Thinking about getting a Safefill cylinder

Its gone the other way round here Shell appear to be selling it again and I do not think BP have ever stopped selling it..

peedee

I've been using a refillable for five years now and have always found LPG without too much of a detour on my travels to refill. Earlier this year I bought a second cylinder so when one is empty I swap cylinders and refill when I next pass a place that sells it.

Putting aside the refill issues does anyone know if Safefill bottles have a regime for checking to see if they are fit for purpose? I know Calor bottles are checked after being returned for recharging. Also, those onboard refillable tanks AutoSleeper are fitting are they checked when your motorhome goes in for its annual habitation check?

I don't know about fixed tanks but gas bottles are certified for 10 years. I think fixed tanks may be the same. I often wonder about the harsh environment under a van and the effect on steel that does not pertain to bottles in lockers.

Ten years seems a very long time but agree with the underslung tank concern, anyone know if these are checked at a specific hab service?

I presume safefill have a service for their customers.

As far as I'm aware, the answer is No.  They say it is not economical to retest.  At the end of the 10 year period, the advice is to dispose of the bottle and replace it with a new one..

David

Thanks David. Slightly worrying, particularly with those underslung tanks which owners may never see their condition or even know what to look for! Mine had a metal protective plate over part of the tank and it’s integral gauge which fell off….luckily on my drive. I didn’t know where it had come from, looked all over the van until I thought tank as that was nearest to where it fell.I was extremely lucky. Much struggling under van and peering unknowingly into relative darkness. Would never have known if it had dropped off somewhere on my travels. Still to this day don’t know why and how this happened.

Also wonder how many of these portable tanks just get sold on to folk unaware of the 10 years ‘suggested’ replacement.

I also wonder why this tank has an integral gauge which I’m convinced that the vast majority of the owners are totally unaware of. I can ‘see’ now why there is a need to cover it against flying stones though but why is it there in the first place all hidden away out of sight?

That's one of the things that puts me off a fixed tank. With Safefill, you can visually check gas level with a quick scrutiny of the translucent cylinder, quite apart from the adverse environment that prevail with underslung tanks notwithstanding the gain of an unused outside gas locker. They're cheaper and lighter than underslung as well.