What is a refillable gas bottle and how does it differ from a gas cylinder?

At first glance, a refillable gas bottle is no different from a conventional gas bottle. Put simply, a refillable gas bottle is nothing more than a refillable gas cylinder. Unlike refillable gas cylinders, refillable gas cylinders are equipped with an 80% fill-stop valve. The valve automatically stops the refueling process as soon as the refillable gas bottle is 80% full. Gas cylinders sold in the exchange system are also only ever filled to 80% with LPG (propane/butane mixture). This is done so that the liquid gas has enough "space" to reducer into the gas phase and also so that it can expand if the temperature rises without the safety valve releasing gas in a controlled manner.

However, the main difference between a refillable gas bottle and a gas tank bottle is the approval and the partially increased safety standard of a gas tank bottle in a motorhome.

What is special about the multivalves of the refillable gas bottle?

The multivalves essentially combine four different tasks in one.

The safety valve or pressure relief valve automatically blows off gas in a controlled manner as soon as the pressure inside the container reaches 27 bar. This safety mechanism is also present in other gas cylinders.

The gas bottle's filling stop valve automatically stops the refueling process as soon as the refillable gas bottle is 80% full.

Refillable gas bottles are filled at the filling station via the multivalves. Filling can be carried out via an external LPG filling point that is connected to an LPG filling hose or using a direct refueling adapter. The non-return valve integrated in the multivalves prevents gas in the cylinder from escaping through this opening.

The fill level indicator transmits the fill level via a mechanical float.

Important: Refillable gas bottles with multivalves are not designed as portable containers for use in the trade or for barbecues, for example.

What is a refillable gas bottle used for?

Refillable gas bottles are designed for use in a motorhome, camper or caravan. Refillable gas cylinders therefore replace the exchange cylinders and make campers independent of the opening hours of the exchange points, enable refueling of gas throughout Europe and prevent the "giving away" of residual gas when exchanging a cylinder.

Refillable gas bottles for motorhomes, on the other hand, are not intended for mobile use, e.g. for barbecues in the garden. Depending on the approval, the refillable gas cylinders must be permanently installed in the vehicle and must not be removed for use.

What is the difference between a refillable gas cylinder, refillable gas cylinder, refillable gas cylinder and refillable gas cylinder?

The various terms for refillable gas cylinders in motorhomes always describe a gas cylinder that is equipped with a stop-fill valve. All terms refer to the same product type.

Refillable gas bottle in 5kg, 11kg, 14kg... - what sizes are there?

Unlike gas cylinders that are exchanged, the filling quantity of refillable gas bottles is given in liters instead of kilograms.

One kilogram of gas corresponds to approximately 1.96 liters of liquid gas in liquid form. The capacity of a refillable gas bottle is often given in liters with the total capacity. For example, a 30 liter CAMPKO® refillable gas bottle can be filled to a maximum of 80%, i.e. with 24 liters of liquid gas. These 24 liters in turn correspond to approx. 12.21 kg of LPG. Depending on their size, refillable gas bottles are colloquially referred to as 5 kg gas bottles, 11 kg gas bottles or 14 kg gas bottles.

How is a refillable gas bottle refueled?

Refillable gas bottles with multivalves can be refueled either directly at the multivalve using a direct refueling adapter or a CAMPKO® LPGfilling point. In this case, one of the two components is screwed directly onto the filling connection of the LPG multivalve and connected to a country-specific LPG filling connector at the LPG filling station.

As a second and compliant variant, the multivalve is connected to the LPG filling point using an LPG filling hose. The filling point is then mounted on the outer body of the motorhome. Refueling is then carried out again using the country-specific LPG filling adapter.

Which manufacturers / brands of refillable gas bottles are there?

In addition to renowned manufacturers of refillable gas bottles such as CAMPKO®, Alugas TRAVELMate, Gaslow or Wynen, there are other suppliers of their own brands. However, it is important to take a closer look here. It is not enough for the gas cylinder to be equipped with a non-return valve or stop-fill valve. The refillable gas bottle must be explicitly homologated together with the valve and, depending on the approval, must have passed extensive tests such as a Bonfire test.

Would you like to buy a refillable gas bottle?

To avoid unpleasant surprises, you should consider a few important points before buying a refillable gas bottle.

First of all, you should check the space available in your gas locker. To do this, you should check the maximum height available.

Note: Please note that if the gas regulator is not fitted directly on the gas cylinder valve, it must be fitted above the gas cylinder valves on the gas box wall.

All refillable gas bottles mentioned have a diameter of approx. 300mm and therefore correspond to the same diameter as 5 or 11kg gas bottles.

In addition to selecting the right refillable gas bottle from Alugas or CAMPKO®, the compatible gas bottle accessories are also crucial.

Only LPG filling hoses in accordance with ECE 67R-01 Class 1 should be used for refueling.

The LPG filling valve must also be certified in accordance with ECE 67R-01.

A special gas cylinder holder is recommended for mounting and is even mandatory for certain installations. The CAMPKO® gas bottle holder set has been certified by TÜV for CAMPKO® steel, CAMPKO® composite and Alugas TRAVELMate with regard to the requirements of ECE 67R-01.

The manufacturers Alugas and CAMPKO® recommend having the installation carried out by a specialist company. Only here can you be sure that all standards and safety-relevant aspects, including a leak test, have been properly carried out.

Read also Retrofitting a refillable gas bottle in a motorhome - What you should know beforehand

Does a refillable gas bottle need TÜV approval?

The topic of the correct approval of a refillable gas bottle is relatively complex. A TÜV approval can mean many things, such as the TÜV approval/certification of individual components or the approval of the installation of a refillable gas bottle set.

You can find more comprehensive information on the approval of refillable gas bottles in our article Are refillable gas bottles allowed in motorhomes?