We're considering changing our gas bottles to the refillable gaslow bottles and was wondering if anyone else has changed over to this system, would love to hear any ideas or comments on this before we go ahead and change
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
We purchased a 2 year old van recently and that has already been converted to refillable gas. I'm not sure I can say too much about it as we haven't had much chance to try it out. However, what I will say is if you get it fitted it is worth investing in stainless steel hoses rather than rubber ones. There is a known problem with rubber ones leaching an oily substance that eventually means your gas will suddenly not work and you need a new regulator.
The person who had our van from new was very sure he wanted refillable gas as his motorhome used LPG. We have 2 x 11kg bottles twinned and his judgement was that should easily last us a week (but obviously it all depends on how much gas you use). When you fill up both cylinders are filled and then you use one bottle first and then when empty turn it off and turn the other cylinder on. The gauge will tell you when you are running low. There appear to be more and more LPG filling stations around the country, although there will always be areas where there are non, so it is best to always make sure the system is kept topped up.
I've asked about refillable systems before and didn't get many responses; most likely because not many people have it installed. Let's see what your questions gets.
One final comment, our recent contact with Gaslow, due to the regulator needing to be replaced, was excellent. The most helpful people I have come across recently.
thanks Jane for the reply it was very helpful. We think it'll be something we'll do next year because after the initial outlay it will save us money and seen as we use more gas by going on rallies it sounds a good idea to us
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
I am looking into fitting a single bottle system into my 2008 Swift Challanger. As the 'van is still under warranty i have been told by my dealer that i will invalidate the warranty if the filler is fixed through the body of the 'van, my thinking is now too use a bracket and fit the filler inside the front locker?
Is there anyone who has under taken this as a project?
And if so did you encounter any difficulties and or have you any tips?
I studied fitting a Gaslow refillable system to my caravan.
What stopped me going further was the difficulty in finding suitably accessible LPG pumps with a caravan in tow. Certainly on the routes we use locally and would therefore be our routine source of gas. I could uncouple and locate the van using the mover but the idea was to make life easier not more difficult.
You can find readily accessible LPG outlets but you really need to know a convenient local refilling place rather than gamble on finding one when you need it.
With a motorhome of course you have much greater manoeuvrability so this aspect is not an issue for them.
Thank you both for posts, I will take on board the issue of local re-fills, as there is an LPG outlet close to where i store my 'van and I may be able to use this facility.
On the subject of cost i find it amazing at how much the calor re-fill costs and how much gas you really get in the bottle, and at almost £20 for a 6kg re-fill, I am finding it more and more of a rip off, hence looking into the gaslow system.
Whilst researching and looking at loads of web sites i have come across this company who's prices seem to be very fair even with the dreaded VAT!
www.gasproducts.co.uk
I recently fitted a gaslow system of a single 6kg cylinder, and of course all the associated pipework.
The actual fitting was straight-forward but for having to find a suitable point on the van. Warrenty wasn't an issue for me and so I eventually fitted it to the lip of the caravan locker. This feels quite secure, its sheltered and I haven't had to drill through the body of the caravan. (Sorry I don't have a picture.) I considered the bracket approach but struggled to find a suitable fixing point which would give enough clearance for the filling hoses.
Finding LPG doesn't seem to be a major problem. I live in Worcestershire and there are several garages which do LPG. If I can drive on to fill with the car with fuel, I can fill the van with gas. The first fill is a little confusing but it gets better. I think I saved about £10 over buying a replacement cylinder. I don't anticipate getting back the costs of the fittings but its worth it for the convenience. I shouldn't have to run out before refilling in future.
I only fitted the one cylinder, I have the option to add a second later but I would hope I can keep the one suitably topped up. I think a great deal depends on the kind of touring you do. We often have electricity and we rarely stay too long on any site, and so pass regularly pass garages.
I can see your point that at those costings and using, say two refills a year it would take 25 re-fills to break even, that's taking into prices stay as they are.
So it would therefore take twelve and a half years before I would start too gain.
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: Gaslow
