I have a 6Kg cylinder which is connected to the van, and a 3.9Kg one as a spare.
I disconnected the big one (lesson learnt: left-hand thread!) and took it out this evening and it seems very light. Still some liquid in there when I shake it though.
I went to lift out the little one and it weighs practically nothing, so I'm going to have to go and exchange soon.
My experience so far is with the green patio gas cylinders (for BBQ's and patio heaters). It's the same propane, but you pay much more for the privilege of having it in a nice green bottle, instead of the ugly orange one! I could happily run a BBQ and heater on 2 7.5Kg cylinders for two summers, plus the heater got a lot of use in winter.
How long do the orange 6Kg cylinders generally last? I know this will vary massively, but I'm interested in your anecdotes. I don't intend visiting sites without electric, but I will probably prefer to run the hot water and heating off the gas bottle to avoid drawing too many amps. Her indoors and the kids will want the heating on often (I will not be showing them how to operate the heater though, so this will be my choice!). I would probably keep it ticking over on electric overnight if absolutely necessary.
Also, how easy is it to exchange cylinders when on a site? Do sites ever offer this? I have a lot of experience camping in tents (in a previous life), but gas wasn't something we used. Or will it be a case of having to find the nearest Calor Gas dealer?
One more question: how easy is it to get the deposit back on the little bottle? I'd be happier with two 6Kg ones as I could swap them over when the other runs out.
Thanks
Themisto-Adrastea
I disconnected the big one (lesson learnt: left-hand thread!) and took it out this evening and it seems very light. Still some liquid in there when I shake it though.
I went to lift out the little one and it weighs practically nothing, so I'm going to have to go and exchange soon.
My experience so far is with the green patio gas cylinders (for BBQ's and patio heaters). It's the same propane, but you pay much more for the privilege of having it in a nice green bottle, instead of the ugly orange one! I could happily run a BBQ and heater on 2 7.5Kg cylinders for two summers, plus the heater got a lot of use in winter.
How long do the orange 6Kg cylinders generally last? I know this will vary massively, but I'm interested in your anecdotes. I don't intend visiting sites without electric, but I will probably prefer to run the hot water and heating off the gas bottle to avoid drawing too many amps. Her indoors and the kids will want the heating on often (I will not be showing them how to operate the heater though, so this will be my choice!). I would probably keep it ticking over on electric overnight if absolutely necessary.
Also, how easy is it to exchange cylinders when on a site? Do sites ever offer this? I have a lot of experience camping in tents (in a previous life), but gas wasn't something we used. Or will it be a case of having to find the nearest Calor Gas dealer?
One more question: how easy is it to get the deposit back on the little bottle? I'd be happier with two 6Kg ones as I could swap them over when the other runs out.
Thanks
Themisto-Adrastea