letter of the month
I’m writing regarding my continuing concern over the availability of LPG or should I say, the lack of it!
My motorhome has an underslung LPG tank. I managed to find a station with supplies when I telephoned two days ago. When I went there today – a 40-mile round trip – I found the pumps out of use, making it a total waste of time and fuel.
When I asked when they would be getting a delivery, I was told that they never know and I would have to keep telephoning to enquire!
I have tried every day since, and still no delivery. I have also contacted several garages within a large radius of my home, to no avail. The travel involved in this radius is ridiculous just to fill up the gas tank.
In my opinion, there are plenty of motorhome owners all over the country who need this service.
In fact, installation of these tanks is a thriving industry, not to mention that many conversions – including Auto-Sleepers and WildAx – use them instead of cylinders in a gas locker.
We normally tour abroad, but have not done so for some time, so I don’t know if this is the same elsewhere.
It would appear that the use of tanks is going in one direction while the gas supply heads in the other! Perhaps it’s time for the motorhome community to start lobbying the gas supply industry? Trevor Crisp Editor Sarah replies… You raise an interesting point, Trevor, and we would love to find out how others have got on filling their LPG tanks in recent weeks – have you been experiencing similar issues? Let us know via talk@practicalmotorhome.com.
In better news for those who own a motorhome with an LPG tank, and as reported by our own Nick Harding in issue 284, Marquis Leisure – sister brand of Auto-Sleepers, and the UK’s biggest motorhome dealer network – now has a gas refill service (pictured below) at its Durham branch (Durham Road, Birtley, Chester-le-Street DH3 2QZ). This is the third such facility being offered across its 13-outlet network, with the other two being at its Exeter and Gomshall, Surrey, branches.
All are for motorhomes using fixed tanks on their vehicles for leisure (not automotive) use, and the refilling operation is carried out by a member of staff. You don’t need to book, either, you can simply turn up.
It seems like a great initiative to us – let’s hope that more dealerships follow suit going forward.
