Gas Bottle

[judith]

We are off in Roma in 2 weeks to the Scottish Islands of Coll and Tiree. We have a Hylo. Can anyone tell me if a 3.9 propane bottle will last a week to power the fridge(can't guarentee to be able to get a replacement on the islands)? Also is it legal to power the fridge on a car park-if we go off on a boat for the day etc and if so, Is it safe?
Thanks. I've learned so much from this site-things I wouldn't have thought to ask.

[Derek]

Hi Judith

Our fridge handbook shows 0.24 kilo of gas for 24 hours but I think that is on max setting (they don't say) My maths comes up with 1.68 kilo for the week. I think it would probably be less but I have never checked.

We always use the fridge on gas when in car parks (they don't have EHU )

I think some council car parks have a ban on the use of gas appliances but I assume they mean gas cookers and barbies. I still put the fridge onto gas

If you have a butane hose and Gaz adapter you can carry a 901 bottle for backup, they don't take up much space.

Have fun up in Scotland

Derek

[effiemac]

Hello,
I have not camped on Tiree as the laird does not approve and so there are no campsites for campervans, just surfers in tents. I have been there 6 or more times with my sister on self-catering accommodation. It is very windy (that's why people go) and you'll need more fuel etc. Willie-Angus has a campsite but he's got no lecky hook ups etc yet. When you email him ask if the coal merchant at the ferry has gas bottles for the van. The car park at the ferry is as exposed as everywhere else on the island and the Cal Mac folks there will tell you if they have any objections to gas being left on. As campervans are not encouraged the usual highland reliance on gas bottles (every second shop has them) doesn't stretch to there. My old hylo would not have lasted me a week - I'd have needed the spare but the new outlook might as it's gas bottle is bigger.
Coll is tiny, facilities-wise.
Have a wonderful time. The machair & light there are very special.
Effie

[ant]

Hi Judith.
There are no saftey issues to leaving your gas on while away on a day trip, if, as is quite likely your fridge gas is blown out while you're away for the day , the flame failure device (FFD) will cut off the flow of gas.
Also a tip, don't be tempted to stuff the fridge full in the fear that you wont get to a store for a week as this will make the fridge opperation very poor even if you have it running flat out. When I'm testing fridges prior to delivery i can get them to freeze water in 40 mins on the minimum gas setting when there is nothing in the fridge, however when camping with a full-ish fridge it can take twice that time on the highest setting. The fridge needs to have an air flow that can circulate ( just like you home fridge), so when you're packing the fridge just imagine where the air can go if it wanted to do a trip round the inside of your fridge, if it can get round and back to where it started you will probobly use half the gas than if you've stuffed it to the gunnels.
Leave space for the insect bite cream its much more soothing when put on cold!
Ant

[judith]

Thank so much for the comments. I think we'll take a spare bottle with us though we hope to have an EHU on Coll (there are 2 on the site. The owner says we dont need to book so we can't guarantee to get one). We've had confirmation from Willie-Angus for Tiree. Hope we don't meet the Laird but maybe the fact my father was from just outside Glasgow will put us in good sted!
Also hoping that it being September and always windy the midges will be kept away (and of course, lovely weather)!
Judith

[sid b]

There could well be local by-laws covering use of gas in car parks. All Motorway service areas, for example, prohibit the use of naked flames (not sure where that leaves smokers!) which according to the Caravan Club means no cooking or running the fridge on gas. This also applies to overnight stops at Motorway services. (Of course it's up to you as to whether or not you observe the regulation - I can't imagine that the likes of Welcome Break have a squad of fridge inspectors demaning to know if you're on gas or 12v!)

Sid

[lunnie]

As long as you are NO WHERE near the fuel pumps, I cant see a problem, as you said, what about smokers and throwing away matches etc.

I turn on my gas in service stations and make a brew, not had the fridge as it was only a comfort stop. as the fridge is cold from during driving.

[effiemac]

So, how did it go on Tiree? My wee sister is going there today for the World Windsurfiing Championships and sleeping in my van with her girls for their first time.
At Willie-Anguses wee campy...thanks to Ant who made it possible!
Effie