When it comes to convenient and adaptable campervan gas sources for a wide range of RV appliances, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is the best for everything including heating, cooking, and refrigeration.
Pressurised cylinders are often used to transport LPG; the fuel within remains a liquid until it is released and supplied to the device, at which point it becomes a gas. This must be done at an appropriate pressure for the appliances to utilise, which is generally accomplished by using a pressure-reducing regulator that provides campervan gas to the system at standard pressure. Propane and butane are the two gases utilised. Both are LPG, although they have somewhat different properties.
This article will assist you in making the most of your LPG installation in a camper or motorhome, but keep in mind that any maintenance on LPG equipment must be performed by professionally experienced and certified persons.
What Kinds of Campervan Gas Systems Are There?
Larger cylinders ideal for motorhome and caravan usage may vary in size and colour depending on the supplier, but the two Color kinds continue to prevail – red cylinders holding propane and blue cylinders containing butane. Since the beginning of the century, caravans and motorhomes needed a separate regulator based on the campervan gas used to give the proper operating pressures.
The supply pressure for both gases in the European Union (EU) has been standardised at 30mbar since September 2003 under a European standard (EN 1949). While pre-2003 RVs still need separate regulators depending on the gas used, all modern UK-built caravans operate at 30mbar, which should be noted in the gas locker near the regulator.
Because of safety considerations, the Club does not accept the use of any cylinder kept outside a gas locker with a volume of more than 15kg on Club Sites or during Club activities. Cylinders should ideally be kept in the unit’s campervan gas storage. Gas cylinders must be carried and secured in a vertical posture at all times, since laying them down may allow liquid LPG to escape through the valve and form a huge amount of flammable gas.
What Kinds of Propane Tanks Are There?
Easily Refillable Cylinders
Refilling an old cylinder rather than replacing it seems to be a smart idea, but there are several practical, safety, and legal considerations. Authorised LPG retailers are the only places you can get a regular cylinder converted. Some cylinders are meant to be manually refilled by the user. Safe fill, Gaslow, and Gas Its method enables refilling from Autogas pumps at campervan gas stations.
In this arrangement, a unique cylinder with a steel hose attached to an automobile-style filler is purchased. This is what takes the LPG delivery nozzle at campervan gas stations and is fitted in your vehicle’s body. Adapters are required for filling in continental Europe, as with LPG-powered cars. The availability of Autogas varies significantly throughout the continent. Safe fill offers a self-contained system that may be filled at a variety of Autogas outlets.
All systems should include an integrated cut-off mechanism that guarantees the cylinder is not filled more than 80% full (to provide enough room for the LPG to expand), as well as an overpressure release valve and a type of contents gauge. It’s crucial to remember that you’re dealing with a high-pressure campervan gas distribution system, so proceed with caution. Pay close attention to the directions. Some petrol stations, according to users, refuse to allow caravanners to replenish in this manner.
When travelling in Europe, some caravanners have been provided with a refilling service for typical UK-based cylinders. The Club does not endorse this approach since it may result in overfilling, which poses a severe danger to your safety.
On-Board Fixed Tanks
Larger recreational vehicles often have permanent fuel tanks that can be refilled at LPG gas stations. They typically hold far more campervan gas than detachable cylinders and are suited for continental travel. However, doing so comes at a cost in terms of both weight and money, and it also limits how much your vehicle can haul. Be wary of underslung tanks and always check they have been properly installed and give enough road clearance. The NCC has a standardised installation code of practice that every professional installer should follow.
A Gasoline Hose
Because campervan gas supply hoses degrade with time and usage, they should be changed at least every five years, and more often in high-use environments. Hoses in the United Kingdom will be tagged with the date of manufacture and should be examined regularly for damage and wear.
Check that all hose clamps are in good working order and that the hoses are not being damaged by other objects or loose equipment.
Barbecues
There is often a campervan gas outlet on the outside of some trailers for use with a barbecue. While this is handy, certain additional care must be taken while utilising such a gadget. For safety concerns, using an external gas cylinder to feed gas to the caravan via this connection is not suggested or authorised on Club Sites or during Club activities.
All cooking with an open flame must be done in a well-ventilated location away from combustible materials. The Club believes that no barbeque, whether powered by the caravan or its own cylinder, should be used under an awning due to issues with ventilation, carbon monoxide buildup, smoke inhalation, and fire safety.
How Much Does a Campervan Gas System Cost?
The amount of gas needed is based on many factors, including the current temperature, the number of campervan gas appliances in use, the amount of power they use, and the duration of their usage at that power level. Few of us, however, bother to figure all of this out since we just use the gas until it runs out and then replace the cylinder. Many users discover that they use between 0.8 and 1.5kg of gas per day, with an average of 1.2kg per day. In the summer, you won’t need as much gas for heating, and if you have an electric hookup, you may utilise that to your advantage by doing part (but not all) of your cooking, heating, and cooling with electricity instead of gas. A lack of LPG is indicated by a red light on Truma LevelCheck.
Knowing when your campervan gas is approaching low is often important since cylinders have a tendency of running out at inappropriate times, such as in the middle of the night or when it is raining. Some cylinders contain a contents gauge or are transparent, allowing you to see what’s within.
The greatest off-take (supply) rate that may be achieved from a single 6-kilogram propane cylinder is around 0.8 kg per hour. This is plenty for a range, space heater, refrigerator, and water heater, but it may not be enough for a grill and four gas burners at the same time.
A flame failure device should always be installed to prevent unburned campervan gas from entering the dwelling space. In practice, this issue is unusual unless you use a smaller cylinder (such as a 3.9kg propane cylinder with a maximum off-take of just 0.5kg/hr) or use butane gas in near-freezing temperatures.
How Do You Maintain and Safeguard Your Campervan’s Gas System?
All LPG appliances and fittings must be checked and maintained on a regular basis if they are to stay safe and dependable.
As part of routine home maintenance, the campervan gas system should be checked by a qualified expert once a year. This service, which requires a leak test (gas tight), a let-by test of the main valve, and a test to confirm that the regulator locks out at the correct pressure, may be performed by an Approved Workshop. The appliance’s functionality is also examined.
For special servicing, maintenance, and care needs for their equipment, see the appliance manufacturer’s documentation.
Security Tips
- LPG should be safe if used appropriately. It’s not poisonous, and it only burns with enough oxygen in the room, but it catches fire easily.
- You should always turn off the campervan gas at the cylinder before you leave.
- Never check for a leak with a naked flame. A strong odour is added to the gas, making it simple to identify any leaks. All pipe connections should be checked with the washing-up-liquid solution; gas should bubble beyond the leak. Isolate the supply, ideally at the cylinder, and seek expert assistance. If the leak is inside, keep everyone outdoors by opening all windows. Gas is heavier than air and will settle to the floor; to prevent this, make sure all floor vents are open.
- Install a CO alarm.
- Before disconnecting for travel, always turn off the gas on a standard cylinder.
- When replacing cylinders or cartridges, never smoke.
- Ensure that all ventilation spaces are free of impediments.
- Before lighting, keep campervan gas appliances away from combustible things and never move them after they are lighted.
- Carry a proper fire blanket and/or extinguisher, know how to use it, and ensure it hasn’t expired.
- Install a Fire Alarm
