Gas
An effective and safe gas system installed in your campervan serves multiple practical purposes. For example, if you plan to cook meals during your travels, it's likely that you'll rely on gas as the primary fuel source for cooking. However, the utility of gas extends beyond cooking equipment.
​
From heaters to 3-way refrigerators, gas fuels a variety of appliances commonly found in campervans. Considering the array of gas-powered appliances available, incorporating an onboard gas system into your campervan conversion becomes a highly advantageous choice.
​
Installing a gas system in your campervan involves several important steps and considerations to ensure safety, functionality, and compliance with regulations.
Here's a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know:
​
-
Regulations and Standards: Familiarize yourself with local regulations, codes, and standards governing the installation of gas systems in recreational vehicles. Regulations may vary by region, but they typically include requirements for equipment certification, installation practices, and safety precautions.
​
-
Gas Type: Determine the type of gas you'll be using in your campervan. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as propane, is a popular choice due to its availability and efficiency. Alternatively, you may consider natural gas if you'll be connecting to a fixed gas supply at campgrounds or RV parks.
​
-
Gas Appliances: Decide which gas appliances you'll be installing in your campervan, such as a stove, oven, refrigerator, water heater, or heater. Choose appliances specifically designed for use in RVs or marine applications, as they are engineered to meet space and safety requirements.
​
-
Gas Cylinder Storage: Determine where you'll be storing the gas cylinders in your campervan. Common storage locations include external lockers, underfloor compartments, or dedicated gas cabinets inside the vehicle. Ensure that the storage area is well-ventilated, secure, and compliant with regulations for gas cylinder storage.
​
-
Gas Lines and Fittings: Plan the routing of gas lines and fittings to connect the gas cylinders to the appliances inside your campervan. Use high-quality, flexible gas hoses and fittings suitable for use in mobile applications. Ensure all connections are properly sealed and tested for leaks to prevent gas leaks or pressure loss.
​
-
Gas Pressure Regulation: Install a gas pressure regulator between the gas cylinders and the appliances to regulate gas flow and maintain consistent pressure. Choose a regulator compatible with the type of gas you're using and the maximum pressure rating of your appliances.
​
-
Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation for the gas system to ensure safe dispersal of any leaked gas and prevent the buildup of combustible gases inside the campervan. Install vents or grilles in strategic locations to promote airflow and ventilation, especially near gas appliances and storage areas.
​
-
Gas Leak Detection: Install gas leak detectors or alarms inside your campervan to alert you to the presence of any leaked gas. Place detectors near gas appliances, storage areas, and sleeping areas for early warning in the event of a leak. Test detectors regularly and replace batteries as needed to ensure proper functioning.
​
-
Safety Shut-Off Valves: Consider installing safety shut-off valves or solenoid valves in the gas system to automatically shut off the gas supply in case of a leak or emergency. Connect valves to gas detectors or manual switches for added safety and peace of mind.
​
-
Professional Installation: If you're not confident in your ability to install the gas system yourself, consider hiring a qualified gas fitter or RV technician to handle the installation. A professional installer can ensure proper installation, compliance with regulations, and thorough testing for safety and functionality.
What Are The Main Methods To
Safely Store Gas Aboard My Campervan?
Replaceable Gas Cylinder Bottle
Replaceable Cylinder System: Replaceable gas cylinder bottles are portable, refillable containers that can be easily exchanged when empty for full ones at gas supply points, such as gas stations or designated refill locations. These cylinders typically come in various sizes to accommodate different storage needs and space constraints within the campervan.
​
Compact and Lightweight: Replaceable gas cylinder bottles are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them ideal for use in small spaces like campervans. They can be stored securely in external lockers, underfloor compartments, or dedicated gas cabinets inside the vehicle.
​
Convenient Refueling: One of the main advantages of using replaceable gas cylinder bottles is the convenience of refueling. Instead of having to refill gas cylinders manually, you can simply exchange empty cylinders for full ones at participating refill locations, saving time and effort during your travels.
​
Safety Features: Replaceable gas cylinder bottles are equipped with safety features such as pressure relief valves and built-in regulators to ensure safe handling and operation. These features help prevent over-pressurization and minimize the risk of leaks or accidents during storage and transportation.
​
Cost-Effective: Using replaceable gas cylinder bottles can be a cost-effective option for campervan owners, as you only pay for the gas you use rather than purchasing and maintaining dedicated gas cylinders. Additionally, the exchange process is often more affordable than refilling gas cylinders individually.
​
Environmental Considerations: Some replaceable gas cylinder systems offer environmentally friendly options, such as refillable cylinders or cylinders made from recyclable materials. These eco-conscious choices can reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of gas consumption during your travels.
