Had a 9 kg bottle filled in Ballarat today for $18.99 which I thought was fairly reasonable knowing what some places charge. We also noticed that the diesel pump would be easy to get to with a van on, so we asked the girl on the counter how they would feel about caravans filling their water tanks. She said if they were buying gas or filling up with fuel she could not see a problem, although I would suggest any one wanting to do this should ask first. The station is the Metro at 1040 Howitt St Wendouree (Ballarat) if any one is passing this way.
Hope Cindy does not class this as advertising, I have no interest other than passing on good sevice to our fellow travellers.
Landy
herbie said
06:40 AM Mar 24, 2013
What a good price for the gas refill have not seen it that cheap for years..just one problem we are no where near Ballarat, but have been there and have filled up with fuel at servo as it is one that is easy to get into and out of.Some have not a lot of room to enter or exit.
Regards Herbie
goldcoaster said
02:34 PM Mar 24, 2013
Very good price,I paid $24 on the Goldcoast yesterday,and last week paid $35 for a swap n go.
Cloak said
05:46 PM Mar 24, 2013
Is it feasible to install a 45Kg bottle I wonder? That would last a couple of years.
Roving-Dutchy said
06:50 PM Mar 24, 2013
Our local Barbecues Galore Central Coast NSW has refills for $16 don't know if this applies to all stores
David
Cupie said
07:55 PM Mar 24, 2013
Got a swap & go exchange for my out of date bottle at Bunnings Underwood (Bris) for under $20.
Check out chick suggested that competition from Masters was a factor in pushing their prices down.
Got to watch out though for varying bottle circumferences, out of date bottles and those rated as '4' ... ie OK for BBQs but not caravans. I usually rat through the cage of bottles to get one that ticks all the boxes for me.
landy said
02:12 AM Mar 25, 2013
Cupie wrote:
Got a swap & go exchange for my out of date bottle at Bunnings Underwood (Bris) for under $20.
Check out chick suggested that competition from Masters was a factor in pushing their prices down.
Got to watch out though for varying bottle circumferences, out of date bottles and those rated as '4' ... ie OK for BBQs but not caravans. I usually rat through the cage of bottles to get one that ticks all the boxes for me.
Cupie can you tell us more about the bottles rated 4 that are only for BBQ 's.That is something I have never heard of.
Landy
tezza said
02:51 AM Mar 25, 2013
As for filling water tanks I have never been refused permision to fill with water . I always ask before I fill with petrol and have had no problems. I did not ask crossing the Nullabor.
landy said
03:57 AM Mar 25, 2013
We were refused water in Dalby last year at a petrol station that had been recommended by the information centre, luckily we had not started to fill our diesel tanks so we gave our business to a station just down the road that would alow us water.
Landy
allinone said
04:01 AM Mar 25, 2013
Refilled a 9kg gas bottle in Burnie at Mitre10 the other day. The m10 store was advised as one of the cheapest in Tasmania. The refill was $32. A swap was $45. BTW a refill at a camping store in launceston was only $22.
barrie said
05:20 AM Mar 25, 2013
Cost is $39 at Streaky Bay
Cupie said
03:05 PM Mar 25, 2013
landy wrote:
Cupie wrote:
Got a swap & go exchange for my out of date bottle at Bunnings Underwood (Bris) for under $20.
Check out chick suggested that competition from Masters was a factor in pushing their prices down.
Got to watch out though for varying bottle circumferences, out of date bottles and those rated as '4' ... ie OK for BBQs but not caravans. I usually rat through the cage of bottles to get one that ticks all the boxes for me.
Cupie can you tell us more about the bottles rated 4 that are only for BBQ 's.That is something I have never heard of.
Landy
Hi Landy ..
This is a reference that I picked from another forum. I don't have access to the Standards but will have a look at my Son's copy on the weekend. Hope that he has them. This standard just describes the ratings but doesn't specify their uses .. BBQ v RV et al.
S11 SURFACE COATINGS The surface coating used on the cylinder shall be identified by the symbol shown. The symbol shall be an Arabic figure within a circle of 10 mm minimum diameter, located in accordance with Clause 13. Where required by the application code under which cylinders are to be used, one of the following surface coatings shall be applied.
(a) Hot-dip galvanized in accordance with AS/NZS 4680, and identified by symbol (1).
