GASLOW GASIT OR SAFEFILL opinions

[mickymost]

A vote for Gas It here. I have two 11kg 4 hole bottles fitted in my Autotrail, and installed a filler point on each side of the vehicle, then it doesn’t matter which side of the pump you can get on.
I have plumbed both tanks to act as one big tank, so no changeover valve, and monitor the level from a digital reader mounted in the kitchen.
Could never be without it now.
The only problem you MAY encounter with a filler point inside the gas cupboard is when you are abroad, a lot of forecourt kiosk staff are relatively young, and have been instructed not to allow the refilling of exchangeable bottles. Many young folk assume that if they can SEE the bottles, they are not to turn the pump on. My command of the foreign is not good enough to argue the point with them so I have opted this time for external fillpoints, and haven’t had a problem since.
If you go onto the Gas It website GAS IT LPG and Autogas refillable gas products for motorhomes, caravans, catering, commercial and industrial use. - GAS IT Leisure Gas Bottles, Gas Cylincers and Gas Tanks - Catering, Motorhome, Campervan, Caravan, Farrier and Road Repair Refillable Gas Solutions. you can design your own system and find bottle/tank dimensions.
Initially, the cost is considerable, but you will soon recoup the cost, consider that I can fill two 11kg bottles, from empty, for around £22.... and of course it remains your property, so that if you ever sell your van, you can swap it to your new one.

Thank you Rog and good advice here.I like the way you have two fill points on your Motorhome, extra cost for pipe etc BUT as you say handy when in Petrol Station and can only get to one side.Abroad is no problem as at present other half Swmbo doesnt want to go (working on that)last time we took a motohome abroad was in 1995 way before Wildcamping was invented lol.So constant touring UK at present.As you say costly to fit BUT NO BRAINER as will pay for itself eventually.I really hate the ripoff Calor bottle refills are in price.

ps do you really have a bidet (footwash )in your Motorhome

Michael

 

[RoaminRog]

Thank you Rog and good advice here.I like the way you have two fill points on your Motorhome, extra cost for pipe etc BUT as you say handy when in Petrol Station and can only get to one side.Abroad is no problem as at present other half Swmbo doesnt want to go (working on that)last time we took a motohome abroad was in 1995 way before Wildcamping was invented lol.So constant touring UK at present.As you say costly to fit BUT NO BRAINER as will pay for itself eventually.I really hate the ripoff Calor bottle refills are in price.

ps do you really have a bidet (footwash )in your Motorhome

Michael

Yes, we really have a bidet, fitted into our Thetford toilet. Imported from Italy and way overpriced but what a luxury!

 

[mickymost]

Yes, we really have a bidet, fitted into our Thetford toilet. Imported from Italy and way overpriced but what a luxury!

Rog and the Birthday Lady

So no excuses then for walking round with dirty feet lol


Michael

 

[molly 2]

Check for lpg availability locally , if used for heating in winter the saving is huge


A crumpet is not just for breakfast .

 

[Debs]

Gas It here simply for the almost fit and forget procedure sadly though i only have room in my gas locker for 2 X 6kg bottles.

I have a manual change over system then i know exactly where i`m up to with the gas supply.

As soon as one cylinder is empty i manually change over to the other cylinder ( close one valve and open the other ) and at the first opportunity i re-fill.

That way it uses up the older gas and i`ve always plenty and never worry.

That's the same system I use, and it works. :idea-007:

 

[Harleyboygaz3]

No good as it supplys liquid from bottom where as the correct tank runs gas from top.

Cheers for that Trev, now looking at converting ours and the local campervan garage told me the same. I would have preferred the underslung system as have used them for years on cars converted to run on LPG but he said the same that it would pick up liquid as apposed to vapour and could be dangerous? Looks like I might have to go for Gas it or similar? Incidentally, I currently run 2 large Galp propane cylinders in my front locker which I assume will be similar size bottles to the Gas it type?

