Change from Butane to Propane

[C_374479958]

Hi, I have decided to change to Propane (red) and asked my wife to change the bottle and also buy the different pipe so I can connect the new bottle to my existing bulkhead (2008) mounted 30mB regulator.

The dealer has told my wife I don't need a pipe and sold her a new regulator........

Who is correct?

PS I'm at home painting and she has gone shopping.

 

[joeby]

you dont need a regulator ,you just need a propane pigtail,

 

[Mikey1]

By the sound of it the dealer thinks you do not have a bulkhead regulator and has supplied a std propane regulator thats fits onto the bottle.

The bulkhead regulators are ok for butane and propane.

Take it back and explain all you need is a propane pigtail.

If he has sold you a new bulkhead regulator he is wrong.

 

[C_374479958]

Thank you for your quick replies, you have confirmed what I thought was correct.

 

[ALH]

As a matter of interest did you have to pay an an extra charge on top of the refill cost when you changed?

Thanks,

Al

 

[C_374479958]

Not sure, I'll speak to her indoors when she gets back in doors!

 

[valleyboy1]

As a matter of interest did you have to pay an an extra charge on top of the refill cost when you changed?

Thanks,

Al

i changed from butane to propane in the summer at no extra cost just a straight swap.

 

[C_374479958]

Hi Al, the price was

 

[ALH]

Thanks very much for the info. I'll try my local outlet and hope I can change my 4.5 kg Butanes for 6 kg Propane. Might be disappointed though I fear.

Thanks again,

Al

 

[C_374479958]

Sorry Al, it was

 

[joeby]

Hi Al, the price was

 

[C_374479958]

Hi Joby, the bottle fits in fine with about 2 inches to spare, plays havoc with the nose weight though.

 

[Gafferbill]

.... I use a Calor propane 13kg cylinder in the front locker as it makes the gas cheaper to buy.

Due to the weight I would advise fixing very securely..... mine is secured with a chain at its base and top.

It is also placed centrally over the A frame chassis so that the weight is fully supported.

This central position is also highly desirable for the caravans towing stability.

 

[Lutz]

Placing the cylinder centrally over the A frame for reasons of stability is based on the assumption that the wheel load on each side is evenly distributed, which it often isn't. It may be preferable to place the cylinder on the side with less weight on the wheel.

 

[Gafferbill]

...not if the cylinder is in the front locker, well forward of the lighter loaded wheel.

In this position it exerts a turning moment, which is biased to one side of the caravan.

If the cylinder was much closer or above the lighter loaded wheel then I would agree.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hey lets not argue on this point!

Bill you are correct when you point out that the mass of the gas bottle will create a turning moment, but you didn't say around which fulcrum. In this instant it will be around the tow hitch, and the reaction at the main wheels will be much smaller due to the difference in the lever lengths. A bottle weighing 20Kg at 1M from the hitch will only produce an additional axle load of about 5Kg at 4m from the hitch to the axle. If it were on the centreline of the caravan that is only 2Kg per main wheel.

Lutz is also right, as if the bottle were moved to the edge of the caravan, it will produce asymmetric load on the main wheels but of no more than about 5Kg.

In both cases there will be an effect but in reality its not going to massive and I doubt if on its own its going to have any noticeable effect on stability.

 

[Gafferbill]

Hey lets not argue on this point!

Bill you are correct when you point out that the mass of the gas bottle will create a turning moment, but you didn't say around which fulcrum. In this instant it will be around the tow hitch, and the reaction at the main wheels will be much smaller due to the difference in the lever lengths. A bottle weighing 20Kg at 1M from the hitch will only produce an additional axle load of about 5Kg at 4m from the hitch to the axle. If it were on the centreline of the caravan that is only 2Kg per main wheel.

Lutz is also right, as if the bottle were moved to the edge of the caravan, it will produce asymmetric load on the main wheels but of no more than about 5Kg.

In both cases there will be an effect but in reality its not going to massive and I doubt if on its own its going to have any noticeable effect on stability.

John ..... I always try not to hijack other people's posts with deep technical argument unless that was what the OP wanted.

Having carried a 13kg Calor gas bottle in the front locker for many years I offered safety advice based on my practical experience.

In fact I carry a 6kg bottle if that will suffice for that trip.

I did not go into potential problems with nose weight or the strength of the front locker floor to name but two.

My background in the road transport industry has taught me to think safety, again by practical experience.