Gas supply in Great Britain: What do I need to consider when travelling with a motorhome or caravan?

Spectacular coastal roads, historic cities, and rugged landscapes – Great Britain is a dream destination for campers. To ensure a smooth journey, driving on the left and a safe gas supply are essential.

Anyone travelling to Great Britain with a motorhome or caravan should familiarise themselves in advance with the specific features of the gas supply. Connections, cylinder systems, and legal requirements can differ significantly from Germany. With the right preparation, you can avoid supply gaps and travel with peace of mind – whether for a weekend in England or a multi-week tour through Scotland and Wales.

Regulations and safety for LPG in Great Britain

In Great Britain, the standard BS EN 1949 applies to the installation and operation of LPG systems in motorhomes and caravans. Among other things, it stipulates that the standard supply pressure has been 30 mbar since 2003 – identical to the European EN 1949. Older systems with 50 mbar may continue to be used as long as they are technically sound.

Work on the gas system may only be carried out by companies registered with Gas Safe that hold a specific LPG approval for leisure vehicles. Gas Safe is the only official gas registration body for gas businesses and engineers in the United Kingdom, on the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey. By law, all gas businesses must be listed in the Gas Safe Register.

The inspection of the gas installation or gas safety inspection is carried out by a certified Gas Safe Registered Engineer. If you require a repair or modification while on the road, you should specifically look for such companies.

Regulations and safety when entering the country

When entering by ferry or Eurotunnel, special safety regulations apply:

• All gas vessels must be fully shut off before the crossing.
• Many ferry companies require an inspection of the gas system and impose quantity limits on gas reserves (e.g. max. 47 kg total gas).
• In the Eurotunnel, permanently installed tanks may be filled to a maximum of 80%; the filling level must be verifiable via display or sight glass. For loose cylinders, a weight limit of 47 kg also applies, with a maximum of 50 kg for several cylinders combined. Some ferry operators additionally require sealed valves on reserve cylinders.

It is advisable to check the exact rules of your chosen ferry company or tunnel operator before travelling and to plan extra time for the safety checks.

Types of gas and cylinder systems in Great Britain

In Great Britain, propane and butane are most commonly used. Propane is suitable for year-round use, as it vaporises even at sub-zero temperatures. Butane is cheaper, but loses its gaseous form below 0 °C – meaning no vaporisation occurs – and is therefore only suitable for warmer seasons.

The main suppliers are Calor Gas, Flogas, and Campingaz. Calor and Flogas operate an exchange system with rental cylinders, where you pay a deposit and the first filling. Campingaz cylinders are available throughout Europe but are significantly more expensive and smaller, making them more of an emergency option.

Important: German cylinders cannot be exchanged or legally refilled in Great Britain. For longer trips, you should therefore rent a British cylinder locally or use a refillable system. Cylinder sizes vary – 13-kg propane cylinders are widespread and usually fit into the gas compartments of German vehicles, but it is still advisable to check size and weight in advance.

Connections, regulators, and adapters for motorhomes and caravans

British cylinders have different connections depending on the type of gas:

• Propane: British POL screw connection (left-hand thread, SW 30, G.7)
• Butane: Clip-on connections in 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 27 mm, or 35 mm
• Butane, Campingaz (GAZ): Special threaded connection (G.3)
• Other connections in use: EU-Shell, US-POL, ACME, Primus

For operating German gas systems, a suitable adapter/connector or a pigtail with a UK connection (Brit. POL) is required. Adapter sets such as the GOK Euro Set contain the most common European connections.

Practical tip: It is best to purchase adapters before your trip from a specialist retailer. Finding them locally can be time-consuming, and not every dealer stocks all versions. Make sure you choose the correct adapter for your cylinder(s) (gas type) to avoid leaks and incorrect connections.

