Gaslow LPG system in caravan

[Matt-]

Has anyone installed a Gaslow LPG system in their caravan? We are planning a long trip in Europe soon and thought LPG might be the answer so we can fill up at petrol stations on the continent (I know we'll need adapters in some places).

The cost is about £800 for a twin 11kg bottle solution so not cheap, but refills will be cheaper and convenience obviously good.

Any pros and cons I need to think about?

Thanks.

 

[Mike_374351805]

Hi. I bought from Safefill two years ago and am very satisfied with the cylinder. You can see how much is left ( by nudging the cylinder) and refilling is easy. The supplier refunded my £60 deposits for my calorlites and so it cost me £90 and has almost paid for itself. Yes, you will need adapters which are easily available. You do not need two cylinders and you do not return any exchange cylinders with gas left inside any more. I am surprised this system does not get the support I think it should. Both clubs in their magazines have almost ignored Safefill and I'm not sure PC really wants to see it approved. But that is just my opinion. One article I read not sure which publication actually vilified anyone who wanted to refill at a filling station. It is no less safe than refilling a vehicle converted to LPG.
Hope this helps, Mike.

 

[ProfJohnL]

................... One article I read not sure which publication actually vilified anyone who wanted to refill at a filling station. It is no less safe than refilling a vehicle converted to LPG.
Hope this helps, Mike.

Hello Mike,

The filling of portable gas cylinders is the filling station operator may not be insured for them as they do pose an increased risk of incident. The properly installed systems in vehicles have safety systems that prevent overfilling. Unfortunately some of the portable cylinder have had a chequered history regarding the accuracy of filling gauges. Overfilled cylinders pose a risk of hydraulic splitting if the prescribed vapour volume is abused.

 

[Mike_374351805]

Hi Prof. Thanks for the reply with which I agree wholeheartedly. Safety is paramount. However, the Safefill cylinder is fitted with a shut-off valve so that the cylinder is not overfilled. The connectors used to fill are identical to those used on a vehicle lpg modification, otherwise filling would be impossible. As the filling process is 'sealed' there is less chance of fumes escaping than when filling up at a petrol or diesel pump on a conventional vehicle.
All processes when followed correctly are fool-proof but unfortunately not idiot-proof.
We recently camped near Ashbourne and a caravan arrived one evening and I noticed two Calorlites in the front locker. Next morning these were replaced with a single Gaslow cylinder. Being nosey I sauntered over and we chatted. Seems that this was a new van and the owner had just ordered a Gaslow extension kit to replace the one he had left installed in his old van. I do not know nor did I ask about his experience and competence with regard to fitting the extension kit. I believe qualifications are required to carry this out. I may be wrong.
At least with the Safefill it can be swapped between vans and is a one-off cost. Nor does it involve any extra connections which Gaslow does i.e. the extension pipe from cylinder to side panel filling point.
One minor point is that some filling stations are not equipped to take car and caravan particularly on the continent. I have had to unhitch the van and leave my wife on guard duty while I fill the car a few times but this is obviously not the norm. One can leave the van on site and take the Safefill with you when it needs filling.
These points are of course my own opinion but I am very happy with my Safefill for all the reasons I have stated. It is also subject to 10 year testing. Things can go wrong as with the Calorlite recall but that's another story.
Regards, Mike.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Prof. ............
All processes when followed correctly are fool-proof but unfortunately not idiot-proof...............

Hello Mike,

That sentence is a bit of an oxymoron . Clearly if something can be fooled by an 'idiot' it's not 'fool proof' That detail aside, whilst I am not specifically referring to the Safefill cylinders as there are and have been other cylinders available to buy. It is the safety devices that have on occasions proven to be ineffective on some portable cylinders. Possibly due to the potential for damage through miss-handling I do accept it is fairly rare but far from unknown.

There is no doubting that an LPG spill has very serious consequences, The gas regulations make it illegal to permit a spillage of gas, so every care must be taken to prevent spillage, and to be able to handle it if one were to occur. For example as LPG is heavier than air any spillage will collect at the lowest point and represent a major fire or explosion risk. If the geography of the site increases the risk of pooling, a licence or insurance to fill portable cylinders is less likely to granted.

. There is al

 

[MichaelE]

I think the Gaslow components make DIY installation pretty simple, although i have noticed this info on a suppliers website?
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL GAS APPLIANCES MUST BE INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED GAS SAFE GAS ENGINEER. IF APPLIANCE IS
DIY INSTALLED THE GAS INSTALLATION MUST BE INSTALLED BY A COMPETENT PERSON & INSPECTED FOR SAFETY BY A GAS SAFE ENGINEER BEFORE
Does this apply when you just change the pigtails on a normal setup?

The Gaslow system can be moved from one van to another quite easily.
I think the safefill is a good idea, but you have to do your sums and see how much gas you use as to see if its cost effective?
If garages dont let you fill it you are a bit stuffed, i have seen them on site but they all tend to have a 6kg as back up? tends to defeat the reason for a refillable cylinder?

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Michael,

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use Regulations) (GSIAUR) require that all domestic and industrial gas systems are installed by a competent GasSafe registered fitter. I happen to think that is very sound advice, however there is an anomaly that specifically states private caravans and motorhome can do not need to comply with the GSIAUR which I think is absolutely stupid as caravan are subject to fa more stress than other systems and therefore have the greater potential to fail.
Despite that let off the Health and Safety side of things still require ALL (including caravan etc) must be safe to prevent danger to persons, which means that can only be confirmed by a register fitter who carries out the necessary checks.
If you can find a registered fitter who will check your system and issue a cert of conformance when they have not actually done the fitting then good on you. I know that I would not have done it when I had the ticket.

What price peace of mind? And someone with liability insurance for when it does go pearshaped.