Refilling Gas Bottles

One way or the other it will cost you the first time you either buy a new cylinder or use a swap and go.

If you don't have a cylinder to swap the cost is fairly high.

Make sure if you buy cylinders that you get the ones designated for outdoor use. There are 4 different grades and grade 1 or 2 are the ones designated for outdoor use I think.

I have my own cylinder, and fill as I go.


But,
Check the date stamp on the cylinder. Cylinders only have a 10 year life, then need a safety check, which can cost up to as much as a new cylinder. If the cylinder has less than 1 to 2 years, thats when I go for a swap and go and update my cylinder. :o)

Swap+Go might be quick and easy but it is also the most expensive way to get your gas , for 1 thing the 9kg bottles are only filled to 8.5kg yet u pay a premium price for less gas. Best is to have at least 2 bottles that u refill as soon as possible when 1 is COMPLETLY empty.

Redbac,

Swap and go gas bottles are getting out there more and more.

I take two gas bottles with me when I go away. I have a two burner gas BBQ that is used every night and could be used for up to an hour with the customers on tour. This would be a lot more than a family would use on a daily basis and I find that the gas last well over 6 weeks.

Having two bottles I will use one bottle until it runs out. The next place that has gas I will swap or fill. I would need fuel before I need to fill the gas bottle.

I have also found that even caravan parks are going for swap and go. Filling a gas bottle is very time consuming and it is easy and cheaper for them to have the swap and go.

I have been doing this for a few years and have not run at of gas.

Wayne

Be aware that there are some bottles out there that can ONLY be used as a swap!
I know the Bunnings home delivery service has bottles like this - they can not be refilled at a servo (or at least that's what I have been told).

They can be swapped with the swap-n-go's, but no filling.

Don't know why this is, but it's something to be weary of.

Redbac,

If you head down the swap-and-go path just make sure that the bottles will physically fit in your holder(s). Our KK had two 4kg bottle holders, but I discovered that most swap-and-go 4kg bottles were a different shape and would not sit properly in the holders.

For what it is worth, with two bottles I have never had difficulties getting them refilled and the second bottle ensures that you can run one empty (you pay for the capacity of the bottle regardless of how empty it is) and if you do have trouble getting a refill in one spot, you can hold off for a while until you can.

Cheers,

Matt.

I have 3 gas bottles - costs $14 each to fill ( 9 kg ) after 1 week on the caravan ( 1 weeks usage ) i usually swap them around for new ones --- the one of the caravan then goes to the bbq at home till its empty ......

In the caravan the fridge and stove use gas -- i have a cobb cooker which gets used the most , reducing the load on the Gas ...

this is how i cycle my gas bottles

Boc

Hi Redback
All previous post are great info
This is my personnal experience with Swap and Go 9kg bottles !!
anything smaller you can have troubles getting a replacement.
1..All 9 kg bottles are not same size had trouble fitting to my camper trailer bracket in the past, older bottles different shape.
2. If you look close at the date stamps on bottles they can be many years old supposedly Re-checked ???? Resprayed and refreshed yes !!!
I had a bottle once that was 20 yrs old and restamped ??
3.Some outlets will not refill swap and Go bottles - not very handy when out bush !!!
4.In the past I have got round the refill problem by taking swap & go sticker off and painting bottle with a silver paint (Looks like any ordinary bottle) outlet that refused to fill swap and go bottle happily filled it next time go Figure ??
My conclusion is ... After years of experience ...
Swap and Go is Ok for your Home BBQ use when you can go to the same outlet but for camping/outback travels my preferrance is to buy a new bottle or two what ever size you need ( Rays Outdoors on sale @ 26%) and as mentioned previously have two when 1st runs out you have plenty of time to fill 2nd bottle. With no troubles of refilling out bush as long as the bottles are in date.
Sometimes trying to buy the cheapest is false economy !!
Just my experiences, good luck !!
Safe Travels
Barry