Gas - Refillable or Not, Which Would You Choose Today?

[Wissel]

I'm about to build a new van. At the moment I have a 38 ltr GasIt underslung tank, which I was planning on re-fitting to next van.

The thing is, I keep reading stories about how it's getting harder to fill LPG tanks in a motorhome?

I often see posts where "another" LPG filling point has gone, or motorhomes aren't allowed to use them in some cases. I don't see new points mentioned very often?

So I'm wondering - If you were starting with a new van today, would you prefer a refillable tank, or normal bottles?

Has anyone here removed refillable tanks and gone back to standard bottles?

I will be fitting a diesel heater this time around. Gas will be used to power my instant water heater (iMass) and cook.

 

[Cat53]

We haven’t had a problem. We had a refillable gaslow system fitted. Changing cylinders wasn’t an option for us, so fitted it had to be. Have found it wonderful, both here and in Europe. Attendants hav3 been happy to come and help me too.

 

[denisejoe]

We've not had a problem either. If you're worried it might be a problem how about fitting the underslung tank and then an exchange bottle inside somewhere?

Denise

 

[Minxy]

If space was at a real premium I'd probably go for a underslung tank but if not I'd stick with refillable bottles as tanks aren't cheap to buy and install and you are limited on the size you can have. However as we now have an all electric fridge I don't really need 2 refillables as one lasts ages, so in theory could ditch one but can't see the point as it just means we don't have to worry about topping up especially with the stupid inaccurate gauges!

 

[Minxy]

As you're gonna be living in your camper I'd still fit the underslung tank as you'll be horrified at the price of exchange cylinders and of course this will eat into your usable 'indoor' storage.

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[Tykatem]

The thing is, I keep reading stories about how it's getting harder to fill LPG tanks in a motorhome?
I often see posts where "another" LPG filling point has gone, or motorhomes aren't allowed to use them in some cases. I don't see new points mentioned very often?

We've never had a problem finding somewhere to fill and have never been refused anywhere!

Pete

 

[Korgrocker]

There's no commercial sense in buying and fitting a refillable tank unless you intend going abroad, where gas availability in exchangeable bottles can be a problem. I've also read a few threads on this forum about possible problems introduced by additives in auto gas, but no experience of this myself. But you've already got a refillable tank so best to fit it?
I have 2 6Kg Calor propane bottles with a Truma Duo Control regulator. Over the past 5 years I've used no more than 3 6Kg propane bottles each year but we mostly use electric hook ups. Morrisons currently selling refills at £22 each.

 

[chaser]

Can't see filling being a problem for years yet, it's not as if you need to fill every day, there will always be one within a mile or two, even if you have to go to special gas places, much the same as having to fetch a calor bottle.

 

[emjaiuk]

Refillables/ tanks or Gaslow etc., every time.

Malcolm

 

[Korgrocker]

Can't see filling being a problem for years yet, it's not as if you need to fill every day, there will always be one within a mile or two, even if you have to go to special gas places, much the same as having to fetch a calor bottle.

It's ok for you guys living in civilisation - up here in rural Scotland I would have to drive to Edinburgh to find an autogas pump. Easier to find a Calor gas bottle retailer (3 within 5 miles).

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[chaser]

It's ok for you guys living in civilisation - up here in rural Scotland I would have to drive to Edinburgh to find an autogas pump. Easier to find a Calor gas bottle retailer (3 within 5 miles).

Yes but you are not going to be at home when out in the van, and one fill lasts us at least a month.

 

[Richard n Ann]

We've never had problems filling either. I think bad news travels fast. Also I've noticed the fill LPG app updates don't show a net closure, with some opening and some closing.

 

[gus-lopez]

I'd always go for an underslung refillable tank ,just to save space.

 

[The Wino]

Yes but you are not going to be at home when out in the van, and one fill lasts us at least a month.

But as you are on hook up most of the time it won't be worth it if someone wild camps a lot or lives in it on a basic pitch refillables get a lot more cost effectve. As an example we recon to use 50p worth of gas when not on hook up a day on a refillable so if the non elec pitches are £1 less or more we go for those the difference would be a lot more on 6kg calor

 

[mfw]

All depends what peoples usage is use a lot refillable system has to be cost effective but small usage then exchange is probably better - in spain i believe cost of exchange bottles is very cheap compared to uk but you still need a bottle to start with

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[John and Jo]

Depends how much gas you use. Much cheaper buying LPG at a station than bottle exchange.

 

[chaser]

But as you are on hook up most of the time it won't be worth it if someone wild camps a lot or lives in it on a basic pitch refillables get a lot more cost effectve. As an example we recon to use 50p worth of gas when not on hook up a day on a refillable so if the non elec pitches are £1 less or more we go for those the difference would be a lot more on 6kg calor

Don't know if you ment to quote me or not but if so don't know where you get the idea we are on hookup, as we never are unless it happens to be thrown in where we are parked.

 

[The Wino]

Don't know if you ment to quote me or not but if so don't know where you get the idea we are on hookup, as we never are unless it happens to be thrown in where we are parked.

Sorry mean't to quote Korgrocker must have clicked on the wrong post!! Sounds like you are more like us