Is it time to go for refillable gas tanks?

Traditionally, the gas system of a motorhome consisted of a gas cylinder that supplied energy for heating, hot water and cooking. When the cylinder runs out, it is swapped for a full one and the owner just pays for the gas. If you’ve got a cylinder at home for a bbq or patio heater, then you will already be aware that you have to rent cylinders by contract.

One of the main issues with replacing a gas cylinder is that the regulator has to be unbolted or unclipped, then the cylinder has to be unstrapped and then lifted out of its compartment. An empty 6kg propane cylinder (or a 7kg butane cylinder) typically weighs around 11kg and can weigh as much as 17kg when refilled, making it a significant weight to lift and carry. If you have to carry it any distance to swap it with a replacement, your arms will ache.

If you run out of gas for your heating and don’t have a changeover valve, you’ll have to manually swap hoses over to a second cylinder. If you don’t have a second cylinder, or it’s out of gas, then you’ll have to shiver until the retailers are open.

Gas use is heaviest during winter with the heating on (cooking and fridges use less gas), so you’re more likely to run out of gas when you need it most.

This is why it is always advisable to have two cylinders,