Caravan gas types

What is liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG?

LPG is a by-product of the oil-refining industry. Burnt off and considered a nuisance when first discovered, it took a while to realise its potential as a valuable energy source.

LPG is a viable, transportable fuel. It can be kept as a liquid in a pressurised container, which means it can store a lot of energy in a small space.

Butane v propane

In the UK, caravan gas is either propane or butane, with Calor typically regarded as the most popular gas brand among caravanners. Butane gas bottles are blue, and propane gas bottles are red.

At the time of writing, the RRP for a 7kg Calor butane refill is £36, whereas a 6kg propane refill is £32. However, as butane generally lasts 12% longer than propane, it is cheaper to use. That said, most caravanners choose propane due to its usable temperature range.

Cold temperatures affect both gas types, with butane remaining usable down to -2°C. However, propane gases as low as -42°C, making it an excellent gas choice for caravanners who tour year-round.

Refillable caravan gas bottles

Refillable LPG gas bottles can save sizeable sums of money if you use gas appliances regularly. As a guide, 1.96 litres of LPG weighs 1kg, which means a 6kg propane gas bottle contains approximately 11.76 litres of gas.

At the time of writing, LPG is 99.9p per litre at the pump, which means a 6kg refill would cost £11.74. A 6kg Calor propane exchange is £32.

Several brands are available, but I'll focus on the leading contenders:

Safefill

Safefill launched its direct-fill (you fill straight from an LPG pump at a fuel station), lightweight, glass-fibre, see-through range in 2011. These are not rental cylinders. Instead, the user buys and owns the system.

They have several safety features, including overfill protection (all gas cylinders should only be filled to 80% to allow for expansion), a check valve that stops accidental gas release, and a pressure release valve. They meet ISO standards.

While these cylinders can be legally filled at petrol station LPG pumps, they need a gas safety check at ten years old. The check ensures the safety features are replaced and continue to be reliable. Safefill doesn't require specialist installation.

Gaslow

Gaslow has been around for several years and is mainly known for its custom-fitted, self-refillable gas systems in motorhomes and caravans.

Gaslow manufactures a direct-fill steel cylinder. It is not see-through but has a gauge and is built to the R67 automotive standard for ‘tanks mounted in a vehicle propelled by LPG’.

Gaslow bottles have a handle for lifting. They, too, need a safety check every ten years.

Can any gas bottles be refilled?

A big problem in the world of LPG is the illegal filling of rental gas cylinders using adaptors purchased on the internet. Not only is this practice extremely dangerous, it is also illegal. On occasion, attendants have been instructed to stop anyone from filling gas cylinders at the pump, making it difficult for those who use legitimate and safe refillable cylinders.

No safeguards are built into rental cylinders, and they remain the property of the supplying company.

Where can I refill a refillable gas bottle?

Looking for LPG in the UK?

• AutogasApp: Liquid Gas UK, the governing body for the UK LPG trade association, created this website
• Fill LPG: This website is updated by users and contains various nuggets of information such as price, opening hours, etc.

Looking for LPG outside of the UK?

myLPG is a popular resource for caravanners travelling abroad. The website has a route planner and a list of LPG stations for each country.

What can caravan gas be used for?

Caravan heaters

A caravan is self-reliant with a charged 12V leisure battery and a full gas bottle or two. Heating systems, such as those from Truma and Alde, are designed to use electricity, gas, or a combination of both.

If you'd like the heating to warm the inside of your caravan in double-quick time, select both gas and electric.

The water heater also benefits from faster heating when used on gas, or gas and electric. If you forgot to set the timer for a morning shower, using gas as a whole or partial energy source will guarantee a warm shower in no time.

Caravan cookers

The hob, grill, and oven are likely to be gas-powered. Even if you have a dual-fuel hob, three of the four burners are likely to be gas. Gas is a great way to cook when instant heat is preferable.

Buying caravan gas

The type of gas you require depends on the type of bottle you have. If you have a rental bottle from Calor or Flogas, for example, stockists can be found on their respective websites.

Caravanners using a refillable bottle can top up at a service station with LPG at the pump.

Many campsites offer an exchange service for visitors, with Calor being popular at the campsites I've visited.

Caravan gas regulators

Caravan gas regulators are fitted between the gas bottle and your caravan's gas system, reducing the cylinder pressure to the working pressure of the appliances.

Little to no maintenance is required, but they can deteriorate over time. Problems can be caused by substandard gas quality or gas pipes/pigtails deteriorating and blocking the regulator.

If a regulator stops working and cuts the gas supply, replacing the unit and the pigtail is best practice.

FAQ

When should a caravan gas hose be changed?

Gas hoses should be replaced every five years, but a few exceptions exist. Truma hoses, for example, may have a ten-year lifespan, but if there's any doubt, always change your caravan gas hose within five years.

Butane or propane for a caravan?

Propane is the preferred choice for caravanners who travel year-round as it gases at temperatures as low as -42C. Butane is a popular choice, but propane is the best bet if you're a four-season explorer.

What size Calor gas bottle for a caravan?

The most popular sizes are 7kg butane or 6kg propane. Older caravans may require smaller bottles. Gas bottle size for propane or butane gas is usually dictated by gas locker dimensions.

How much gas does a caravan fridge use?

Many variables exist, such as ambient temperature and fridge size, but an approximate figure is between 250g and 450g per 24-hour period.

What colour gas bottle for a caravan?

The gas bottle colour depends on the gas type chosen. Butane is blue; propane is red.

Final thoughts

Gas is a fantastic, versatile fuel for caravanners, and the gas type chosen will likely be influenced by convenience, cost and your gas consumption.

Caravanners who always use electric hook-ups may appreciate the convenience of a ubiquitous rental brand like Calor and be prepared to pay extra for that convenience. Heavier users quickly save money by using a refillable tank.

I hope the information provided will help you make an informed decision about how to use gas in your caravan. We all have differing requirements and priorities, but whichever type you choose, here's to safer and happier caravanning.