Thinking about getting a Safefill cylinder

Dave

I think the Club probably prefer fixed systems with an external filler. You should also be aware that not all filling stations allow the filling of stand alone cylinders so before investing I would suggest checking locally that they will allow you to fill your freestanding unit. In recent years there has been quite a growth in self fill cylinders so many outlets are getting used to filling their own cylinders.

There are quite a few people here that use refillable cylinders and I am sure they will share their experiences with you.

David

I bought a Safefill about three years ago, primarily to save weight in our last caravan.  With the present one, it's not an issue but I wouldn't go back to a standard cylinder. We are fortunate in that there is an LPG garage about 5 miles or so from home and I just make sure the Safefill's topped up before we go away. So - as DK says, having somewhere convenient to fill up is a consideration before making the investment.

Although we don't use a great deal of gas when away, I use the van as my 'mancave' when it's parked on the drive at home and often go in there in the afternoon to read and have a bit of peace! - and over the winter I've been running the heating on gas since with the Safefill, it's a lot cheaper then electricity.

I don't think I would be rushhing out to buy refillable tanks right now, it is unclear what is happening at garage retail LPG pumps. Many seem to be closing. Until it becomes clearer what is causing a shortage of LPG I would hold off making a decission.

peedee

I agree with PD. It’s getting harder to find auto gas pumps despite the search apps/websites available. Those of us with gas tanks find it difficult at times to find a refill station.

if your van can take two cylinders, why not have the best of both worlds?

where pumped LPG is available, fill the Safefill with cheap gas but keep a decent sized 'swap' bottle which can be exchanged at sites and elsewhere.

Thanks for the replies everyone :)

I'd heard it might be difficult finding somewhere that allows you to refill - there's a Morrisons nearby and I think they allow it but I'll go check first.

Having one Safefill and one standard cylinder is a great idea, thanks.

Using the caravan on the drive as a mancave too :)

I wasn't aware that Autogas pumps were being shut down - that's a worry so yeah, maybe watch and wait.

Does anyone know about using a clip-on regulator? I'm really surprised I haven't been able to find any information online about this. I'm guessing that means it's a no-no.

Dave

Safefill bottles are a screw in connection, not clip on so new connectors will be required.

We use a 10kg bottle + a small caller propane bottle as backup and use on the gas bbq.

Had the Safefill about 3 1/2 years and it's paid for itself already. Not had a problem refilling it to date.

We use a Safefill bottle in the caravan, on the fire pit table in the garden, for the Cadac both in the garden and with the caravan external gas tap.

The Safefill was obtained from https://www.somerset-safefill.co.uk where a hand wheel pigtail was standard, and a stainless steel pigtail is only a few bob. We fitted the SS to the caravan where we use a Safefill and CalorLite bottle.

The Safeill has a handwheel regulator fitted, a few bob on the bay of dreams that connects to the hose on the Fire Pit table and/or Cadac.

No difficulties getting filled.  There is a Murco station on the A303 at Winterbourne Stoke: Morrisons Cribbs Causeway, Bristol : Andys Gas Cribbs Causeway.

I invested in a Safefill cylinder some months ago so I suppose I still qualify as a newcomer.  In my experience to date I have found benefit in ease of refilling, saving in payload and, perhaps, more importantly, reassurance that I will never run out of gas.  Despite rumours to the contrary, I know that my local supplier(s) will be able to service me for as long as is necessary.  

We've done exactly the same richardandros... for exactly the same reasons.  We are not big users of gas as we usually use serviced pitches and never need to rely on just gas and solar...  I also have a couple of places where I know I can get the cylinders filled.  One is the camping store, Jacksons of Arley....  not the cheapest, but at least I can guarantee getting them filled.

David