Is getting a LPG refillable system worth it ?

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Bex17

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We’re considering changing our exchangeable gas bottles for a refillable LPG system as we have found that we prefer wild camping over sites, and LPG is cheaper to fill. However we’re reading that it’s harder to find places to fill up at - we are in Ayrshire but camp in Argyll, Dumfries and Galloway, and hoping to get across to Spain eventually- what are your experiences?
 
Just about the best change I have made on the van. Underslung 60litre tank moves weight lower and more central, frees up a large locker and makes getting LPG no problem anywhere in Europe as we carry the adapters.
 
Worth it every time. Not sure it will ever payback but just brilliant for the convenience and not having replace a bottle just incase it’s not going to last.our are 2 x 11 kg bottles which seems more than enough for our requirements.
 
The big thing for us is we only have space for one cylinder. Refillable means we can top up whenever we want and when in France with an adapter can still top up and not have the hassle of swapping bottles to a French one with different pigtails.
I don't know anyone who thinks it was a bad move.
 
I guess it depends how you think worth it. If you don’t like lifting heavy bottles about then yes, if you wild camp or do lots of rallies yes. If you stay on site with mains hook up the pay back will be years so maybe not.

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pandas said:
Worth it every time. Not sure it will ever payback but just brilliant for the convenience and not having replace a bottle just incase it’s not going to last.our are 2 x 11 kg bottles which seems more than enough for our requirements.
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Ours have paid us back a long time ago and saved a fortune since. Our 2 x 14 kg bottles are on their second van, they are 7 years old and in a normal year we use about 150 Lt (approx 75kg).
 
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Now for an independent take on it. I’ve looked at doing the same but as one said above the cost far outweighed the prices I was paying for my existing usage so I didn’t bother. I tour the continent mainly for 8 weeks at a time & use campsites so despite cooking a lot I used less than 2kg a trip.

Now I understand things have changed since 8 years ago. The UK has moved away from gas at fuel stations and I understand some find it hard now to get a refill on their underslung permanent tank, including friends whose vans came with them as standard fit. One thinks it will get worse.

Then there is the issue of filling tanks like gaslow, which I understand cannot be legally refilled at UK fuel stations unless via a direct external filling point, and then this type is frowned upon by the suppliers as they are supposedly only for fuelling vehicles not the habitation fittings.

On the continent there are more fuel stations but I understand the legalities of refilling separate bottles is also illegal in many places but accept many do get away with it. I’d hate to think what the Guardia would do in Spain if they caught anyone doing something illegal with gas, which is highly regulated. In France I understand Total have banned it all together following a camper explosion on the forecourt refilling bottles.

I know many in Spain just use Spanish bottles, again generally obtained illegally at the car boot sales, as unless the rules have changed you must be a resident to purchase gas bottles there. It’s easy to buy & change the pigtail. I’m sure our Spanish resident members will correct me if I am wrong.

A lot to consider I think, hope my unbiased observations are helpful.

If it was me I think I would want the fitted under slung tank if my usage changed to be cost effective.
 
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royandsharont said:
Now for an independent take on it. I’ve looked at doing the same but as one said above the cost far outweighed the prices I was paying for my existing usage so I didn’t bother. I tour the continent mainly for 8 weeks at a time & use campsites so despite cooking a lot I used less than 2kg a trip.

Now I understand things have changed since 8 years ago. The UK has moved away from gas at fuel stations and I understand some find it hard now to get a refill on their underslung permanent tank, including friends whose vans came with them as standard fit. One thinks it will get worse.

Then there is the issue of filling tanks like gaslow, which I understand cannot be legally refilled at UK fuel stations unless via a direct external filling point, and then this type is frowned upon by the suppliers as they are supposedly only for fuelling vehicles not the habitation fittings.

On the continent there are more fuel stations but I understand the legalities of refilling separate bottles is also illegal in many places but accept many do get away with it. I’d hate to think what the Guardia would do in Spain if they caught anyone doing something illegal with gas, which is highly regulated. In France I understand Total have banned it all together following a camper explosion on the forecourt refilling bottles.

I know many in Spain just use Spanish bottles, again generally obtained illegally at the car boot sales, as unless the rules have changed you must be a resident to purchase gas bottles there. It’s easy to buy & change the pigtail. I’m sure our Spanish resident members will correct me if I am wrong.

A lot to consider I think, hope my unbiased observations are helpful.
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It is not illegal to fill at petrol stations in the UK. However, some operators don't allow it. I still think it is easier to fill than getting Calor these days. In Europe, it is illegal in some countries, but most stations owners will be happy to take your cash regardless.
 
royandsharont said:
Now for an independent take on it. I’ve looked at doing the same but as one said above the cost far outweighed the prices I was paying for my existing usage so I didn’t bother. I tour the continent mainly for 8 weeks at a time & use campsites so despite cooking a lot I used less than 2kg a trip.

Now I understand things have changed since 8 years ago. The UK has moved away from gas at fuel stations and I understand some find it hard now to get a refill on their underslung permanent tank, including friends whose vans came with them as standard fit. One thinks it will get worse.

