Motorhome LPG: Gas Bottles, Refillable Systems & European Travel

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Gas is one of the most useful energy sources in a motorhome, powering everything from your hob and oven to heating, hot water and, in many vans, the fridge. But choosing the right motorhome gas set-up can get confusing, especially when you start travelling in Europe.

Should you use propane or butane? Can you exchange UK gas bottles abroad? Is a refillable LPG system worth fitting? Which adaptor do you need in France, Spain or Italy? And can you legally drive with the gas switched on?

This guide explains how motorhome gas systems work, the differences between bottled and refillable LPG, how to find gas when travelling abroad and the important safety considerations you need to know.

Motorhome LPG Key Facts

What it is: The Gap Decaders’ guide to motorhome gas and LPG explains the different types of gas used in motorhomes, how bottled and refillable systems work, and what you need to know when travelling in the UK and Europe.
Propane or butane: Both are forms of LPG, but propane works at much lower temperatures and is generally the better choice for year-round motorhome use. Butane becomes less effective as temperatures approach freezing.
Bottled or refillable: Exchange bottles are simple to use at home but can be difficult to replace abroad because bottle systems and connections vary between countries. Refillable LPG systems can be easier for frequent European travel, although filling rules and LPG availability vary.
Travelling in Europe: There is no single European gas bottle or connector standard. If you use refillable LPG, you’ll need the appropriate filling adaptors for the countries you visit and should check local filling rules and availability before travelling.
First-hand experience: The Gap Decaders have travelled more than 130,000 miles across Europe and beyond since 2018, using motorhome gas and refillable LPG systems in numerous countries.

What Is LPG?

LPG stands for liquefied petroleum gas and is the term used for the hydrocarbon gases propane and butane. Both are commonly used in motorhomes for cooking, heating, hot water and running a three-way absorption fridge when you’re not connected to mains electricity.

The gas is stored as a liquid under pressure inside a cylinder or refillable tank. When you use a gas appliance, the LPG changes back into a gas and passes through a regulator, which reduces the pressure before supplying your motorhome’s gas system.

In the UK, motorhome LPG generally comes in one of two forms: exchangeable gas bottles, such as Calor cylinders, or refillable systems that can be topped up with Autogas LPG where suitable filling facilities are available.

Although propane and butane can power the same motorhome appliances, they behave differently at low temperatures. This makes the type of gas you use important, particularly if you travel throughout the year or spend time in colder climates.

Propane vs Butane for Motorhomes

Both propane and butane are LPG and can be used to power motorhome appliances, but there is an important difference between them: how well they work at low temperatures.

Propane has a boiling point of around -42°C, which means it continues to turn from liquid into usable gas in very cold conditions. Butane has a boiling point of around -2°C and its performance starts to suffer as temperatures approach freezing.

For that reason, propane is generally the better choice for year-round motorhome use. If you travel during winter, head into the mountains or tour northern Europe, propane is the more reliable option.

Butane can work perfectly well in warmer weather and is widely used across southern Europe. You’ll often find locally available butane bottles in countries such as Spain, Portugal and France.

Which Gas Should I Use in My Motorhome?

For most UK motorhome owners, we recommend propane if you’re using exchangeable bottles. It gives you greater flexibility throughout the year and means you don’t need to worry about your gas supply becoming ineffective during a cold spell.

If you have a refillable LPG system, the situation is slightly different. Autogas can contain propane, butane or a mixture of the two, with the blend varying by country and season.

This usually isn’t a problem during normal touring, but if you’re heading somewhere particularly cold, it’s worth filling with a propane-rich winter LPG blend before temperatures drop significantly.

How Does a Motorhome Gas System Work?

A motorhome gas system is relatively simple. LPG is stored in a gas bottle or refillable cylinder and connected to the motorhome through a regulator, which reduces the high pressure of the stored gas to the much lower pressure required by your appliances.

From the regulator, fixed pipework carries gas around the motorhome to appliances such as the hob, oven, fridge, heating and hot water system.

Most modern European motorhomes operate at a standard pressure of 30mbar. Older motorhomes may have been designed for a different operating pressure, so you should always use a regulator and gas equipment suitable for your particular vehicle.

Your gas locker should be sealed from the motorhome living area and ventilated to the outside at floor level. LPG is heavier than air, so if gas escapes, the low-level ventilation allows it to disperse rather than collect inside the vehicle.

Each gas appliance should also have its own isolation valve, allowing you to shut off an individual appliance without turning off the entire gas supply.

