Calor lite & Calor in general

We have a BP Gas light, which according to Homebase website, is still available from them as it always has been. Surely, this is no different to Calor Lite, just a different brand, although I guess one couldn't swap over an empty for a full. But at least, once swapped to BP, folk could still benefit from the lighter weight option.

The latest magazine has an article confirming the withdrawal of the Lite. No surprise that there is low demand for the Lite, considering Calor charge more to buy the cylinder in the first place and then charge more at each and every exchange. To my mind that smacks of greed. I would have changed to the Lite IF the exchange cost was the same as a standard. Does Calor have a hidden agenda for the future ?

l have two full calor lite bottles but was told that at the next change it would be the standard old bottle. Ask if calor are reimbursing the difference,  not a chance. Seems they are looking at doing an equivalent to the calor lite, bet theirs a charge

Following a query from me on the 6kg lite cylinder, Calor replied (17 July 2017) with the response below. It is what I expected but I think they trade on their near monopoly in the UK by not sorting a new replacement lightweight cylinder before reducing production of the existing, as the standard 6kg cylinders are prohibitive on weight for most touring caravans. I have also stated to them that I'll be surprised if new rental agreements (at additional cost) are not required when they do release a new lightweight cylinder. I do think the club and members should apply as much pressure to Calor as possible to ensure this, at least, is not the case.

Oh for a reasonably priced alternative!

Dave.

Calor response follows:

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Thank you for your online enquiry.

 A decision has been taken to replace the 6kg lite cylinder with another lightweight product which we plan to bring to market in the future (Expected 2018). Actual release dates, and exchangeability for current bottles is not yet determined

- There will be no ‘new’ 6kg lites entering the market in 2017 - existing cylinders in the market will continue to be available they are not being withdrawn

- To minimise customer disruption, we’ve invested heavily in standard 6’s for 2017 so there will be sufficient availability

 What this means to the customer is:

Customers returning an empty 6kg lite should be offered one in return  - If no 6kg lites are available the customer should be offered a 6kg in return

 In summary the 6KG Lite bottles are no longer being manufactured however the bottles in circulation will continue to be available.

 Kind Regards
Penny Greenway
One Shop

Herb, have you heard of Safefill? Light, refillable, can see how much gas you have left at a glance and the gas is 25% of the price of an exchange cylinder. Yes you have to buy the cylinder as it's you that owns it but if you use a reasonable amount of gas then you recoup that by the savings. Just a thought

Herb as a fellow Safefill enthusiast like Merve - may I direct you to his topic in Caravan and Motorhome chat as well as Tips for Making ..... Cheaper.  As you will see in todays post at the end of the post in C & MH chat - the figures stack up if you are going off grid. 

Am I reading into this reply an agenda to bring out a resin type bottle? Calor has never bought one out?? mmm interesting- bets now being taken!!