Gary

 

[mickymost]

Cheers for that Trev, now looking at converting ours and the local campervan garage told me the same. I would have preferred the underslung system as have used them for years on cars converted to run on LPG but he said the same that it would pick up liquid as apposed to vapour and could be dangerous? Looks like I might have to go for Gas it or similar? Incidentally, I currently run 2 large Galp propane cylinders in my front locker which I assume will be similar size bottles to the Gas it type?

Gary

Gary what size of KG are your two Galp bottles.I have an older Hymer 1993 with probably a similar size locker to yours and I have two 6kg calor propane bottles in there at present.I measured the locker and weighed it up today and dont think two 11kg Gasit or similar Gaslow or similar Safefill bottles will fit if I go down that locker bottle route in preference to underslung.
What do you think?

Michael

 

[Harleyboygaz3]

Gary what size of KG are your two Galp bottles.I have an older Hymer 1993 with probably a similar size locker to yours and I have two 6kg calor propane bottles in there at present.I measured the locker and weighed it up today and dont think two 11kg Gasit or similar Gaslow or similar Safefill bottles will fit if I go down that locker bottle route in preference to underslung.
What do you think?

Michael

Michael, the bottles I am using in my locker are 11 kg and from the Galp website says they are 32cm wide. These just fit snuggly in my S700 locker ok but not sure if your locker is same size? Haven’t checked the diameter of the Gas it ones yet but assumed they would be the same as the Galp ones? Would have prefered an underslung cylinder as I have loads of space underneath van and have a 1400kg payload. I reckon would be a cheaper option for underslung as well, pity.. Anyone else on here using an underslung cylinder that can comment on?

Gary

 

[witzend]

What size of underslung is available ok ill google and look

Tanks here
Underslung LPG Gas Tank Kit for Motorhomes - LPG Shop

Safe fill equivalent here
Refillable LPG gas 10KG - 24.5 litres composite lightweight cylinder for UK

 

[Harleyboygaz3]

Tanks here
Underslung LPG Gas Tank Kit for Motorhomes - LPG Shop

Safe fill equivalent here
Refillable LPG gas 10KG - 24.5 litres composite lightweight cylinder for UK

Thanks for that Witzend I was looking at the Lpg shop earlier and the cylinders they sell are Stako which indeed are a good manufacture,I have had several of these cylinders on various cars and 4x4’s over many years with no problems at all. Have also been doing a lot of research this evening on underslung cylinders pros and cons including someone being put off having underslung installed by a motorhome dealer. Someone pointed out to him that the dealer would be doing themselves out of profit by recommending but would be in profit by selling them a refillable bottle system ? Anyway conclusion is I think I’m going to go down the underslung route with large capacity as apposed to refillable bottle system. There seem to be lots of motorhome owners out there with this set up so surely should be no risk?

Gary

 

[phillybarbour]

GasIt for me, well priced never had any issues and filling no problems so far (7 years).

 

[mickymost]

MM, reach a decision yet on what brand and type of system?

Runnach the jury still out im still thinking what to do.Im leaning towards the gas locker refill bottles rather than underslung.Underslung I realise I could buy a really larger tank BUT the Hymer really struggles with hills i/e down to first gear on many occasions so I also am considering the weight issue on this.BUT also I want the largest refill Bottles for the locker and with my measurements I dont think a pair of 11kg bottles in any type ie safefill gasit or gaslow will fit.The old Hymer brochure I have says 11kg bottles will fit but I struggle to see that.HarleyboyGaz in Portugal on here who also has an older Hymer s700 and says he has two galp propane bottles in his locker both 11kgs.Im sure his locker will be exactly the same as mine.I dont want to fork out money and have bottles sent then find they wont fit.So a bit of a problem or not mmmm.
Bit more thought required altough I still like the idea of the safefill bottles as they seem lightweight.


Michael

 

[mickymost]

Thanks for that Witzend I was looking at the Lpg shop earlier and the cylinders they sell are Stako which indeed are a good manufacture,I have had several of these cylinders on various cars and 4x4’s over many years with no problems at all. Have also been doing a lot of research this evening on underslung cylinders pros and cons including someone being put off having underslung installed by a motorhome dealer. Someone pointed out to him that the dealer would be doing themselves out of profit by recommending but would be in profit by selling them a refillable bottle system ? Anyway conclusion is I think I’m going to go down the underslung route with large capacity as apposed to refillable bottle system. There seem to be lots of motorhome owners out there with this set up so surely should be no risk?