Motorhome Gas Regulators

The regulator is an important safety component and must be compatible with your motorhome’s gas system.

Some installations use a simple regulator connected to a single bottle, while others use systems such as the Truma DuoControl, which connects two cylinders and automatically switches to the reserve bottle when the first one is empty.

Systems designed for gas use while travelling may also incorporate crash protection and high-pressure hoses with hose rupture protection. Having one of these systems fitted does not automatically mean you can travel with the gas supply open everywhere, as national rules and restrictions can still apply.

Motorhome Gas Bottles

Exchangeable gas bottles are one of the simplest ways to carry LPG in a motorhome. When a bottle is empty, you exchange it for a full one from a supplier rather than refilling it yourself.

In the UK, Calor propane bottles have traditionally been a common choice for motorhomes, although other suppliers and cylinder types are available. The size and number of bottles you can carry will largely depend on the dimensions and payload capacity of your motorhome and its gas locker.

Conventional motorhome gas cylinders should be carried upright, securely restrained and in the dedicated gas locker. The locker should be sealed from the living area and have suitable low-level ventilation to the outside.

How Long Does a Motorhome Gas Bottle Last?

This depends enormously on how you use your motorhome.

Cooking uses relatively little gas, while heating can consume considerably more, particularly during cold weather. Your hot water system and three-way fridge may also use LPG when you’re off-grid.

In warm weather, when we’re mainly using gas for cooking, hot water and occasional fridge use, a bottle can last a surprisingly long time. In winter, running the heating for extended periods can dramatically increase consumption.

How long a bottle lasts will therefore depend on its size, outside temperature, how much heating you use and which other appliances are running on gas.

Can You Refill an Exchange Gas Bottle?

Conventional exchangeable gas bottles, such as standard Calor cylinders, are not designed to be refilled by the user from an Autogas pump.

Purpose-designed refillable LPG cylinders are different. They form part of a refillable system and incorporate specific filling and safety equipment, including an automatic shut-off that typically limits filling to around 80% of the cylinder’s capacity. This leaves space for the liquid LPG to expand safely.

If you want to refill your motorhome gas supply rather than exchange cylinders, use a purpose-designed refillable LPG system installed and operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Refillable LPG Systems for Motorhomes

A refillable LPG system allows you to top up your motorhome gas supply at an LPG or Autogas filling point instead of exchanging an empty bottle for a full one.

For regular European touring, this can be much more convenient than relying on exchangeable bottles, particularly when travelling through several countries with different bottle systems.

There are two main types of refillable LPG system used in motorhomes: refillable cylinders installed in the gas locker and permanently mounted LPG tanks, which are often fitted underneath the vehicle.

Refillable LPG Bottles

Refillable bottles look similar to conventional gas cylinders and are installed in the motorhome gas locker. Brands commonly used by motorhomers include Gaslow and Gasit.

Unlike exchangeable bottles, they are designed to be refilled repeatedly. A properly installed system has an automatic shut-off valve that stops filling at around 80% of the cylinder’s capacity. The remaining space allows the liquid LPG to expand safely.

Many installations have an external filling point mounted on the body or skirt of the motorhome. This allows you to connect the LPG pump without opening the gas locker or handling the cylinders.

Systems can use one or two bottles, and a twin-cylinder installation gives you considerably more capacity for longer periods off-grid.

Underslung LPG Tanks

An alternative is a permanently installed LPG tank mounted underneath the motorhome.

An underslung tank frees up valuable locker space and can provide greater gas capacity without having cylinders inside the gas locker. This can be particularly useful in smaller motorhomes or campervans where storage space is limited.

The tank is filled through an external filling point in much the same way as a refillable cylinder system.

The downside is that installation is more involved, and the position and size of the tank will depend on the available space beneath your particular vehicle.

Filling a Refillable LPG System

In the UK and Europe, LPG filling connections differ between countries, so you’ll need the correct filling adaptor for your destination. A small set of adaptors covers most of the countries commonly visited by UK motorhomers.

It’s also important to remember that having a refillable system doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to fill it at every LPG station. Availability is declining in some areas, and individual filling stations may have their own rules about filling motorhome cylinders.

We’ll cover LPG availability, filling adaptors and travelling with a refillable system in Europe later in this guide.

Refillable LPG Bottles vs Exchange Gas Bottles

There isn’t one gas system that’s right for every motorhome. The best choice depends largely on how often you travel, how much gas you use and where you take your motorhome.

