Gaslow and one Calor, both connected to the regulator with pigtails so no changing of pigtails needed. I use the Gaslow as the main supply and the Calor as a back-up. I don't want auto changeover and because I can top up the Gaslow at any time I've not had to change to the Calor in 6 years of touring. If I did need to change over it's just a matter of shutting the valve on the empty cylinder and opening the valve on the other one.

View attachment 875566
Click to expand...
Many thanks. Your set up is very similar to mine and I think I will go for the manual changeover adapter with a gauge. My only issue was the “roof space” above the regulator but it seems this type of adapter will fit.
 
TrudeandDall said:
Indeed - a T piece would fit by using the existing elbow. There would be one extra connection to keep gas tight and if it was me, I would somehow clip the T piece to the bulkhead to give it some extra support...
Click to expand...
That's what I hate, and love, about this type of forum, you now have me thinking of supporting my new T piece. Always one more job....
 
Many moons ago, before blue tooth and smart phones and apps etc, I bought and had fitted the full monty of Gaslow gear with stainless steel pipes and an automatic switch over valve thingy...

... it only happened once but I woke up one morning and I had no gas at all.

I filled up the cylinders and switched the automatic change over to manual and it stayed like that for as long as I had the van.

Automatic change over devices can leave you with no gas without you knowing...


JJ :cool:

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T Piece now realigned and secured, in a fashion. Seems solid but I will check it any time I'm turning gas on.
IMG_20240315_140350440.jpg IMG_20240315_140410358.jpg
 
denisejoe said:
We don't bother with the changeover anymore. Just keep one bottle open and the other closed. At least that way we know if one of the bottles empties rather than it just changing over and not realising
Click to expand...
We have done the same for the past 20yrs Its a good idea having a change over but not good if you don't check it Particularly in if you run out of gas and your in - 10 degs and far away from LPG station

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Do you all have an external filler for your refillable cylinders?
I'm still not sure where it would go on my PVC?
 
Yes got an external filler It's in the gas locker door But there is a lot of talk about this position as you are bending the filling pipe a lot when opening the door to check or getting your filler adapter which people say it could cause a fracture to the pipe I will be moving my filling place to inside the door this year when I have to change my bottles due to there age Then cover the hole in the door with a vent plate
 

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