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Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 06 May 2010, 12:17
by syncrosimon
With my running costs on petrol at best 24p a mile LPG seems the way forward. Especially with Aidan's Mammut figures in mind.

I know the spare wheel well will take a small donut tank, but have not heard of anyone with this conversion. Sycroswede and I are thinking of this conversion. Excepting the obvious crash questions are there any draw backs?

I cannot lose any interior storage, so this is the only option.

Me and the family are doing an Amsterdam - Kopenhagen - Malmo - Berlin trip in August and LPG might save us £200 or more on the trip.

Simon.

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 06 May 2010, 15:25
by syncropaddy
LPG tanks are built well and if one gets damaged in a frontal crash you wont be around to worry! There was a guy some years back called Porter (I think) who worked for a caravanning magazine who converted a Syncro into a camper and put an LPG cylinder under there so its been done before.

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 06 May 2010, 15:39
by syncrosimon
Yeah Lyndsey porter, I remember his dove grey (metallic blue) caravelle with i think a leisuredrive conversion. Did'nt remember he did lpg though.

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 06 May 2010, 15:48
by Aidan
small=140miles range access not great really requires surgery of the van floor for a hatch I believe, that's why I went for 66 litre vertical torroidal 200 mile tank but loss of space inside is pay off, tank under bed looses you the space for yourheater/ batteries etc..
Use the Syncro drop down carrier wheel carrier rather than the 2wd 205 wheel one used on westy syncros and some tristars

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 06 May 2010, 16:42
by Bond007
I've got one fitted to mine, but mine's not a Syncro, so can't comment on cutting for a hatch etc :|
I know there was no mechanical surgery required to fit it :wink:

My bus has a 3/4 rock n roll, so I had a 36L tank fitted under the seat, and the 40L donut tank in the spare wheel void, but i still have loads of storage space.

I get 250 miles before refills on this set up :)

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 06 May 2010, 19:59
by syncrosimon
Thanks for the replies.

140 miles range is ok when commuting, and I suppose ok on the continent where gas is much more popular. It's all food for thought though. It would make the van even heavier. :roll: But at least the weight is on the front.

Simon.

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 06 May 2010, 20:32
by onecogwonder
Mmmm...I've been thinking about this for a long time, where are you guys considering going for the conversion or are you going to have a go yourselves? South West or South East? Do you reckon we might get some discount if three vans turn up for a gas conversation?? I'd be up for it!!!

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 06 May 2010, 22:12
by SyncroSwede
I've pretty much decided that I am getting the Syncro gassed. The fuel costs are only going to get worse and as it's now my only four wheeled transport I want it to be a little less painful!
I only did 5000 miles in the first two years so LPG wasn't worth it but I've now done 2000+ miles in the last three months!

http://www.gaspoweruk.co.uk/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm going to check these guys out and chat about tank options. The donut up front is small but the easiest place for me but I also want to see these guys attitudes, no one has touched my van since I've had it except me, Simon and the MOT guy, so I'm a little protective!

I'll post here when I've checked it out for the info of others. :ok

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 06 May 2010, 22:16
by syncrosimon
I would like to have a go myself, as the main part of the conversion is the labour. Mal I believe is getting a quote from a guy in exeter, I will keep you posted.

The basic kits can be done for around £400.

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 07 May 2010, 08:57
by sonic23
Cool guys. I will follow this post with interest.....especially since I'm aiming to go Scooby power within the next year.

Rich

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 07 May 2010, 16:07
by HarryMann
And on that theme Simon...

I'm keen to sort a above-bash-plate fuel tank, although Euro 450 a bit of a stretch for the nice ones on sale.
Want to have more range and move c.g. fwd

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 07 May 2010, 18:50
by onecogwonder
I would have considered Gasure as they have always been real helpful but they are a little out of the way for me in West Dorset, I'd be interest to see what the Exeter guys offer as some of the locals have had Land Rovers, etc, LPG'ed by them.

On another subject it's about time I hooked up with "almost local" 'swede and simon for some off road adventures.....if you are about one weekend

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 07 May 2010, 21:48
by syncrosimon
I have been meaning to do a syncro day in Dorset, a mate of mine runs trials events there, and knows the lanes very well. Would be good to meet up. Beaminsters not far from us.

Re: Thoughts on Syncro lpg donut tank above front bash plate

Posted: 07 May 2010, 21:52
by Yozza
syncrosimon wrote:With my running costs on petrol at best 24p a mile LPG seems the way forward. Especially with Aidan's Mammut figures in mind.

I know the spare wheel well will take a small donut tank, but have not heard of anyone with this conversion. Sycroswede and I are thinking of this conversion. Excepting the obvious crash questions are there any draw backs?

I cannot lose any interior storage, so this is the only option.

Me and the family are doing an Amsterdam - Kopenhagen - Malmo - Berlin trip in August and LPG might save us £200 or more on the trip.

Simon.

Ay up Simon,
I've got a 70l tank under the RnR bed in my 2wd and get around 200 miles range. I did quiz Steve at Gasure if I could have underslung tanks rather than losing internal space, however, he said there wasn't enough 'ground to tank' clearance with a 2wd. However, a syncro, especially a 16" may have enough clearance if that option appeals? It also depends on the type of off-roading you do?

Yozza