End-user-owned refillable gas cylinders have been around for a good few years now and in that time, have grown hugely in popularity, particularly among those who prefer to tour abroad in their motorhome.

While some people may want to go gasless in a motorhome, these are a must-have item for many, owing in no small part to the fact that, while Calor cylinders are commonplace here in the UK, they are simply unavailable on the Continent.

There is a small fly in the ointment, though. These cylinders are pressure vessels (propane is stored in liquid form under pressure at around six bar or approximately 100 psi), so they ought to be inspected and revalved at 10-year intervals.

Inspections are essential

Alugas in Germany was running a scheme offering inspections by appointment, but I believe it no longer does this. The major issue is that, as I understand it, no company in the UK is certified to inspect gas cylinders, other than Calor, which routinely inspects its own cylinders, but is not likely to get involved in testing refillables.

I needed to have the air receiver tank on my works air compressor inspected, so I asked the inspector if he could do gas cylinders, but when he checked, the answer was a firm “No”.

Gaslow has a replacement cylinder scheme for any that have reached their 10th birthday. You contact them to book an appointment to replace your old cylinder, but it has to be empty, it has to be a Gaslow cylinder and it has to be unmodified. If it meets these criteria, they will sell you a replacement at a 10% discount.

The 10-year rule also applies to underslung tanks, so if you have one on your motorhome, be aware it might need replacing at 10 years old.

Autogas 2000 Leisure, at Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, can advise and organise replacement if required.

Checks and replacements

Slightly confusingly, as I understand it, advice from elsewhere in the industry suggests that privately owned gas cylinders might be exempt from the 10-year rule on pressure vessels, so you need to decide how to proceed.

Whether or not cylinders and tanks should be replaced at 10 years old, they should certainly be visually inspected for damage on a regular basis. The take-off valve should be checked for ‘letting by’ during a habitation inspection, as should the condition and age of the hoses and regulators, which also have a 10-year lifespan.

If you’re thinking of heading to the Continent soon but are unsure what the best way to get there will be, check out our Ferry or Eurotunnel guide where we share the crucial points to consider.

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