(b) A base coating to a minimum dry film thickness of 25 ?m, on a surface prepared by abrasive blasting in accordance with AS 1627.4, to not less than Class 2½, and followed by coating with a high grade resin-based material with recognized outdoor durability to give a total minimum dry film thickness of 75 ?m, complying with either of the following: (i) Inorganic zinc-rich coating in accordance with AS/NZS 3750.15. (ii) Organic zinc-rich coating in accordance with AS/NZS 3750.9.
The identifying symbol shall be (2).
(c) Sprayed zinc coating in accordance with BS EN 22063, to be not less than Class Zn4 for the entire surface area from the internal junction of each attachment for a width of not less than 25 mm, and to not less than Class Zn3 for the remaining surface area.
The identifying symbol shall be (3).
(d) One of the following, and identified by symbol (4): (i) Red oxide/zinc chromate primer applied on the surface treated in accordance with the coating suppliers recommendations, with a high quality alkyl-based top coat to a total minimum dry film thickness of 50 ?m. (ii) Polyester powder coat on a surface treated in accordance with the coating suppliers recommendations, to a minimum dry film thickness of 75 ?m. (iii) Systems shown by testing to have equivalent surface-protecting performance to the systems specified in Items (i) and (ii) above.
Got a swap & go exchange for my out of date bottle at Bunnings Underwood (Bris) for under $20.
Check out chick suggested that competition from Masters was a factor in pushing their prices down.
Got to watch out though for varying bottle circumferences, out of date bottles and those rated as '4' ... ie OK for BBQs but not caravans. I usually rat through the cage of bottles to get one that ticks all the boxes for me.
Cupie can you tell us more about the bottles rated 4 that are only for BBQ 's.That is something I have never heard of.
Landy
Hi Landy ..
This is a reference that I picked from another forum. I don't have access to the Standards but will have a look at my Son's copy on the weekend. Hope that he has them. This standard just describes the ratings but doesn't specify their uses .. BBQ v RV et al.
S11 SURFACE COATINGS The surface coating used on the cylinder shall be identified by the symbol shown. The symbol shall be an Arabic figure within a circle of 10 mm minimum diameter, located in accordance with Clause 13. Where required by the application code under which cylinders are to be used, one of the following surface coatings shall be applied.
(a) Hot-dip galvanized in accordance with AS/NZS 4680, and identified by symbol (1).
(b) A base coating to a minimum dry film thickness of 25 ?m, on a surface prepared by abrasive blasting in accordance with AS 1627.4, to not less than Class 2½, and followed by coating with a high grade resin-based material with recognized outdoor durability to give a total minimum dry film thickness of 75 ?m, complying with either of the following: (i) Inorganic zinc-rich coating in accordance with AS/NZS 3750.15. (ii) Organic zinc-rich coating in accordance with AS/NZS 3750.9.
The identifying symbol shall be (2).
(c) Sprayed zinc coating in accordance with BS EN 22063, to be not less than Class Zn4 for the entire surface area from the internal junction of each attachment for a width of not less than 25 mm, and to not less than Class Zn3 for the remaining surface area.
The identifying symbol shall be (3).
(d) One of the following, and identified by symbol (4): (i) Red oxide/zinc chromate primer applied on the surface treated in accordance with the coating suppliers recommendations, with a high quality alkyl-based top coat to a total minimum dry film thickness of 50 ?m. (ii) Polyester powder coat on a surface treated in accordance with the coating suppliers recommendations, to a minimum dry film thickness of 75 ?m. (iii) Systems shown by testing to have equivalent surface-protecting performance to the systems specified in Items (i) and (ii) above.
BCF Mandurah today $19.95 for 9kg (8.5) and $14.25 for a 4.5kg
Barbeques Galore $29.95 and $18.95.
Cheers Neil
Cupie said
04:17 PM Mar 26, 2013
landy wrote:
Cupie wrote:
Got a swap & go exchange for my out of date bottle at Bunnings Underwood (Bris) for under $20.
Check out chick suggested that competition from Masters was a factor in pushing their prices down.
Got to watch out though for varying bottle circumferences, out of date bottles and those rated as '4' ... ie OK for BBQs but not caravans. I usually rat through the cage of bottles to get one that ticks all the boxes for me.
Cupie can you tell us more about the bottles rated 4 that are only for BBQ 's.That is something I have never heard of.
Landy
Looks like I was wrong once again ... This is an article on the subject from ELGAS, the operators of the Swap & Go system I think.
