Alugas TRAVELMate gas cylinder - facts you should know before you buy

In which sizes is the Alugas gas cylinder available?

Alugas gas cylinders are currently available in two different sizes. The aluminum gas tank bottle 11kg and the aluminum gas tank bottle 14kg.

Which versions of the Alugas TRAVELMate are available?

In addition to the 27 and 33 liter capacities, the TRAVELMate can also be differentiated according to the fill level indicator.

There is the tried and tested mechanical version with a limited display radius and the TRAVELMate 2.0 with an electronic (capacitive) level indicator.

The output connections differ according to G.12 small cylinder connection (KLF)
according to EN15252: G.12 = W21.8 x 1/14 LH for the German market, among others, and the version with G.2 connection according to EN15252: = W21.8 x 1/14 LH for France or Switzerland, for example.

Both threads are essentially identical. With the G.12 connection, the sealing ring is located on the cylinder valve, whereas with the G.2 connection, the sealing ring is located on the gas pressure regulator or high-pressure hose.

It is essential to make the correct selection here, otherwise there is a risk of leaks in the gas system.

The DE/ G.12 version has a blue stopcock, whereas the FR/CH G.2 version is fitted with a yellow one.

DREHMEISTER gas filler necks can be used to connect to other threads.

However, as the Alugas TRAVELMate is a closed system anyway, in which it is no longer necessary to change cylinders, we recommend simply using a suitable gas pressure regulator or high-pressure gas hose instead.

Is every Alugas gas cylinder a refillable tank cylinder?

No, only the gas cylinders in the Alugas TRAVELMate series are refillable gas cylinders with a multi-valve.

Alugas gas cylinders are sometimes incorrectly referred to as gaswoman, gas specialist gas cylinder, gns gas cylinders with multi-valve or Badé aluminum gas cylinder. In most cases, these are also the original Alugas TRAVELMate gas cylinders which are given different names by your dealer.

Make sure you buy the original in any case.

If you are interested in purchasing or installing one, we offer a Europe-wide network of installation partners and retailers and will be happy to put you in touch with them.

What is the difference between Alugas TRAVELMate and Alugas TRAVELMate 2.0?

With the Alugas TRAVELMate, the mechanical float does not display the fill level 100%. As a result, the user initially has the feeling that no gas is being consumed before the displayed fill level drops more quickly. This phenomenon can be easily understood by watching the following video:

As the new level gauge of the Alugas TRAVELMate 2.0 is not mechanically detected, there is no restriction due to the swivel range. The level indicator of the new multi-valve with electronic (capacitive) level indicator extends almost to the bottom of the bottle. This means that almost 100% of the fill level can be detected; only in the lower area is there a residual amount of approx. 3% that cannot be measured due to manufacturing tolerances.

With the Alugas TRAVELMate 2.0, however, the fill level can no longer be read via a mechanical display. The Rotarex Dimes ELG display for tank cylinders with electronic multi-valve is required. On this display, the fill level is shown as a percentage value on the LED display.

It is also possible to transmit this value to a mobile device via the app using the Rotarex Dimes WAVE Bluetooth remote display for tank cylinders with electronic multi-valve.

What is the difference to the Alugas with mechanical level gauge?

The level indicator of the Alugas TRAVELMate with mechanical multi-valve is controlled by a float. As the height of the aluminum tank bottle is greater than its diameter, it is not possible to cover the entire height. The lever length of the float is limited by the diameter of the tank.

Although the Alugas TRAVELMate 2.0 does not allow the entire fill level to be read, up to 97% can be detected. The level indicator reaches almost to the bottom of the gas cylinder and transmits the value to an electronic LED level indicator via capacitive measurement.

When installing a 2 or even 3 cylinder or tank system, the respective gas tank or gas tank cylinder can be called up via an additional changeover switch (rotary switch).

How can I read the gas level on the Alugas tank cylinder?

This depends on the multi-valve variant installed. With the Alugas TRAVELMate 2.0, the fill level can be shown via an LED display or additionally via a Bluetooth transmitter on a mobile device. The tried and tested version with mechanical multi-valve also allows the limited fill level to be transmitted via Bluetooth transmitter. A wired display can also be installed. In this case, the mechanical display on the multi-valve must first be replaced with a remote display, to which an LED display is then connected.

Are you interested in installing an Alugas tank bottle?

The installation of Alugas tank cylinders can be carried out by technically experienced people themselves. However, as the manufacturer of the TRAVELMate, Alugas expressly recommends having the installation carried out by a specialist company. Only there can you be sure that an original Alugas tank cylinder for your motorhome, including approved accessories, will be used.

Nevertheless, the manufacturer's specifications for installation must always be observed without exception. If the installation deviates from the specifications in the operating instructions, the declaration of conformity does not apply. As a result, product liability and insurance cover may lapse.

Also read the article Retrofitting a gas tank filler in a motorhome - What you should know beforehand

What approval does the Alugas TRAVELMate tank bottle have?

The Alugas TRAVELMate has a CE declaration of conformity in accordance with 2014/68/EU. The pressurized gas cylinder has an "expiration date" of 10 years from production and can be approved for a further 10 years after passing the test.

Due to the specifications of the multi-valve manufacturer, the multi-valve of the aluminum tank gas cylinder must be replaced after 10 years.

What are the advantages of an aluminum gas cylinder in a motorhome?

The TRAVELMate gas tank cylinder from Alugas offers campers a number of advantages over conventional propane gas cylinders. With the refillable aluminum gas cylinder, refueling is possible at any time, even if the Alugas gas tank cylinder is not yet completely empty.

What's more, you no longer need to lug around exchangeable cylinders and are no longer dependent on the opening hours of gas retailers.
Convenient refueling throughout Europe - no overpriced purchase of local gas cylinders abroad. No need to adapt to foreign gas regulators.