Refillable gas systems for caravans and motorhomes are available, but we’ll limit this guide to the 6kg propane and 7kg butane bottles from Calor. We’ll discuss which type of gas to use when caravanning, the pros and cons of butane and propane, the basic steps you should take before travelling, and how to swap an empty gas bottle.

• All gas appliances fitted to your Bailey caravan can be used on butane or propane without adjustment.
• If you’re using Calor gas, butane is supplied in blue bottles and is suitable for use at temperatures as low as 2 °
• Calor Propane is supplied in red bottles and will work at temperatures as low as -40° It’s an excellent gas for winter caravanning, as well as year-round use.
• You can buy suitable gas bottles from your local caravan retailer, garage, or DIY outlet. A list of Calor stockists can be found at on the Calor website.
• Consult your owner’s manual to find which size bottle will fit your caravan.

• Ensure the cylinder is empty and that all gas appliances are turned off.
• Turn off the cylinder valve.
• Remove the gas hose from the cylinder. This will be a left-handed thread, meaning that it unscrews clockwise.
• Release the retaining strap and remove the empty cylinder from the gas locker.
• Before placing the new cylinder in the cradle, ensure that the tray is clean and free from debris.
• Place the new cylinder in the cradle and tighten the retaining strap.
• Remove the plastic protector from the cylinder’s valve outlet.
• Connect the gas hose and tighten until snug.
• Turn on the cylinder valve.
• Your gas appliances are ready to use.

Before moving your caravan, ensure that the heating and cooking appliances are off and the gas cylinder’s valve is closed.

• Once you arrive on-site, turn your gas cylinder on.
• If it’s your first trip, it may be worth checking that the gas supply taps are open. These isolate the individual appliances in your caravan and are usually located in the kitchen area.
• Before you leave the site, turn off all appliances and close the gas cylinder valve.

Jump to:

• Beginners Guide to Caravanning – Homepage
• How to load your caravan
• How to set your caravan’s noseweight
• How to hitch up your caravan
• How to tow and reverse your caravan
• Arriving on site: How to level your caravan
• Arriving on site: Electrical system
• Arriving on site: Gas system
• Arriving on site: Water system
• Arriving on site: How to set up your Alde or Truma heating system
• Arriving on site: Toilet cassette
• Arriving on site: Fridge
• Arriving on site: Hob, oven and grill
• Arriving on site: How to adjust your caravan’s TV aerial
• Arriving on site: How to secure your caravan
• Caravan Weight Plate Upgrade: How to increase your caravan’s payload
• Glossary