Exchangeable bottles have the advantage of simplicity. There’s no specialist refillable system to install and, if most of your motorhoming is in the UK, exchanging an empty bottle for a full one can be straightforward.

The biggest disadvantage appears when you travel abroad. UK exchange bottles generally can’t be exchanged in other European countries, and each country has its own bottle systems, suppliers and connections.

Refillable LPG is particularly useful for motorhomers who spend long periods travelling in Europe. Instead of carrying enough UK gas for an entire trip or sourcing local cylinders as you travel, you can top up your existing supply whenever you find a suitable LPG filling point.

Being able to top up is another advantage. You don’t have to wait until a cylinder is empty before filling it, so you can start a remote trip or head into an area with limited LPG availability with full cylinders.

There is an upfront cost for the cylinders, filling point, hoses, adaptors and installation, and the changing availability of Autogas means refillable LPG requires a little more planning than it once did.

For occasional UK motorhoming and short trips abroad, exchangeable bottles may be all you need. For frequent or long-term European touring, we think a refillable LPG system offers considerably more flexibility.

Using Motorhome LPG in Europe

Gas can become surprisingly complicated when you start travelling across Europe. There is no single European exchange bottle or connector standard, LPG availability varies between countries and you’ll encounter several different filling connections if you have a refillable system.

We’ve travelled extensively across Europe using both bottled gas and refillable LPG, and the right solution depends on how long you’re travelling and how frequently you cross borders.

Using UK Gas Bottles in Europe

You can take UK gas bottles into Europe, but replacing them when they’re empty is the problem.

Calor cylinders are intended for the UK market and can’t generally be exchanged in mainland Europe. For a short summer trip, carrying enough gas from the UK may be perfectly practical, particularly if you’re mainly cooking and spending little time using the heating.

For longer trips or winter touring, relying entirely on UK exchange bottles is much less convenient. Heating can dramatically increase your gas consumption and you may find yourself carrying several cylinders simply to ensure you have enough.

Using Local Gas Bottles in Europe

Another option is to obtain a local gas bottle after arriving in a country. This can work particularly well if you’re staying for several weeks or months rather than continually crossing borders.

Spain, Portugal and France, for example, all have extensive bottled gas networks, but the cylinders, connections and arrangements for obtaining them differ.

Depending on your motorhome installation and the cylinder you’re using, you may need an appropriate adaptor, pigtail or regulator to connect a local bottle safely. Don’t improvise connections or modify fittings to make an incompatible bottle work.

The drawback is that a bottle that’s easy to obtain in one country may be difficult or impossible to exchange once you cross into the next. If you’re travelling through several countries, you can quickly end up with a collection of cylinders and fittings that are only useful in certain places.

This is one of the main reasons refillable LPG became so popular with motorhomers travelling extensively in Europe.

Refilling Motorhome LPG in Europe

If you have a refillable LPG system, you can find Autogas filling stations across much of Europe, but availability varies considerably between countries and regions.

Don’t assume that every station selling Autogas will allow you to fill a motorhome LPG system. Some supply LPG solely as vehicle fuel, while others permit permanently installed tanks or cylinders with an external filling point but won’t allow loose or removable bottles to be filled.

We’ve also found that individual filling stations can apply different rules, even within the same country. If one station refuses to let you fill, it doesn’t necessarily mean that every LPG station in that country will do the same.

This makes a little forward planning worthwhile, particularly if you’re heading somewhere remote or into a country where LPG filling points are scarce.

We use myLPG.eu to find LPG stations when travelling. Its listings can show recent user confirmations, the type of connector available and, for some stations, whether motorhome or external filling systems are accepted.

Our advice is to top up when you have the opportunity rather than waiting until you’re almost empty, especially when crossing into a country where you know LPG is harder to find.

LPG Filling Adaptors for Europe

There is no single LPG filling connector used throughout Europe, so if you have a refillable motorhome LPG system, you’ll need to carry the appropriate filling adaptors for the countries you’re visiting.

Fortunately, a small set of adaptors covers most European destinations and they’re easy to carry in your motorhome.

The four filling connections you’re most likely to encounter are:

Dish: The most widely used LPG connector across Europe and common in countries including France, Italy, Greece, Austria and much of eastern and southern Europe.

ACME: A threaded connector commonly associated with Germany, Belgium and parts of central Europe.

Bayonet: Familiar to UK motorhomers and also found in countries including the Netherlands.

Euroconnector: Most commonly encountered in Spain and Portugal.

