Refillable gas bottle dilema

jennyc replied on 08/07/2020 02:15

Posted on 08/07/2020 02:15

We recently needed to replace the 13kg Patio gas bottle which we use for our BBQ at home. Calor’s RRP is £42.50, but the first place that I visited wanted £50 for an exchange. A number of phone calls on my part clarified that many outlets had run out, including Calor themselves, and all were charging more than the RRP. Additionally, since it has become clear that Calor has no intention of exchanging our CalorLite bottles for an upgraded replacement, we are facing increasing difficulty in supplies, as time passes. We’d like to break out of Calor’s stranglehold and switch to a refillable system. Our frequent use of basic sites, without electricity, makes the thought of a fixed installation which requires the caravan to be taken to a forecourt, unappealing. So a removable bottle sounds like what we need - except lots of LPG equipped garages won’t supply gas to them. Now it’s got worse because companies like BP are withdrawing Autogas supplies due to reducing demand brought about by electric vehicles. That means fewer and more widely distributed availability in the future. Switching to an Autogas system involves a capital outlay which could traditionally be recouped, over time, through lower gas prices. But faced as we are, with growing difficulties with supplies, that may not be as practical as it first seems. Do any of our members see a bright side to the dilemma?

ADP1963 replied on 17/07/2020 20:52

Posted on 17/07/2020 20:52

 I don't buy Bananas Green or Yellow Cyberyacht, as I find they block my Propane Gas pipe up..................they are a devil to liquefy and pressurise.

DaveCr replied on 10/08/2020 19:31

Posted on 10/08/2020 19:31

I have been using the 10kg plastic bottles for some years.  However, every time I take my caravan in for it's service my dealer tells me these are not suitable for caravans and are designed for patios only.  He says that their height means the gas pipe has to go 'uphill' to the bottle which can result in problems with the regulator (I've never had a problem).  The CAMC guidance still talks about using them so I am confused - should I be using them or not?

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