Then there is the issue of filling tanks like gaslow, which I understand cannot be legally refilled at UK fuel stations unless via a direct external filling point, and then this type is frowned upon by the suppliers as they are supposedly only for fuelling vehicles not the habitation fittings.

On the continent there are more fuel stations but I understand the legalities of refilling separate bottles is also illegal in many places but accept many do get away with it. I’d hate to think what the Guardia would do in Spain if they caught anyone doing something illegal with gas, which is highly regulated. In France I understand Total have banned it all together following a camper explosion on the forecourt refilling bottles.

I know many in Spain just use Spanish bottles, again generally obtained illegally at the car boot sales, as unless the rules have changed you must be a resident to purchase gas bottles there. It’s easy to buy & change the pigtail. I’m sure our Spanish resident members will correct me if I am wrong.

A lot to consider I think, hope my unbiased observations are helpful.

If it was me I think I would want the fitted under slung tank if my usage changed to be cost effective.
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Have never seen seen anyone fill a gas low or similar by getting it out at the pump. Refillable systems are generally topped up by external filling points. Like many have refilled for years and never been queried or challenged. Got our money back many years ago.

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TM59 said:
Have never seen seen anyone fill a gas low or similar by getting it out at the pump. Refillable systems are generally topped up by external filling points. Like many have refilled for years and never been queried or challenged. Got our money back many years ago.
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The motorhome has underslung. However, I also have a Safefill that I use for general stuff, BBQs, scout camps, gas blowtorches etc. These don't have external fill points, but I've always been able to find somewhere that will agree to fill, although my local supplier is a gas bottle specialist, which is helpful. Last fill was at a Morrisons in Minehead.
 
Bex17 said:
We’re considering changing our exchangeable gas bottles for a refillable LPG system as we have found that we prefer wild camping over sites, and LPG is cheaper to fill. However we’re reading that it’s harder to find places to fill up at - we are in Ayrshire but camp in Argyll, Dumfries and Galloway, and hoping to get across to Spain eventually- what are your experiences?
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We're in Fife and had a Gaslow Refillable System in July. Makes offgrid stays so much easier. Only topped up once since the fitting. I still have the spare full 6kg bottle bought for £26.75 about 3 weeks before changing to refillable. The refill took as near to 6kg as makes no difference and cost us £6.39 at Morrisons in Kirkcaldy. There is also an Asda with an LPG pump at the other end of Kirkcaldy, so we have no excuse for not leaving home with 2 full tanks! We also bought the European Refill Adapters for when we eventually break out and head to France and/or Spain.

Steve
 
Lots of interesting views and information- thank you all for your input. I think an external filing point sounds like it’s the best thing, we currently have a 6kg and a 13kg Calor gas bottles and were planning on getting the same (or similar) sizes as refillable and we hadn’t actually considered a low slung tank, so we have some more decisions to make now
 
Bex17 said:
Lots of interesting views and information- thank you all for your input. I think an external filing point sounds like it’s the best thing, we currently have a 6kg and a 13kg Calor gas bottles and were planning on getting the same (or similar) sizes as refillable and we hadn’t actually considered a low slung tank, so we have some more decisions to make now
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If you can make underslung fit, it is the best choice. It isn't much more expensive than a cylinder based refill system and gets you free space freed up elsewhere.
 
Go for it. We have always had re-fillables, 17 years on 4 motorhomes.

Just make sure you have two, top up whenever you can. We have never run out of gas. From the Arctic circle of Norway, right through Western Europe.

Lowest price paid 28p litre in Luxembourg. Highest was Portsmouth 80p litre October 2029 . Even when the filling point says not for gas cylinders.,I ignore and fill.

We have loads where we are in Stockport, two in Javea. We even drive our LPG car to Spain and never had an issue finding gas.

No issues with regulators or appliances .

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My big cylinder just ran out.
Reckon I ve got a week to find LPG in Provence/Gard area and hopefully about the 50 cent rate.
Should fill up for less than 20 quid for 3 weeks use.
Can not see me ever returning to calor
 
£1 a litre by Xmas 😠
 
125BEER said:
The spanner in the works could be the rocketing gas wholesale price?
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You only need the spanner to deal with a cylinder exchange ... :LOL:. If/when gas prices continue to climb, my bet would be on exchange bottle prices rising more than for refillable systems, and the former will still be subject to the availability of full cylinders at stockists. I really would like to be wrong and see stable supply chains and prices!

Steve

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marchie said:
You only need the spanner to deal with a cylinder exchange ... :LOL:. If/when gas prices continue to climb, my bet would be on exchange bottle prices rising more than for refillable systems, and the former will still be subject to the availability of full cylinders at stockists. I really would like to be wrong and see stable supply chains and prices!

Steve
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💧🔧....👍
 
Still got 2 full bottles from before corona started , not used a drop.
 
Where are the LPG pumps in Kilmarnock?

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