Don’t rely solely on the country you’re in to determine which adaptor you’ll need. Connector types can vary between individual filling stations, particularly near borders, and some stations provide more than one.

Before travelling, check which adaptors are compatible with your particular refillable system and make sure you know how to fit and remove them correctly.

We carry a European LPG adaptor set so we can use our refillable system as we move between countries without having to source fittings along the way.

Finding LPG in Europe

Finding LPG in Europe is generally straightforward in countries with a well-developed Autogas network, but availability can vary significantly once you move into more rural areas or countries where demand for LPG as a vehicle fuel is declining.

We use myLPG.eu when planning where to fill. The website and app have a large database of LPG stations across Europe, with information including opening hours, available filling connectors and recent reports from other users.

Google Maps can also be useful, but searching simply for “LPG” or “Autogas” doesn’t always produce reliable results. A filling station may have stopped selling LPG even though it still appears in search results, so recent user reports are particularly helpful.

Don’t leave filling until you’re running on your last bit of gas. If we’re heading into a remote area or somewhere with fewer LPG stations, we top up when we see a convenient filling point, even if our cylinders aren’t empty.

It’s also worth checking LPG availability before crossing a border. A plentiful network on one side doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find the same coverage in the next country.

Motorhome LPG Safety

A correctly installed and maintained motorhome LPG system is generally very safe, but LPG is highly flammable and needs to be treated with respect. Regular checks and a few simple precautions can help identify problems before they become dangerous.

Check Your Gas Locker

Gas cylinders should be securely restrained in the dedicated gas locker and the locker should be sealed from the motorhome’s living area.

The low-level ventilation in the locker must also remain unobstructed. LPG is heavier than air, so this ventilation allows escaping gas to disperse outside rather than accumulating inside the motorhome.

Don’t use the gas locker as general storage if doing so could damage pipework, hoses or regulators, or block the ventilation openings.

Check Hoses, Regulators and Connections

Inspect accessible gas hoses and connections regularly for signs of cracking, deterioration, corrosion or damage.

Hoses and regulators have manufacturer-specified service lives and should be replaced according to those recommendations. If you’re unsure about the condition or age of any part of your gas installation, have it inspected by a suitably qualified motorhome gas engineer.

Never use a naked flame to look for a gas leak.

Fit a Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Every motorhome with fuel-burning appliances should have a working carbon monoxide alarm.

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as LPG don’t burn completely. It’s colourless, odourless and potentially fatal, so you can’t rely on being able to detect it yourself.

Test your alarm regularly and replace the unit or batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Consider an LPG Gas Alarm

An LPG alarm serves a different purpose from a carbon monoxide alarm. It’s designed to detect leaking LPG rather than the products of incomplete combustion.

Because LPG is heavier than air, an LPG detector is normally positioned low down, but always follow the alarm manufacturer’s installation instructions.

An LPG alarm doesn’t replace proper maintenance or regular gas-system checks, but it can provide an additional layer of protection.

Keep Gas Appliances Ventilated

Never block permanent ventilation openings in your motorhome, even in cold weather.

Gas appliances require an adequate air supply to operate safely, and fixed ventilation also helps prevent dangerous gases accumulating inside the vehicle.

Use appliances only for their intended purpose. In particular, don’t use a gas hob or oven as a way of heating the motorhome.

What Should You Do If You Smell Gas?

If you smell gas inside or around your motorhome, don’t operate electrical switches or use anything that could create a spark or flame.

Turn off the gas supply at the cylinder or tank if it is safe to do so, extinguish naked flames, open doors and windows and get everyone out of the vehicle.

Don’t use the gas system again until the source of the leak has been identified and repaired.

Have Your Motorhome Gas System Checked

Your LPG system should form part of your regular motorhome maintenance routine.

A motorhome habitation check normally includes inspection and testing of the gas installation and appliances, helping identify leaks, deterioration or other safety issues.

If you make any changes to the LPG installation or suspect a problem, use an appropriately qualified engineer rather than attempting repairs to the gas system yourself.

Can You Drive With the Gas Turned On?

In some motorhomes, it is possible to travel with the LPG supply turned on, but only if the gas installation and appliances are specifically designed and approved for use while the vehicle is moving.

Modern systems such as the Truma MonoControl CS and DuoControl CS incorporate a crash sensor designed to shut off the gas supply if an accident occurs. They are normally used with suitable high-pressure hoses incorporating hose rupture protection.