There are a number of recent discussions on various online forums relating to the type of gas bottle required for use on caravans. However, the comments being shared in these forums are perpetuating urban myths that have no basis in fact.
Specifically, claims that you can only use gas bottles with certain Coating Classification Codes on a caravan and that the use of the wrong gas bottle could void your insurance. There is no truth to either of these contentions.
To explain, a bit of background is in order. As with most urban myths, there is a bit of fact mixed in with misinformation. The paint coatings for caravan sized gas bottles are covered under AS2469-2005, in Section 11. This Standard specifies manufacturing requirements for welded carbon and stainless steel cylinders with water capacity not less than 0.1kg or more than 150kg. The Standard does NOT reference any application restrictions.
There are four Coating Classification Codes in this manufacturing Standard. The Classification Codes are stamped into the neck ring of the gas bottles. Depending on the Classification Code, the number 1, 2, 3, or 4 will appear within a 10mm circle. The lower the number, the more durable the finish.
Classification Code 1: These are hot dipped galvanised gas bottles. This would be the most durable finish but these bottles could cost 3X what a normal caravan gas bottle would cost.
Classification Code 2: These are abrasive blasted, then coated with a base coat and a zinc rich top coat. This is the Classification Code that SWAPnGO purchases when we feed new gas bottles into the SWAPnGO® system, to replace sold and decommissioned gas bottles.
Classification Code 3: These are sprayed with a single layer of a zinc coating.
Classification Code 4: These are sprayed with a primer and a polyester top coat. This would be the least durable finish.
In reference to the first myth, there is not, nor has there ever been a prohibition regarding the use of any Classification Code gas bottle on a caravan. Many, many years ago there was a common sense recommendation suggesting that Code 4 bottles would not be ideal for continuous exposure on a caravan tow bar. This was never a ban and even the recommendation vanished from the Standards many years ago. We know this for a fact because the gentleman that wrote that recommendation, as a member of the Standards Committee, currently works for Elgas.
The Standards also make no reference whatsoever to the Coating Codes being for specific applications, like marine, caravans or other applications. This is pure urban myth.
With the advent of swap, even the issue of finish durability became a moot point. SWAPnGO paints more than half of the bottles that come through for refilling, making long term coating durability less of a necessity. Also, contrary to yet another urban myth, SWAPnGO does not blast the finish off of the swapped bottles, unless they are already heavily corroded, so we do not compromise the original undercoat and top coat. We just spray over both with an additional top coat.
SWAP'n'GO complies with all Australian Standards for caravan gas bottles
Regarding the insurance issue, there are no grounds for an insurance company to reject a claim on the basis of the Coating Classification Code, as there is no Standard or legal requirement for any specific Coating Classification Code for a caravan application. In addition, we have never seen such a clause in any policy and the LPG industry association would almost surely oppose any such arbitrary and capricious clause. If anyone actually has a policy that states this, we would love to see a copy!
A Real Issue That Could Affect Your Insurance
In reading the online forums, there was another issue of GREAT SAFETY CONCERN that actually could affect your insurance. Contributors make mention of having 6, 8 or as many as 12 gas bottles.
Separate from the Australian Standards, there are various state regulations that limit the number of gas bottles you can carry in a private vehicle. For example, Queensland limits you to two gas bottles. If you are caught with more than two you can be fined. An insurance company could be within their rights to deny coverage if you make a claim while you are breaking the law by carrying too many gas bottles. This would be especially true if there was a fire in which the extra bottles contributed to the blaze.
Caravan owners should observe the relevant State laws regarding gas bottle quantities transported. In addition, gas bottles should only be transported in external holders or secured in a purpose built, ventilated and ignition source free compartment / locker. Details of these installation requirements are specified in AS5601.2-2010. Gas bottles should never be stored in any other enclosed compartment within the caravan.
landy said
05:23 AM Mar 27, 2013
Thanks for the article Cupie it was verry interesting, and allways remember the person who has never made a mistake has never done anything
Landy
herbie said
06:20 AM Mar 27, 2013
I had to get a swap and go gas bottle the other day from here in Glady ..like every thing here very expensive $32 ..even Bunnings are cashing in on the boom happening here at moment.
Had a 9 kg bottle filled in Ballarat today for $18.99 which I thought was fairly reasonable knowing what some places charge. We also noticed that the diesel pump would be easy to get to with a van on, so we asked the girl on the counter how they would feel about caravans filling their water tanks. She said if they were buying gas or filling up with fuel she could not see a problem, although I would suggest any one wanting to do this should ask first. The station is the Metro at 1040 Howitt St Wendouree (Ballarat) if any one is passing this way.
