French gas bottles

[keithp]

Hi,i'm going to france in a couple of weeks and want to be able to buy my gas there.
The campsite we are going to sells primagaz so that would be the ideal gas to use.
We use 6kg calor propane now and, what i want to know is what sort of adaptor do i need? and is there an adaptor that i could attach to my calor threaded nut (ie the bit that attaches to the calor bottle)to go straight onto primagaz bottle.we use one of these systems that allows 2 gas bottles to be hooked up at a time.(not sure what they are called).Any advice would be helpful

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Keith,

A safety note: You say your system allows two gas bottles to be simultaneously connected. You must always keep the same type of bottle fitted to both inputs, so you must convert both bottle positions at the same. Do not be tempted to mix UK and French bottles on the system, as there can be variations in the exact make up of the gas in the bottles.

I can’t recall what fittings the French bottles use, so you will need to find that out. But depending on what system you currently have there will be two options.

If you have a post 2004 system you will have a bulkhead mounted regulator, which is connected to the gas bottle(s) by a short high pressure gas hose known as a pig tail. If you change your gas bottle type (e.g from UK to French) the you will need to purchase two new pig tails that fit the French bottles.

If you gave regulators that mount directly to the top of the bottles, then if you are lucky you might find some adaptors, but more likely you will need to replace the whole regulator, and you may not be able to find change over unit to suit the French system.

There is a third alternative consider using camping gaz, which is widely available across Europe and in the UK, so it should be possible to get either regulators or pig tails in the UK

If in any doubt, don’t mess with it, get your gas fitter to sort it out and to test for gas soundness (leaks)

 

[TD42]

How long are you visiting france for? I find a 6 KG bottle lasts me for nearly 6 weeks (no heating use & on EHU) so 2 fresh bottles should see you ok for 6 weeks + with ease .If you Have a bulkhead regulator( If you have a twin connection I suspect you have)you may be able buy an attachment to connect to a suitable french bottle, but you will need to know the bottle thread size.
This site may be able to help http://www.gaslow.co.uk/pages/products/list_3.htm
I personaly bought the 21mm connector for use with a french bottle this simply replaces the calor connector if i need to buy gas in france . But the 27mm Le Cube connector may be a better bet as this can also be used with BP light bottles.
Gas bottles are sold at most garages & supermarkets & is very easy to obtain.& usualy very competative pricewise
another option is buy a camping gas connector & get a couple of camping gas cylinders which are available almost every where but is very expensive in comparison to other gas