Supply options on the road

• Bringing your own gas: For shorter trips, this is often the simplest solution. Two 11-kg cylinders will usually last several weeks in summer with economical use. If you use mains electricity frequently, you can further reduce gas consumption, for example by using electric hobs, kettles, or fan heaters. This often avoids the need for refilling even on longer tours. However, be aware of ferry company regulations: some impose maximum quantities or require safety measures such as sealed valves.
• Renting a British cylinder: For longer stays, it is worth obtaining a local cylinder (e.g. Calor or Flogas). A deposit is required, which is refunded only when returned within the same system. Check in advance whether a dealer is available at your destination, and whether reservations are possible. Be aware that in recent years there have sometimes been shortages in availability, so flexibility with cylinder size or supplier may be necessary. Allow extra time for obtaining a cylinder, and measure beforehand whether the local cylinder fits your compartment.
• Refillable tanks or cylinders: These offer flexibility and independence but require the correct filling adapters and good planning, as the LPG network in the UK has been declining (more on this below). If travelling with fixed tanks, plan your route to include remaining LPG stations. In sparsely populated regions such as the Scottish Highlands, forward planning is essential to avoid supply shortages. A current overview is available on platforms such as myLPG.eu.

Filling and autogas supply on the island

In Great Britain, LPG filling stations mostly use the bayonet coupling system. Vehicles with German ACME or dish filling points therefore require a suitable adapter. A complete Europe adapter set is recommended for flexibility across countries.

Only permanently installed tanks or certified refillable cylinders with automatic 80% filling stop may be refilled at autogas stations. Rental or exchange cylinders – including German ones – are excluded from self-refilling. This is strictly enforced at most stations.

The LPG supply network in the UK has become smaller in recent years, as many large petrol station chains have phased out autogas. However, there are still several hundred LPG stations, often at supermarket chains such as Morrisons or at Flogas depots. In Scotland, the distances between stations are greater, so careful planning is necessary.

Practical tip: Use apps and websites such as myLPG.eu or GasBuddy to identify filling options before and during your trip. Always plan a safety buffer and refill early, especially in rural regions or before weekends and holidays.

Practical tips from experience and forums

• Use electricity strategically: Most campsites in the UK provide mains electricity. Use electric devices such as hobs, kettles, or fan heaters to save gas.
• Calculate gas consumption: Plan your usage depending on the season. In summer, consumption is usually low, while in winter or during longer stays it is higher.
• Keep backup systems: A small Campingaz cylinder or an additional adapter can be very helpful in an emergency.
• Plan for space and weight: British cylinders may be larger or heavier than German ones. Check dimensions and payload capacity in advance.
• Use networks: On forums or campsites, you can often find up-to-date advice on gas supply, shortages, and local sources.
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Conclusion: Travel well-prepared to Great Britain

With the right preparation, suitable adapters, and a clear plan for gas resupply, gas supply in Great Britain is straightforward. If you are aware of the regulations, plan your trip accordingly, and remain flexible, you can cook, heat, and cool with ease – whether in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about camping in Great Britain

Can I exchange or refill my German cylinder in Great Britain?
No, this is not possible.

Which adapter do I need?
British POL connection for propane, clip-on for butane, special regulator for Campingaz.

How many cylinders can I take on the ferry?
There is no uniform limit on the number. However, the total weight of all cylinders must not exceed 47 kg.

Propane or butane when camping in Great Britain?
Propane or propane/butane mixtures are suitable all year round; butane only above 0 °C.

Are there still autogas stations in Great Britain?
Yes, but the network has decreased in recent years. Plan early and adjust your routes, but don’t worry: there are still more than enough filling stations.

Do I need a special pressure regulator in Great Britain?
No, if your system is set to 30 mbar, it complies with the British standard. However, check whether your regulator can be used with the correct adapter or adapter pigtail.

Can I use gas while driving in Great Britain?
Yes, but only with an approved crash sensor system and, if necessary, a hose rupture protection device. Without these safety features, the gas supply must be shut off while driving. More information here: https://www.gok.de/Fluessiggasanlagen-Freizeit/Gasversorgung-waehrend-der-Fahrt/.

What regulations apply to gas in the Eurotunnel?
Max. 80% filling level for fixed tanks, verifiable by display or sight glass. Loose cylinders are limited to a total weight of 47 kg.