We're having trouble getting a lightweight red 6k bottle exchanged, been told the lightweight bottles are not getting refilled.
As the initial outlay for the lighter weight bottles is more, feel reluctant to chop it in for the normal type. Can probably get by this year as it's our spare that needs refilling/exchanging, just started a new full bottle.
We're in Essex, anyone else having problems with Gas?
------------- "Close your eyes and pretend it's all a dream, that's how I get by"
Calor Lite bottles are getting refilled as my local garden center is managing to do a decent turnover of them.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
I thought the Calor-Lite bottles were being withdrawn? I bought a 7kg Calor butane refill at the beginning of the month from Go Outdoors Harlow, but I don't know what else they had in stock.
New Calor Lite cylinders were no longer produced after IIRC 2017 after Calor found significant numbers with faults during refill inspections, ALL cylinders in circulation are old cylinders from pre 2017.
On each refill the cylinders are inspected and damaged/faulty ones removed from the supply chain, it stands to reason that after 4 years of no new cylinders the old stock is going to be depleted and will continue to diminish, so they will become rarer and rarer until Calor probably decide to discontinue them altogether!
On top of that, there is a general shortage of bottled Propane/Butane, especially in the most popular sizes used by campers, as both cylinder demand has increased along with boom in caravan/MH sales and camping in general during Covid, and Calor's gas supplies have been reduced from I believe the Netherlands. All brands of Propane/Butane supply seem to have suffered to some degree, with regional differences being reported. Calor has run an advertising campaign asking for unused cylinders to be returned to them to try and counter the shortage, £10 Go Outdoor vouchers being offered for returned cylinders.
Calor promised that a replacement 'Lite' cylinder was in development way back when the old style cylinder stopped being manufactured, but there has be no update, and after 4 years I wouldn't hold my breath that it will even happen now! Calor seemed to have virtually stopped talking about 'Lite' cylinders altogether on their web site! Sadly could well be that the 'Lite' cylinder will disappear altogether in the not too distant future!
There are alternatives by way of the Flowgas Light (formerly BP Light) 'plastic' cylinders in 5Kg and 10kg sizes, albeit at a higher per Kg gas price than Calor. You will of course need the appropriate/different clip on cylinder connector, AND pigtail hose (Butane thread style).
Rumour mill suggests that gas refills can often be found in builders merchants and boat chandlers etc. where caravan/camping outlets have no supply, but I doubt Lite cylinders will be too easy to find there as the weight demands are less critical for those outlets normal users.
I got a 6kg Calor propane exchange from Sibbons plant hire which is on the main road between Arlesford & Colchester. If you are anywhere near give them a ring.
I exchanged a standard bottle but they did have a couple of full lite bottles.
That's the reason why I swapped from Calorlite to BP gaslight (Flo-gas) this year as I was having difficulty obtaining refills from stockists. I had to travel 22 miles (one way) to purchase the last one in stock but then found I had a Flo-gas stockist just 1 mile away who always has several BP gaslight cylinders in stock. It's a bit more expensive but it's swings and roundabouts really as to whether I pay the extra fuel costs travelling to get Calorlite bottles or pay more for a BP Gaslight bottle locally. It cost £40 for 2 empty BP gaslight bottles but managed to sell both my 2 empty Calorlite cylinders the same day for 50 quid on Facebook Marketplace.
Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 22/9/2021
We have a 7.5kg Safefill bottle that we have refilled at various places across the country. A refill from almost empty costs us about £7.
I looked into Safefill in 2019. I didn't opt for it since the number of places where you could refill them seemed few and far between.
There are separate threads on Safefill, I'm pretty sure supply has been discussed in some of them.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
We have been using a 10kg Safefill for about 4 years. Our local garage allows refills with LPG around 69p a litre.
Average refill cost around £11 from virtually empty. Semi transparent bottle allows for easy checks on amount of gas left and you don't have to wait for it to be completely empty before topping up.
Big bear at the moment is the number of garages taking out the LPG pump but there are other sources around that will happily fill them.
I agree with Dave and Cyn's comments. We also have Safefill 10kg bottle. Not cheap, but in the 4 years it has paid for itself twice over.
We usually fill up at Morrisons Wrexham, or a garage in Welshpool. We have topped up in France and Germany. On 5 week plus trips we carry a 6kg calor as backup. A full bottle usually lasts us just over 5 weeks.
No more bad backs as they are so light.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Anyone having problems getting gas?
via mobile 21/9/2021 at 9:01am
