Gas guide
Refillable or Exchange Gas Bottles
A practical guide to choosing between refillable LPG and traditional exchange bottles for UK touring, European travel, and off-grid motorhome adventures.
Overview
Which is best for your motorhome?
Choosing between refillable LPG and traditional exchange gas bottles is one of the most common decisions motorhome owners face. There isn’t a single right answer – the best option depends on how you use your motorhome.
If you mainly stay on UK campsites and only use a small amount of gas each year, exchange bottles may be the most economical choice. However, if you travel extensively throughout Europe or regularly enjoy off-grid camping, a refillable LPG system could save you money whilst making life much easier.
This guide explains the advantages and disadvantages of each system to help you decide which is right for you.
Quick comparison
Refillable LPG vs exchange bottles
| Feature | Refillable LPG | Exchange Gas Bottles |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | High | Low |
| Running Costs | Low | Higher |
| Easy to Refill | Yes | No – bottle exchange required |
| Best for Europe | Excellent | Can be more difficult |
| Saves Locker Space | Underslung tanks do | No |
| DIY Installation | Refillable bottles only | Not applicable |
| Professional Installation | Usually required for tanks | No |
| Best For | Frequent travellers and off-grid camping | Occasional UK holidays |
Key questions
Ask yourself these three questions
1. Do you mainly holiday in the UK?
If your motorhome is mainly used on UK campsites with electric hook-up, you’ll probably use very little gas each year.
In this case, traditional exchange bottles are often the most cost-effective solution.
However, if you frequently tour Europe, wild camp, stay on Aires, or spend long periods away, then refillable LPG becomes much more attractive.
2. How much gas do you actually use?
Many owners are surprised how long a gas bottle lasts.
If you only use one or two bottles each year, it could take many years before a refillable system pays for itself.
If you regularly use heating, hot water, cooking, and off-grid facilities, then the savings quickly begin to add up.
3. How long will you keep your motorhome?
The longer you own your motorhome, the easier it is to recover the installation cost.
If you intend keeping your vehicle for several years, refillable LPG is much easier to justify than if you plan to change motorhomes in the near future.
Costs
Will a refillable system save you money?
Although refillable LPG costs considerably less than exchanging bottles, you first need to recover the installation cost.
- Installation Cost: £600
- Saving each refill: £30
- Gas bottles used each year: 6
Annual Saving:
6 × £30 = £180
Estimated Payback:
£600 ÷ £180 = 3.3 years
If you only use two bottles per year, your payback period would be much longer.
Your options
Which type of refillable LPG should you choose?
There are two main options available: refillable gas bottles and underslung refillable LPG tanks. Both use the same LPG fuel but are installed differently.
Refillable gas bottles
Refillable bottles look similar to traditional gas bottles but are designed to be refilled safely at LPG filling stations.
Advantages
- Lower installation cost
- Often suitable for DIY installation
- Can be transferred to another motorhome
- Lower initial investment
- Easy to replace if required
Disadvantages
- Occupy gas locker space
- Need lifting if removed
- Usually have a smaller capacity than underslung tanks
- Manual handling may not suit everyone
Underslung LPG tanks
An underslung tank is permanently mounted beneath the motorhome and filled through an external filling point.
Advantages
- Frees valuable locker space
- Larger gas capacity
- Convenient external filling point
- No heavy lifting
- Ideal for extended touring and European travel
Disadvantages
- Higher purchase price
- Normally requires professional installation
- Adds some additional vehicle weight
- Cannot easily be transferred to another vehicle
Recommendation
Which option would I recommend?
For motorhome owners who regularly tour Europe, spend weeks or months away, wild camp, or use heating frequently, a refillable LPG system is usually an excellent investment.
If your holidays are mainly in the UK using campsites with electric hook-up and you only use one or two bottles each year, standard exchange bottles are often the better financial choice.
Europe
LPG filling connectors in Europe
| Country / Region | Connector Type |
|---|---|
| UK & Ireland | Bayonet |
| France | Dish |
| Spain | Dish |
| Portugal | Dish |
| Germany | Dish |
| Austria | Dish |
| Switzerland | Dish |
| Italy | Dish |
| Belgium & Luxembourg | ACME (some locations) |
| Netherlands | Dish |
| USA & Canada | ACME Thread |
Tip: Carry a complete European adapter kit whenever travelling abroad. It takes up very little room and ensures you’re prepared wherever your journey takes you.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is refillable LPG cheaper?
Yes. LPG purchased at filling stations is usually much cheaper than exchanging gas bottles. The more gas you use, the quicker the installation pays for itself.
Can I fill a refillable bottle at any LPG station?
Most LPG stations allow properly installed refillable systems with the correct filling connection. Never attempt to refill a standard exchange gas bottle.
Do I need professional installation?
Refillable bottles are often suitable for competent DIY installation following the manufacturer’s instructions. Underslung tanks are normally fitted professionally.
Is refillable LPG worth it?
If you travel regularly, especially throughout Europe or enjoy off-grid camping, refillable LPG can provide both convenience and long-term savings. If you only use a small amount of gas each year, traditional exchange bottles may remain the most economical option.
Final thoughts
Choose the setup that fits your travel style
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on how often you travel, how much gas you use and how long you intend to keep your motorhome.
For occasional UK holidays, exchange bottles are simple and economical.
For frequent touring, extended European trips and off-grid adventures, a refillable LPG system offers convenience, lower running costs and fewer interruptions to your travels.
Choose the option that best matches your style of motorhome travel and you’ll enjoy reliable gas wherever your adventures take you.