If your motorhome doesn’t have an approved crash-protection system, the safest approach is to turn off the gas supply at the cylinder before driving.

Can You Run the Motorhome Fridge on Gas While Driving?

A three-way absorption fridge may operate on LPG when parked, but when driving it would normally run from the vehicle’s 12v supply.

Don’t simply leave a fridge running on gas while travelling unless both the appliance and your gas installation are specifically approved for operation while the vehicle is moving.

Gas Restrictions on Ferries and the Channel Tunnel

Even if your motorhome gas system is designed for use while driving, separate rules apply when travelling by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel.

Gas cylinders generally need to be turned off for ferry crossings, although requirements vary between operators. There may also be restrictions on the number or quantity of cylinders you can carry.

LeShuttle permits LPG cylinders used for domestic purposes such as cooking, heating and refrigeration, subject to its conditions, but the supply must be switched off during the crossing. Vehicles powered by LPG are subject to different restrictions.

Always check the current rules with your ferry operator or LeShuttle before travelling.

Check the Rules for the Country You’re Visiting

Requirements for using LPG while a vehicle is moving can vary between countries, and there may also be specific restrictions in places such as tunnels, ferries, fuel stations and enclosed transport.

Before travelling, check the rules for the countries and transport operators on your route as well as the instructions for your particular motorhome, regulator and gas appliances.

If you’re in any doubt, turn the gas supply off at the cylinder or tank before setting off.

Motorhome LPG FAQs

Is LPG the Same as Propane?

LPG is the general term for liquefied petroleum gas and can be propane, butane or a mixture of the two. Propane and butane are therefore both types of LPG.

Is Propane or Butane Better for a Motorhome?

For year-round motorhome use, propane is generally the more practical choice because it continues to vaporise at much lower temperatures than butane.

Butane works well in warmer conditions but becomes less effective as temperatures approach freezing.

Can I Refill a Calor Gas Bottle With LPG?

No. Standard Calor exchange cylinders are not designed to be refilled by the user at an Autogas pump.

If you want to refill your motorhome gas supply, use a purpose-designed refillable LPG cylinder or tank with the appropriate filling and safety equipment.

Can I Fill a Motorhome LPG Bottle at a Petrol Station?

Purpose-designed refillable LPG systems can be filled at suitable Autogas stations, but not every filling station permits motorhome cylinders to be filled.

Rules can vary by country and filling station, and some locations will only permit systems with a fixed external filling point.

Do I Need LPG Adaptors in Europe?

If you have a refillable LPG system, you’ll need filling adaptors for many European countries because there is no single European LPG connector.

The main types you’ll encounter are Dish, ACME, Bayonet and Euroconnector. Carrying a European adaptor set is the easiest solution if you regularly travel between countries.

Can I Exchange a UK Gas Bottle in Europe?

Generally, no. UK exchange cylinders such as Calor bottles aren’t normally exchangeable in mainland Europe.

You can carry them and use them abroad, but once they’re empty you’ll need another source of gas. For longer trips, your options include carrying sufficient UK gas, using a compatible local bottle or installing a refillable LPG system.

How Much LPG Does a Motorhome Use?

Gas consumption varies enormously according to the season and the appliances you use.

Cooking consumes relatively little LPG, while space heating can use considerably more during cold weather. Hot water and a three-way fridge can also add to your consumption when running on gas.

For this reason, there isn’t a useful number of days that a particular cylinder will last every motorhomer.

Is Refillable LPG Worth It for a Motorhome?

It can be, particularly if you travel extensively in Europe or spend long periods off-grid.

There’s an upfront cost for the refillable cylinders or tank, filling equipment and installation, but being able to top up your existing gas supply can be much more convenient than finding compatible exchange bottles as you move between countries.

For occasional UK trips or short holidays abroad, conventional exchange bottles may be sufficient.

Final Thoughts on Motorhome LPG

There’s no single LPG set-up that will suit every motorhomer. If you mainly travel in the UK or take shorter trips abroad, exchangeable gas bottles may be perfectly adequate. If you spend months touring Europe and regularly cross borders, a refillable LPG system can make life considerably easier.

After years of travelling across Europe, we’ve found that the biggest advantage comes from understanding your system and planning ahead. Know how much gas you’re carrying, have the correct adaptors, top up when LPG is readily available and don’t assume the system or filling arrangements will be the same when you cross a border.

Most importantly, treat your LPG installation as you would any other important motorhome system. Keep it properly maintained, check it regularly and deal with any suspected problem before using it again.

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