Thistle
Well-known member
I would like to have propane available in the winter and butane in the summer. Is it possible to get a change-over switch which would allow propane bottle + regulator on one side and butane bottle + regulator on the other?
Butane / Propane dual system
- Thread starter Thistle
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TQA
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laika
Well-known member
Others can comment on availability of changeover switches for the low pressure side, but you can certainly get changeovers for the high pressure side, e.g.:
http://www.whayward.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=602
A hose connects each bottle to the changeover switch which is then connected to a "universal" regulator. This actually regulates to 30 m/b, a bit higher than a butane regulator puts out and low for propane but I did have one working with a propane cylinder.
You just buy the hose-to-bottle connectors that you need: You could have one propane and one butane, or if you had 2 of each type of connector you could have all propane, all butane or one bottle of each connected (only one on at a time of course).
http://www.whayward.com/Details.cfm?ProdID=602
A hose connects each bottle to the changeover switch which is then connected to a "universal" regulator. This actually regulates to 30 m/b, a bit higher than a butane regulator puts out and low for propane but I did have one working with a propane cylinder.
You just buy the hose-to-bottle connectors that you need: You could have one propane and one butane, or if you had 2 of each type of connector you could have all propane, all butane or one bottle of each connected (only one on at a time of course).
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sailorman
Well-known member
Thats what i have but only because i cant fit 2 x Calor cylinders & have to have a camping gaz ( smaller physical ) as a spare bottle.
i would use propane all year round given the option, well i do really as i only use the CG after running out of propane & swap back asap
One day i will run out of both at the same time
fergie_mac66
Active member
we use propane all year, doesn't blow out as easily because of the higher pressure.No other reason though
FullCircle
Well-known member
I have 2 x 6kg Propane, but carry the bottle connectors for Butane and Camping Gaz (needs a different reg) just in case I can't source the 'right' gas.
Propane actually works when it's cold, and I haven't seen any quality difference in the summer, so I have effectively discarded Butane.
The price difference helps too.
I have found this mob to be well proced and reliable fast supply.
http://www.bes.co.uk/
Not a marine supplier you will note....
Propane actually works when it's cold, and I haven't seen any quality difference in the summer, so I have effectively discarded Butane.
The price difference helps too.
I have found this mob to be well proced and reliable fast supply.
http://www.bes.co.uk/
Not a marine supplier you will note....
Thistle
Well-known member
Many thanks, folks. I've ordered a Switch-2 as seen http://www.gaslow.co.uk/pages/c_s1_2.htm. Warm winters here we come!
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vyv_cox
Well-known member
Can't access your link, unfortunately the forum policy is now not to accept these shortcuts, you have to use the whole URL.
Just for info - All caravans and motorhomes made in the last almost 10 years have a bulkhead regulator delivering 30 mbar to appliances. This is an EU standard. High pressure butane or propane is delivered to the regulator and any appliance can be run at this pressure. I have had a motorhome with a change-over switch but its only purpose was to run from a fresh bottle when the previous one was exhausted. You really only need use the bottle's own valve (assuming the butane is not in a Camping Gaz bottle) and a single regulator.
Just for info - All caravans and motorhomes made in the last almost 10 years have a bulkhead regulator delivering 30 mbar to appliances. This is an EU standard. High pressure butane or propane is delivered to the regulator and any appliance can be run at this pressure. I have had a motorhome with a change-over switch but its only purpose was to run from a fresh bottle when the previous one was exhausted. You really only need use the bottle's own valve (assuming the butane is not in a Camping Gaz bottle) and a single regulator.
KellysEye
Active member
>I would like to have propane available in the winter and butane in the summer.
Make sure your stove can handle both gases, Force 4 can but I don't know about others. It's best to have both propane and butane regulators. Out of interest why do you want to change gases.
Make sure your stove can handle both gases, Force 4 can but I don't know about others. It's best to have both propane and butane regulators. Out of interest why do you want to change gases.
VicS
Well-known member
I would have thought the only reason to want to be able to use propane or butane would be to use propane in the UK where it is cheaper and usable in cold conditions, or to use Camping Gaz where Calor Propane is not avaialble. Then all that is required is a 30mb regulator, pigtails for both butane and propane and a Camping Gaz bottle adapter valve.
Actually I think I have recently seen a CG to propane adapter valve meaning that only a propane pigtail is required.
http://www.socal.co.uk/toolbox/regulators-adaptors/campingaz-to-pol-propane-cylinder-adaptor.html
Actually I think I have recently seen a CG to propane adapter valve meaning that only a propane pigtail is required.
http://www.socal.co.uk/toolbox/regulators-adaptors/campingaz-to-pol-propane-cylinder-adaptor.html
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ukmctc
New member
fergie_mac66
Active member
if you use boat in winter propane is best as it stays liquid at lower temps butane can freeze and then no gas!
VicMallows
New member
If you can accommodate Calor propane bottle(s) you can obviously also accommodate Calor butane.
Only reason I can think of for not using propane all year round is that many marine outlets in UK only stock butane cylinders. Where they stock both, some outlets will happily swap one cylinder for the other, but some will not. Likewise with different size Calor bottles.
Only reason I can think of for not using propane all year round is that many marine outlets in UK only stock butane cylinders. Where they stock both, some outlets will happily swap one cylinder for the other, but some will not. Likewise with different size Calor bottles.