Gary

Gary do you struggle to climb hills in your Hymer like I do and mine is a lot shorter than yours (Motorhome I mean)lol before all the comments lol!
If so something to consider before you decide like me.

 

[Harleyboygaz3]

Gary do you struggle to climb hills in your Hymer like I do and mine is a lot shorter than yours (Motorhome I mean)lol before all the comments lol!
If so something to consider before you decide like me.

Hi Michael, yes my old Hymer does struggle a little up hills but ALWAYS gets there, maybe not as quick as most but Hey.. were not in a race, it’s all about taking our time and enjoying From trucking experience from over the years I don’t think the extra added weight would effect yours or mine in any shape or form.

 

[mickymost]

Hi Michael, yes my old Hymer does struggle a little up hills but ALWAYS gets there, maybe not as quick as most but Hey.. were not in a race, it’s all about taking our time and enjoying �� From trucking experience from over the years I don’t think the extra added weight would effect yours or mine in any shape or form.

Gary sorry to go off on a tangent but is your Hymer Manual or Automatic.If Manual like mine do you find on a steep hill going up you are constantly changing up and down thru the gears with the engine sort of screaming in the lower gear then immediately when one changes up to a higher gear one has to change down again.It sure pees off all behind me thats for sure.So I could still maybe think of an Underslung Tank like you are thinking of fitting.BTW do you know of a Scottish couple who own a long Hymer classic 1990/91? with a Peugeot Base and have owned it for I think was it 15 yearS?They bought it from Peter Hambilton who used to run Hymeruk in Preston UK.We met them in Saltburn on Sea last week and they regularly travel over winter to Portugal and spoke Of a youger guy who owns a Merc s700 and I feel it could be you.

Michael

 

[Harleyboygaz3]

Gary sorry to go off on a tangent but is your Hymer Manual or Automatic.If Manual like mine do you find on a steep hill going up you are constantly changing up and down thru the gears with the engine sort of screaming in the lower gear then immediately when one changes up to a higher gear one has to change down again.It sure pees off all behind me thats for sure.So I could still maybe think of an Underslung Tank like you are thinking of fitting.BTW do you know of a Scottish couple who own a long Hymer classic 1990/91? with a Peugeot Base and have owned it for I think was it 15 yearS?They bought it from Peter Hambilton who used to run Hymeruk in Preston UK.We met them in Saltburn on Sea last week and they regularly travel over winter to Portugal and spoke Of a youger guy who owns a Merc s700 and I feel it could be you.

Michael

Michael, mines manual as well and yes I do have to go through the gears sometimes with the engine screaming. Was out last week for a couple of days up into the Alentejo and had some pretty steep hills to get up. Luckily most had crawler lanes so no worries you just get used to it and put up with it after a while. It must be someone else with the S700 Michael not me ,I have seen another S700 once before near where I live in Tavira and was on Brit. plates. I certainly wouldn’t let it put you off fitting an underslung tank though. I’ve used mine for picking up very heavy stuff inside and on my motorcycle platform and haven’t noticed a great deal of difference in performance. Keep us posted with what you decide to do.

Gary

 

[mickymost]

Michael, mines manual as well and yes I do have to go through the gears sometimes with the engine screaming. Was out last week for a couple of days up into the Alentejo and had some pretty steep hills to get up. Luckily most had crawler lanes so no worries you just get used to it and put up with it after a while. It must be someone else with the S700 Michael not me ,I have seen another S700 once before near where I live in Tavira and was on Brit. plates. I certainly wouldn’t let it put you off fitting an underslung tank though. I’ve used mine for picking up very heavy stuff inside and on my motorcycle platform and haven’t noticed a great deal of difference in performance. Keep us posted with what you decide to do.

