Unusual Spanish gas problem

Blue yonder

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I think my problem is unusual as i have a Spanish campervan with Spanish Butane gas bottles with regulator on the bottle. I am returning to the UK in January and i want to be able to use a British propane bottle.
In the past with my British built van i have used an adapter from the bulkhead regulator to the Spanish bottle but I can't seem to find a solution to work in reverse.I'm hoping someone can help.
regards
John
 
Thanks for your reply Markd. I have seen regulators for sale but not being too technically minded, I wondered if these would be safe (or indeed legal) in a van as they appear to be connected simply to the hose by a jubilee clip (as far as I can see).
I guess, I'm just a bit wary as the set up I had before, when using Spanish bottles in a British van utilised a sturdy hose with brass connections to attach to the bottle adaptor and regulator on the van wall.
 
If all that appears to be a regulator is directly connected to your bottle then the hose/pipework disappears into the van it probably is a regulator and then a jubilee clip will do the job as its low pressure after the regulator. But I've one of these which is Only a on Off switch between bottle and regulator Not a Regulator but a lot of people mistake it for one the hose from this is HP and goes to the regulator fixed to the gas cabinet. Your in for a shock if you've never bought english gas after Spanish prices
8.jpgha118k-2.jpg
Switch &*************& Regulator
 
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Thanks Witzend, it's becoming clearer now. I didn't realise the pipe was low pressure after the regulator (i did say, I wasn't too technically minded). This explains why the pipework in my Spanish van doesn't look as chunky as my old Brit van.
So... If i understand correctly, I can attach a UK regulator with a jubilee clip to the low pressure hose for my UK propane bottle and then i can attach my Butane (on/off) adaptor to this when using my Spanish bottle?
 
Blue yonder said:
Thanks Witzend, it's becoming clearer now. I didn't realise the pipe was low pressure after the regulator (i did say, I wasn't too technically minded). This explains why the pipework in my Spanish van doesn't look as chunky as my old Brit van.
So... If i understand correctly, I can attach a UK regulator with a jubilee clip to the low pressure hose for my UK propane bottle and then i can attach my Butane (on/off) adaptor to this when using my Spanish bottle?
Click to expand...
Be aware there are different connectors on butane and propane bottles
 
Blue yonder said:
So... If i understand correctly, I can attach a UK regulator with a jubilee clip to the low pressure hose for my UK propane bottle and then i can attach my Butane (on/off) adaptor to this when using my Spanish bottle?
Click to expand...
NO not if your Spanish adaptor is just a on / off this would indicate that here is a regulator in line
Before doing any thing you need to be sure what Your Spanish bottle attachment is either a Regulator OR a on / off adaptor as both look very much alike.
can you post a photo of your bottle in position in the van showing hose exiting cabinet I've added picture above that show a regulator now
 
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I'll try and get a photo uploaded tomorrow.
Currently i have a Spanish bottle with a proper spanish regulator on the bottle (I think its 28 -30mbar IIRC). Low pressure hose in the cabinet without a wall mounted regulator but that's not the issue.
The problem starts when i return to the UK in January. I intend or want to have one spanish bottle and one UK bottle in the van and don't like the idea of unscrewing and screwing a jubilee clip on the hose everytime i change the bottle, depending on what country I'm in.
As per your earlier answer, it sounds like i can have the UK regulator permanently attached and when in Spain i will attach the on/off adaptor (not a regulator) for the Spanish bottle.
 
Screenshot_20201217-183724.jpg

This is what i am thinking i can fit permanently and then when I'm in Spain i can attach the butane on/off adaptor to this
 
Picture will be best to be sure
You can buy a tee piece to join the low pressure feeds from both bottles.
That way you can swap from one to the other.
Personally I would leave the Spanish connected until it runs out then just connect your new British bottle, regulator and pipe to the fixed copper pipe in the locker.
Then you are into a simple swap each time the UK bottle runs out.
You do remember how much more expensive UK gas is don't you?
Are you coming back permanently or just for a holiday (in the winter?) If not that long get full Spanish and bring a spare or two!
 
