Refillable gas bottles - New regulation

A new regulation for the installation of Alugas TRAVELMate gas tank cylinders is on the horizon. Proposed changes are currently being discussed in the specialist committees. As things stand today, there are only tendencies and not yet any binding, legally binding changes.

New regulation - the following is emerging:

In future, gas tank cylinders in motorhomes must be easy to remove without tools and the LPG tank nozzle must always be fitted in future, on the outside of the body (no longer in the gas box).

In addition, a quick-release coupling must be fitted between the tank bottle and the filling line so that the filling line can be disconnected to remove the bottle.

The quick coupling must also be fitted with a non-return valve to prevent refueling from the outside and uncontrolled gas filling of the gas box when the tank cylinder is removed.

A possible quick coupling solution is currently under development. As soon as it is clear which requirements the coupling must meet, we will work at full speed on its implementation and market launch.

Based on current knowledge, it can be assumed that all existing systems will be protected.

Recommendations for the transition period

Option 1 - Installation in accordance with existing Alugas operating instructions:

For the specialist company, installation in accordance with the existing Alugas operating instructions provides a basis for installation in accordance with the valid manufacturer's specifications and thus for achieving CE conformity.

Option 2 - Easily removable with future retrofitting:

In order to accommodate the emerging changes to current systems, the LPG filling valve can be fitted directly to the tank cylinder using an adapter. In addition, the gas cylinder holder must be fitted with star knob screws instead of hexagon socket screws (see installation instructions for option 2). You can find the retrofit kit for the star knob screws to convert your gas cylinder holder or wall bracket here.

Should the forthcoming changes actually prove to be binding, the retrofitting of the quick coupling including filling hose can then be carried out in a legally compliant manner as part of a follow-up transaction. There are already technical inspection bodies that pay attention to an easily removable solution. A "direct refueling adapter" is not recommended, as an additional LPG tank nozzle creates redundancy in the system (additional non-return valve).

Below is a link to our media database: click here.
In the folder "Alugas -> installation manuals" you will find installation instructions for the TRAVELMate that have already been created, which include both option 1 and option 2.

Status as of 21.08.2024:

It is becoming apparent that the new regulation provides for an easily removable tank cylinder with LPG tank nozzle. In concrete terms, this means

1. the tank cylinder must be easily removable (gas cylinder holder sets can be converted with a set of star grip screws)
2. the filling hose between the LPG tank nozzle and the tank bottle must have a quick-release coupling with a non-return valve so that it can be quickly and easily disconnected in an emergency and the gas between the tank nozzle and the hose can be shut off. The non-return valve also prevents the gas tank from being refueled from the outside when the cylinder is removed.
3. the LPG tank nozzle (external refueling) must be installed outside the gas tank so that it is accessible from the outside.