Gary

Gary thank you for your reply and the info on hills with your Hymer.As you say with a crawler lane one just gets out of the way and lets the other vehicles overtake.Last week we went down a steep hill then immediately had to climb another.My wife in the suicide seat i/e left hand drive and relating to her sitting position on Uk Roads,she looks at me and wonders why im letting the engine screams its guts off.As she can drive BUT WONT drive this vehicle I dont think she realises how frustrating for me it is to make the engine scream BUT theres nothing I can do.To get up the hill this is all I can do with no Turbo.So thank you for reassuring me its a common problem on an older Merc Hymer.Thank you for suggesting that the hymer wont suffer with any extra weight so my options are open again on Refill tanks and maybe an underslung tank.I want a tank with a high capacity gas contents so I can save a fortune on what I waste on Calor (rip off merchants)and want to be able to put the heater on yes that Truma fire which is efficient but is hungery for gas/fuel to run it.At present we tend to freeze when its cold outside with not having the heater on long enough to do any good which is annoying....



Michael

 

[paulhelenwilko]

Hello Mickey,

I like you have just gone through this, and I think everyone will have variations on their installation. I attach pics of what I think will work best for us.



I have gone for a single Alugas 11KG bottle. I looked at the 14Kg version but it would not fit in my Hymer locker (height wise). I have also a UK pigtail Tee'd off so I have the option to use a refillable bottle (for example going somewhere with no lpg.)

I thought 11kg bottle would be enough as we can keep 'topping up' as and when see LPG. So far I have found the Gauge on the Alugas bottle to be accurate if not a little difficult to read in the locker.

Carrying 1 LPG bottle means I have room in the locker for other essentials.

I created a spreadsheet containing dimensions etc but the excel file would not load so I have attached the PDF. For me I think the pay back will be about 3 years. However there is also the advantage in the convenience of LPG and the weight saving of the Alugas bottle.

View attachment Shared gas sizes and prices.pdf

I also opted for the flush type Filler point, as opposed to the fuel cap type. I just thought the flush type fitted better to the aluminum skirt and was more discrete. However you do have to screw in the bayonet fitting each time.

View attachment gas it filler.pdf

Paul

 

[mickymost]

Hello Mickey,

I like you have just gone through this, and I think everyone will have variations on their installation. I attach pics of what I think will work best for us.

View attachment 71058

I have gone for a single Alugas 11KG bottle. I looked at the 14Kg version but it would not fit in my Hymer locker (height wise). I have also a UK pigtail Tee'd off so I have the option to use a refillable bottle (for example going somewhere with no lpg.)

I thought 11kg bottle would be enough as we can keep 'topping up' as and when see LPG. So far I have found the Gauge on the Alugas bottle to be accurate if not a little difficult to read in the locker.

Carrying 1 LPG bottle means I have room in the locker for other essentials.

I created a spreadsheet containing dimensions etc but the excel file would not load so I have attached the PDF. For me I think the pay back will be about 3 years. However there is also the advantage in the convenience of LPG and the weight saving of the Alugas bottle.

View attachment 71059

I also opted for the flush type Filler point, as opposed to the fuel cap type. I just thought the flush type fitted better to the aluminum skirt and was more discrete. However you do have to screw in the bayonet fitting each time.

View attachment 71060

Paul

Paul thank you for your input and explaining what you have done.Im looking at your picture there and your locker does look narrower than mine but higher but I think its the way the picture is coming over i/e an optical illusion and probably the locker size is exactly the same as mine as I cant see Hymer altering the locker sizes much? I can see your alugas bottle you have removed the carrying handle so I didnt realise one could do that which may help me to fit an 11kg in my locker if a bought an Alugas also with the removable handle.I also like the fact you have mixed it up by also using a UK Pigtail to use a Calor bottle etc if need be.Is this safe? I pressume providing if you had both bottles fitted AND the calor valve was closed then when filling the refillable bottle the gas cant get into the calor bottle as being dangerous.


Michael

 

[Pudsey Bear]

Gasit every time for me, don;t foget your discount code