Hope Cindy does not class this as advertising, I have no interest other than passing on good sevice to our fellow travellers.
Landy
What a good price for the gas refill have not seen it that cheap for years..just one problem we are no where near Ballarat, but have been there and have filled up with fuel at servo as it is one that is easy to get into and out of.Some have not a lot of room to enter or exit.
Regards Herbie
Our local Barbecues Galore Central Coast NSW has refills for $16 don't know if this applies to all stores
David
Got a swap & go exchange for my out of date bottle at Bunnings Underwood (Bris) for under $20.
Check out chick suggested that competition from Masters was a factor in pushing their prices down.
Got to watch out though for varying bottle circumferences, out of date bottles and those rated as '4' ... ie OK for BBQs but not caravans. I usually rat through the cage of bottles to get one that ticks all the boxes for me.
Cupie can you tell us more about the bottles rated 4 that are only for BBQ 's.That is something I have never heard of.
Landy
We were refused water in Dalby last year at a petrol station that had been recommended by the information centre, luckily we had not started to fill our diesel tanks so we gave our business to a station just down the road that would alow us water.
Landy
Hi Landy ..
This is a reference that I picked from another forum. I don't have access to the Standards but will have a look at my Son's copy on the weekend. Hope that he has them. This standard just describes the ratings but doesn't specify their uses .. BBQ v RV et al.
.................................................................................................................................
From AS 2469 (Two Piece Gas Cylinder Standard)
S11 SURFACE COATINGS
The surface coating used on the cylinder shall be identified by the symbol shown. The
symbol shall be an Arabic figure within a circle of 10 mm minimum diameter, located in
accordance with Clause 13. Where required by the application code under which cylinders
are to be used, one of the following surface coatings shall be applied.
(a) Hot-dip galvanized in accordance with AS/NZS 4680, and identified by symbol (1).
(b) A base coating to a minimum dry film thickness of 25 ?m, on a surface prepared by
abrasive blasting in accordance with AS 1627.4, to not less than Class 2½, and
followed by coating with a high grade resin-based material with recognized outdoor
durability to give a total minimum dry film thickness of 75 ?m, complying with either
of the following:
(i) Inorganic zinc-rich coating in accordance with AS/NZS 3750.15.
(ii) Organic zinc-rich coating in accordance with AS/NZS 3750.9.
The identifying symbol shall be (2).
(c) Sprayed zinc coating in accordance with BS EN 22063, to be not less than Class Zn4
for the entire surface area from the internal junction of each attachment for a width of
not less than 25 mm, and to not less than Class Zn3 for the remaining surface area.
The identifying symbol shall be (3).
(d) One of the following, and identified by symbol (4):
(i) Red oxide/zinc chromate primer applied on the surface treated in accordance
with the coating suppliers recommendations, with a high quality alkyl-based
top coat to a total minimum dry film thickness of 50 ?m.
(ii) Polyester powder coat on a surface treated in accordance with the coating
suppliers recommendations, to a minimum dry film thickness of 75 ?m.
(iii) Systems shown by testing to have equivalent surface-protecting performance to
the systems specified in Items (i) and (ii) above.
...............................................................................................................................................
Thanks Cupie.
BCF Mandurah today $19.95 for 9kg (8.5) and $14.25 for a 4.5kg
Barbeques Galore $29.95 and $18.95.
Cheers Neil
Looks like I was wrong once again ... This is an article on the subject from ELGAS, the operators of the Swap & Go system I think.
Sorry.
Legality of Gas Bottles for Caravans Urban Myths
SWAP'n'GO complies with all Australian Standards for caravan gas bottles
A Real Issue That Could Affect Your Insurance
Caravan owners should observe the relevant State laws regarding gas bottle quantities transported. In addition, gas bottles should only be transported in external holders or secured in a purpose built, ventilated and ignition source free compartment / locker. Details of these installation requirements are specified in AS5601.2-2010. Gas bottles should never be stored in any other enclosed compartment within the caravan.
Thanks for the article Cupie it was verry interesting, and allways remember the person who has never made a mistake has never done anything
Landy
I had to get a swap and go gas bottle the other day from here in Glady ..like every thing here very expensive $32 ..even Bunnings are cashing in on the boom happening here at moment.