A propane gas pigtail connects your gas cylinder to the regulator or bulkhead-mounted system in your caravan, motorhome or campervan. This high-pressure hose bridges the connection between the POL fitting on a propane cylinder and the W20 connection typically found on UK caravan regulators. Standard lengths range from 450mm to 1.5 metres, with the shorter 450mm version being most common for front locker installations where space is limited.
These hoses are built to BS EN 16436-1 Class 3 standards, designed to handle 30 bar working pressure and withstand burst pressures up to 90 bar. You'll find them in two main materials: black rubber hoses that need replacing every five years from the installation date, or stainless steel versions that can last up to 20 years. The choice often comes down to budget and how long you plan to keep your outfit. Many quality pigtails include hose rupture protection, a safety mechanism that automatically stops gas flow if the hose gets damaged during travel.
Installation is straightforward with a gas spanner, though the POL connection uses a left-hand thread that catches people out initially. Some models feature handwheel fittings that let you tighten them by hand without tools, which is handy when swapping cylinders at a site. Higher-spec versions include non-return valves at the POL end to prevent gas flowing backwards through the system. Age matters more than usage here, so even an unused pigtail needs replacing once it hits the five-year mark for rubber or shows any signs of perishing, cracking or stiffness.
Crusader Propane 450mm Pigtail Features
- POL to W20 fittings connect propane cylinders to caravan regulators
- BS EN 16436-1 Class 3 certified for high-pressure LPG applications
- Hose rupture protection stops gas flow if hose becomes damaged
- 5-year typical lifespan
- Non-return valve prevents backflow through the gas system
Specifications
- Working pressure : 30 bar maximum operating pressure
- Burst pressure : 90 bar tested burst resistance rating
- Standard lengths : 450mm, 750mm, 1.5m available
- Connection type : POL fitting (5/8" LH thread) x W20 nut and tail. A Handwheel option offers a tool-less alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
Rubber propane pigtails need replacing every five years from the installation date, regardless of usage. Stainless steel versions can last up to 20 years. You should inspect all hoses visually each time you change gas cylinders, checking for cracking, perishing, stiffness or damage. The replacement interval is based on age and material degradation rather than how often you've used them. Look for the date stamp on your pigtail to work out when it was manufactured and plan the replacement accordingly.
The POL fitting connects to the propane gas cylinder valve and uses a 5/8 inch left-hand thread, which means you turn it anticlockwise to tighten. The W20 fitting connects to the regulator or changeover valve commonly used in UK caravans and motorhomes. A propane pigtail has one of each fitting to bridge the connection between your cylinder and the gas system. POL is the standardised propane cylinder connection used throughout Britain for red propane bottles.
Hose rupture protection is a safety valve built into the pigtail that automatically stops gas flow if the hose becomes damaged, severed or develops a significant leak. This feature activates when it detects abnormal flow rates, preventing gas from escaping into your locker or vehicle interior. Only pigtails with hose rupture protection are suitable for use while travelling, as they meet the safety requirements for mobile gas systems. Standard pigtails without this protection are designed for stationary use only.
Most quality pigtails include a non-return valve or excess flow valve at the POL end, which can stick or activate if you open the cylinder valve too quickly. This safety feature prevents gas surging through the system. To reset it, close the cylinder valve completely, disconnect the pigtail, reconnect it firmly, then open the cylinder valve very slowly. If you hear a rattle when shaking the pigtail near the POL end, it has a non-return valve fitted. Opening the cylinder valve gradually prevents this valve from activating.
The most common length is 450mm for caravans with front locker gas bottle storage and bulkhead-mounted regulators, as this provides enough reach without excess slack. Motorhomes with underfloor gas lockers often need 750mm to 1.5 metre pigtails depending on the distance between cylinder and regulator. Measure from your cylinder valve to the regulator connection point and add 100mm for flexibility. Pigtails shouldn't exceed one metre in length unless absolutely necessary, and the hose shouldn't be stretched tight or kinked when installed.
Yes, propane and butane cylinders use different valve connections in the UK. Propane cylinders use POL fittings and require propane-specific pigtails with POL connectors. Butane cylinders use clip-on regulators or different threaded connections. Most caravanners use propane exclusively because butane stops vaporising at temperatures approaching zero degrees, making it unreliable during cold weather. If you have a bulkhead regulator system, you'll need propane cylinders and propane pigtails with POL to W20 fittings.
Caravan and motorhome gas pigtails need to be rated to BS EN 16436-1 Class 3 standard, which specifies a 30 bar working pressure and 90 bar burst pressure. This high-pressure rating handles the full cylinder pressure before it reaches the regulator. Lower-rated hoses designed for post-regulator use aren't suitable for pigtail applications. The Class 3 specification also confirms the hose can withstand temperature extremes from minus 30 degrees up to high summer locker temperatures without degrading.
Rubber pigtails cost less initially but require replacement every five years and are more susceptible to perishing from heat, UV exposure and ozone in gas lockers. Stainless steel pigtails have a 20-year service life, resist weather damage better and maintain flexibility in extreme temperatures, though they cost more upfront. For seasonal caravanners who keep their outfits long-term, stainless steel works out cheaper over the vehicle's lifetime. Rubber pigtails suit those who prefer lower initial costs or plan to upgrade their caravan within five years.
Handwheel pigtails feature a large thumbwheel nut on the POL fitting that lets you connect and disconnect gas cylinders without needing a spanner. Standard pigtails require a 27mm gas spanner to tighten the POL connection properly. The handwheel version is particularly useful when changing cylinders at campsites where you might not have tools to hand, or if you have limited mobility that makes using spanners difficult. Both types meet the same BS EN 16436-1 safety standards and perform identically once fitted, though handwheel models typically cost a few pounds more. The trade-off is convenience versus initial cost, with handwheel pigtails offering the same five-year replacement interval for rubber versions.
SAFETY NOTICE:
All products and parts must be installed by engineers who hold a valid certificate of competence. The installation must comply with the manufacturers instructions and local regulations. We cannot be held responsible if these instructions are not followed.
Please note we are a camping, caravan and motorhome company and NO gas product that we sell is suitable for mains (domestic) gas supply.
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