Adapter for US propane to EU tanks or fills

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Anders

Why do you want to bypass your bulkhead regulator? Just get a pigtail that connects the bottle to your bulkhead regulator and problem solved.

That is one option in fact I think my most preferred option. But there are so many variables: multitude of different connectors, concern that I might not be able to find the right pigtail or adapter (have spent a couple of hours researching this), different bottles and types of gases, shortage of some sizes and types of bottles in Europe IE Calor gas red propane tanks, and a few more things that I am not quite sure about.

Based on all the above I want to have a plan B and even a plan C.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Anders

Why do you want to bypass your bulkhead regulator? Just get a pigtail that connects the bottle to your bulkhead regulator and problem solved.

Clearly you’ve not been listening

In thd uk and Ireland and large areas of Europe domestic gas bottles that are widely distributed ( meaning in a shop near your boat ) will be on bottle regulator types.

In these bottles there is NO repeat NO high pressure takeoff option the whole system is designed for an on bottle regulator

This is especially true in Ireland where the op mentioned

Hence you will be limited to a very small proportion of thd market. Most of which isn’t going to be near your boat and that market is largely aimed at high capacity cylinders. It also requires special high pressure fittings that will have to ordered especially

Hence simply saying “ buy a pig tail “ shows how little you understand of this marketplace

So again thd options are

1. Small propane with a special high pressure U.K. POL to high pressure pig tail fitting

2. Small calor butane with a special 21mm high pressure takeoff fitting to high pressure pigtail

3. Camping gaz with a special high pressure fitting and pig tail. ( order from specialist suppliers )

Most likely you will have to work out how to join the pigtails to your existing regulator

1 will be distributed by commercial interests and will typically be found at professional hardware distributors , gas distribution or plumbing shops

2. In small sizes isn’t widely distributed but depends

3. Available widely but can be expensive

[goboatingnow]

Here’s a few pics to concentrate the mind



Common U.K. and Ireland U.K. POL on bottle propane regulator.

OP can’t use this



Common “patio gas “ ( propane ) on bottle regulator. No good to the OP



Specialist high pressure ( upto 2 bar ) regulator that could be used to feed the existing regulator block

Alternative is a simple U.K. POL to high pressure pigtail



But you need an adaptor to connect it to you USA pigtail

Again this assumes you can get small propane bottles. As I says these are speciality distribution products.

[goboatingnow]

For butane



This can be used to tap to the small calor butane but you need an adaptor to mate the pigtail to the US regulator block

And this is needed of you use the campingaz bottle as it doesn’t have a bottle takeoff



This uses the above pigtail

[Pete7]

I have to agree with GBN. There used to be a high pressure calor system with bulkhead mounted regulator, but it fell out of favour. Today we use a regulator on the cylinder and then simple low pressure gas hose to the copper pipework.

If it was me, then on arrival or at a convenient point in Europe, take the soleniod out and replace with a simple regulator, flexible 8mm gas pipe and a bubble tester.

What size is your copper gas pipe? There are widgets to convert say 3/8ths to 8mm pipe fittings. We have one installed in our gas line.

https://www.whayward.shop/shop?page=3

[goboatingnow]

I agree. For cruising in Europe you’d be better to remove the bulkhead regulator. These are not commonly used anymore in Europe with the preponderance of on bottle regulators.

You could do this in the US before you leave and just use a on bottle propane regulator

[goboatingnow]

This then let’s you use things like the small calor 4.5 kg often used on boats in the U.K. and Ireland with this on bottle regulator


Cheap as chips as it’s common

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Pete7

I have to agree with GBN. There used to be a high pressure calor system with bulkhead mounted regulator, but it fell out of favour. Today we use a regulator on the cylinder and then simple low pressure gas hose to the copper pipework.

If it was me, then on arrival or at a convenient point in Europe, take the soleniod out and replace with a simple regulator, flexible 8mm gas pipe and a bubble tester.

What size is your copper gas pipe? There are widgets to convert say 3/8ths to 8mm pipe fittings. We have one installed in our gas line.

https://www.whayward.shop/shop?page=3

Converting to an on bottle regulator system is sounding like the easiest option. I'll just have to cut out the mounted regulator to get to the fittings on the output side.

One thing that might make it easier, US doesn't use copper gas pipes on boats. My opinion it's a safer option. With copper pipes you have to have a connection inside the boat to a flexible hose to the stove (assuming it's gimbled which mine is). US boat so I have one, uncut hose all the way from my propane locker to the stove so no connections or fittings to fail.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

I agree. For cruising in Europe you’d be better to remove the bulkhead regulator. These are not commonly used anymore in Europe with the preponderance of on bottle regulators.

You could do this in the US before you leave and just use a on bottle propane regulator

Regretfully I'm having to accept this as the best option. Will check out on bottle regulators over here to see if I can switch before I leave.

[Pete7]

Perfect, stick one of these on the end of your existing hose and run a short pipe about 1m to the cylinder. Needs to be long enough to lift the cylinder out ideally.

Pete

https://www.gasproducts.co.uk/carava...ubble-etc.html

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

This then let’s you use things like the small calor 4.5 kg often used on boats in the U.K. and Ireland with this on bottle regulator


Cheap as chips as it’s common


Attachment 258380

One question. All my hoses are US and have inch rated connections and threads (aside from the QCC1 tank connection) like 1/4" NPT, etc. Will I be able to get fittings in Ireland to make adapters if needed or will everything be BSP, metric or Whitworth sizes? (that last is an attempt at humor).

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Converting to an on bottle regulator system is sounding like the easiest option. I'll just have to cut out the mounted regulator to get to the fittings on the output side.



One thing that might make it easier, US doesn't use copper gas pipes on boats. My opinion it's a safer option. With copper pipes you have to have a connection inside the boat to a flexible hose to the stove (assuming it's gimbled which mine is). US boat so I have one, uncut hose all the way from my propane locker to the stove so no connections or fittings to fail.

The European connection to the stove is a flexible pipe with crimped fittings and compression joint. Usually the shut off valve is near the stove . European specs don’t allow the whole plumbing run to be on flexible. Flexibles must be replaced every 5 years also

[Anders]

Originally Posted by Pete7

I have to agree with GBN. There used to be a high pressure calor system with bulkhead mounted regulator, but it fell out of favour. Today we use a regulator on the cylinder and then simple low pressure gas hose to the copper pipework.

If it was me, then on arrival or at a convenient point in Europe, take the soleniod out and replace with a simple regulator, flexible 8mm gas pipe and a bubble tester.

What size is your copper gas pipe? There are widgets to convert say 3/8ths to 8mm pipe fittings. We have one installed in our gas line.

https://www.whayward.shop/shop?page=3

I also live in England and every single caravan and motor home sold here for a very long time has a bulkhead regulator and a pigtail to connect the calor propane bottle. The pigtails are available everywhere.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Anders

I also live in England and every single caravan and motor home sold here for a very long time has a bulkhead regulator and a pigtail to connect the calor propane bottle. The pigtails are available everywhere.

I've heard from a couple of places that the red Calor propane tanks are in short supply, at least the smaller size. Are you seeing that?

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Regretfully I'm having to accept this as the best option. Will check out on bottle regulators over here to see if I can switch before I leave.

You don't have to use an on-bottle regulator even if that is the convention for the bottle. The bottles don't come with the regulator, it stays with the boat (or appliance or building, for land-based uses) and you move it from bottle to bottle.


Camping Gaz to POL adapters exist so that you can use your USA-spec bulkhead regulator.


https://tridentmarine.com/product/u-.../#.Yo7OhVTMLb0