Markd said:
Picture will be best to be sure
You can buy a tee piece to join the low pressure feeds from both bottles.
That way you can swap from one to the other.
Personally I would leave the Spanish connected until it runs out then just connect your new British bottle, regulator and pipe to the fixed copper pipe in the locker.
Then you are into a simple swap each time the UK bottle runs out.
You do remember how much more expensive UK gas is don't you?
Are you coming back permanently or just for a holiday (in the winter?) If not that long get full Spanish and bring a spare or two!
Click to expand...

Butane is a bad choice for a British Winter. On cold days it will not gasify.
 
Quite agree - Brain not in gear at all!

I had completely forgotten that van is currently running Butane.
No point in bringing extra or swapping existing.
 
Thanks guys, didn't know about the t-piece.. something else for me to research but really glad it's looking possible
Cheers
John
 
Blue yonder said:
View attachment 90033


This is what i am thinking i can fit permanently and then when I'm in Spain i can attach the butane on/off adaptor to this
Click to expand...

I missed this post on the way through.
Yes this is a propane adaptor so you were ahead of us in choosing the right fuel.
Personally I don't think it's worth paying extra for the gauge the vapour pressure in the cylinder is more a factor of the temperature than volume - although it does give you some warning when getting pretty low.
You'll be lucky to get any flow worth talking about with Butane on Jan.
So as I say hardly worth putting a tee piece in which would have to be connected to a bottle to be sure of no leakage.
Unless you have have room for 2 UK bottles and then you can just switch over when runs out.
 
I've had lots of good helpful info here today, so thank you to everyone that contributed.
To help paint the picture, there's very little chance of me using the Butane in the UK in January... Other than me getting to a supplier to buy propane and a regulator. Unfortunately i have to bring my Butane with me because i have nowhere to store it. When i go back to Spain later in the year, it will be to a different address.
 
Markd said:
Picture will be best to be sure
You can buy a tee piece to join the low pressure feeds from both bottles.
That way you can swap from one to the other.
Personally I would leave the Spanish connected until it runs out then just connect your new British bottle, regulator and pipe to the fixed copper pipe in the locker.
Then you are into a simple swap each time the UK bottle runs out.
You do remember how much more expensive UK gas is don't you?
Are you coming back permanently or just for a holiday (in the winter?) If not that long get full Spanish and bring a spare or two!
Click to expand...
Missed this message earlier Markd.
I'm afraid I am aware of UK prices but I'm coming back for an extended trip (several months). The van will be packed pretty full and i won't have space for extra bottles. I'll have one butane in the cupboard with space for a propane when i get it. I travel back and forward a few times a year and find it easier having one of each which i can get replaced in each country.
obviously the travelling part was easier with my British van before ****** but hey ho, that's life I guess.
 
Don't forget any connections you loosen then tighten should be checked for possible leaks.
 
If you have to take on bottle rental cost and exchange costs you may find it more beneficial to look at refillable bottle cost if heavy user you could use a 6kg bottle in under a week here quite easily - and you could certainly get most of your money back if you decided to sell it
Calor 6kg prices
6kg Propane price:
New bottle: £63.44. Refill: £23.45.*
 
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Sounds like locker is big enough for a couple of decent sized bottles.
But yes depending on expected usage a freestanding refillable might make sense.
Might work on autogas in Spain as well.
 
Markd said:
Might work on autogas in Spain as well.
Click to expand...
It will work anywhere with fill adaptors - really down to factoring in costs but residual value of a refillable will almost certainly be better than exchange costs and refill prices - you could probably get a propane bottle from amenity tip but rules have tightened and certain sizes are more desirable - the 13kg + you almost have to pay to get rid of it - could give him a 47kg and still has propane in it i think
 
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