Fitting a 'Gasit' cylinder to a '97 Symphony.

For those considering fitting one of the above, as I have now done,  here's a few pointers that might be of use:

• You cannot fit two of these in the gas locker,  due to their height
  
• But you can fit one, without drilling the bodywork
  
• And yes, it works perfectly 
  

Here's how I did it.  First of all, I was going to fit a pair but once I took measurements, I realised that wouldn't fly. The height of the handle, etc means that the cylinder mount adjacent to the wheel arch is too small.
Then there was the question of drilling the bodywork, which I really didn't want to do. I did think of placing the filler hose through the locker floor and affix it and it's filler head to a locker - type filling bracket that was offered with the cylinder (I also bought the external filler unit to cover my bases). However, that meant that I'd still need to either drill the inner sill to attach the bracket, plus it might then be hit by stones, or just plain awkward to use when filling.

So, I've found what I think is a faster and easier way by fitting the filler - head,  onto the side of the seat adjacent to the side sliding door. All I did was to buy a set of hole cutters - a fiver from Aldi,  and drill through the locker's side, through into the storage area under the seat. Then I cut the filler - head's hole  into the seat's side. Obviously,  I had the side door open and made sure that it would be possible to attach the lpg filler nozzle afterward  

The hose that was supplied with cylinder is just long enough to fit behind the wire storage rack. If you do it the other way around, it's nigh impossible to attach the hose to the cylinder if it's in the locker! Remember,it's important that you use gas-type ptfe tape on the connections

Once it's all connected,  by carefully positioning the cylinder, it's just possible to view it's content gauge, though the regulator points toward the van's body which is a bit awkward, but this is how the cylinder is built so there's little you can do. It's all a bit tight in there, but I can still, just, reach the space where the 2nd cylinder would have lived, so I can store the spare wheel jack there instead! 

Then it was a drive off to the nearest lpg garage to fill it. I took the wife with me to watch, I listen and smell inside the locker as the cylinder had its first charge, making first sure that the gas outlet valve on the cylinder is closed . Success!  No leaks, issues, at all. Easy to fill, just slide open the door, attach the garages nozzle, and away you go. And the best bit? Just over 7 quid for a full cylinder, at 62p a litre

Fitted a Gas It cylinder to my previous van and recently transferred it to my current one (Warwick). Great bit of kit and so easy to use. Gas It seems better value than Gaslow and the team at GasIt are very helpful. Any issues or questions, just phone them up and they always have the time to give advice.
Enjoy your Gas It cylinder:up!:

I'm thinking of doing this to my '99 Symphony. Any chance of a few photo's of the installation, to convince myself it's do'able.

Grangy wrote:I'm thinking of doing this to my '99 Symphony. Any chance of a few photo's of the installation, to convince myself it's do'able.

Of course.  Is there a facility on this site to post images, say via a Photobucket link? or, could you pm me your email address instead? I'd prefer the former so others can see if it's for them or not though.

Doug.

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Peter

Gaslow do a 2.7Kg cylinder that may fit in the locker at the back should you need one.

Capacity (80%): 4.6 litres, Height: 310mm, Diameter: 202mm, Empty Weight: 5.0kg, Outlet Connection: 21.8LH thread.

Dougrdf wrote:

Grangy wrote:I'm thinking of doing this to my '99 Symphony. Any chance of a few photo's of the installation, to convince myself it's do'able.

Of course.  Is there a facility on this site to post images, say via a Photobucket link? or, could you pm me your email address instead? I'd prefer the former so others can see if it's for them or not though.

Doug.

On here would be great, Doug.
Having looked at the 'van, it doesn't look too difficult, but a few piccys will help 

Pictures of installation, as requested:

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View of cylinder from locker.

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Content gauge just visible, note awkward angle of regulator, but that's how the cylinder is built so not much can be done about it.

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Image of feed pipe. No grommet fitted as yet but on its way so I've wrapped plenty of electrical tape around the pipe so as to protect it in the mean time... I suggest you drill from this side and into the locker itself as there's more room this way.

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Inside view of the filler housing. Fit this connection on last and don't forget to use the correct gas ptfe tape. 


And here's the hole cutter set, courtesy of Aldi a few weeks ago, for a fiver.

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That's great, thanks for photos. 
One last question, is that the 6kg bottle ?

Yes, the 6 kg one. 
To fill it, it cost just over 7 quid @ 62p a litre. 

I bought it here ( I note the price has gone up now!) [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I paid 22 quid for a titchy little camping - gaz cylinder refill last year, when I had a V.W T3 campervan, just a slight difference in cost...

Lastly, I realise that one cylinder might not be enough for some folk but as my van runs on lpg and or petrol anyway, it's easy enough to top up as and when necessary when having a main refuel so easy enough.

Doug.

I have put Dougs post the Factsheet Section easier to find for future.   Its a good write up with photos that doesnt want to be "lost" in the archives of general postings.

One point to remember, dont rely on the cylinder valve mounted contents indicators (similar to Calor Lite ones) use your judgement or there are some magnetic gel and plastic ones around a couple of pounds that stick to the cylinder wall and we have found these as accurate as anything.