Advantages Of A Replaceable Gas Cylinder
Installing a replaceable gas cylinder bottle aboard your campervan is an excellent way of storing gas.
Here are the main advantages why you should use a replaceable gas cylinder bottle for your gas storage requirements:
Super Safe. Before a gas cylinder can be used, it must first pass a set of stringent tests. They’re also tested every few years to make sure everything is in working order.
​
Low Installation Costs. As you don’t have to install additional parts that are primarily for refillable gas cylinders, costs are kept to a minimum.
​
Variety. A replaceable gas cylinder comes in a variety of gas storage capacities. As a result, you should be able to install a replaceable gas cylinder that sufficiently stores enough gas to run your onboard gas appliances.
​
Convenience. Simple to replace and swap out. It takes approximately two minutes to swap out a replaceable gas cylinder tank.
Disadvantages Of A Replaceable Gas Cylinder
Expensive gas. Price of gas (per litre) is more costly compared to the amount you would pay if you were to manually refill the cylinder. In some cases, this can be as much as a 50% increase.
​
Cumbersome. Having to disconnect/connect a heavy gas cylinder may prove to be labour intensive.
​
Requires Interior Space. The cylinder is typically stowed inside your campervan. This will inevitably take up some of your valuable interior space.
Refillable Gas Cylinder
Refillable Cylinder System: Refillable gas cylinders are durable containers that can be filled with propane or other gases at gas refill stations or designated filling locations. These cylinders are typically made of steel or aluminum and come in various sizes to accommodate different storage needs and space constraints within the campervan.
​
Permanent Installation: Refillable gas cylinders are permanently installed in the campervan's gas system, either in an external locker, underfloor compartment, or dedicated gas cabinet inside the vehicle. They are connected to gas appliances via flexible hoses or pipes and regulated by pressure regulators to ensure safe and consistent gas flow.
​
Convenient Refueling: Refillable gas cylinders offer the convenience of refueling at gas refill stations or designated filling locations. Simply bring the empty cylinder to a refill point and exchange it for a full one, similar to refilling a traditional propane tank for a barbecue grill.
​
Cost-Effective: Using refillable gas cylinders can be a cost-effective option for campervan owners, as you only pay for the gas you use rather than purchasing disposable cylinders. Over time, the cost savings from refilling cylinders instead of buying new ones can add up, making refillable cylinders a practical choice for frequent travelers.
​
Safety Features: Refillable gas cylinders are equipped with safety features such as pressure relief valves, overfill protection devices, and built-in regulators to ensure safe handling and operation. These features help prevent over-pressurization, gas leaks, or accidents during storage, transportation, and use.
​
Environmental Considerations: Refillable gas cylinders offer an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable cylinders, as they can be reused multiple times before needing to be replaced. By reducing waste and minimizing the need for single-use containers, refillable cylinders help lower the environmental impact of gas consumption during your travels.
Advantages Of A Refillable Gas Cylinder
Very safe. Every single gas cylinder must pass a set of safety tests. Furthermore, each cylinder typically comes with additional safety features built-in.
​
Lower Priced Gas. Gas at an L.P.G. fuel station is typically sold several times cheaper than the combined cost of renting/exchanging a replaceable gas cylinder bottle.
​
Travel friendly. Straightforward to refill, especially when travelling abroad.
​
Huge Variety. Both the onboard cylinder bottle and the underslung tank come in a wide variety of size and storage capacity configurations.
​
Space Saving (underslung). If you choose to install an underslung gas cylinder, you will not have to use any interior space.
​
No Heavy Lifting. As you’re not replacing the gas cylinder every time you run out of gas, you won’t need to disconnect/connect the gas cylinder bottle.
Disadvantages Of A Refillable Gas Cylinder
High Cost Of Installation. Initial costs can be high compared to the costs of a replaceable gas cylinder system.
​
Refilling Rules and Regulations. Certain countries don’t allow L.P.G. stations to ‘direct fill’ a gas cylinder bottle. This means you’ll have to fit an external fill hose.
Campervan Gas Supply System
Gas Cylinder
​
High-Pressure Connecting Hose
A high-pressure hose is used to connect components that operate under high pressure. For example, you would use a high-pressure hose to connect your gas cylinder to a wall-mounted pressure regulator/gas filter.
​
Gas Filter
A gas filter is a great additional item and is typically installed just before your regulator. These are particularly useful for filtering any potential contaminants that could enter your gas system.
The filter cartridge screws directly onto the housing and are replaceable.
Gas Regulator
A gas regulator is a control valve that reduces the input pressure of the gas to the desired value at its output. A low-pressure regulator reduces the pressure of your gas system between 30 to 37 millibar.
​
Copper Tube + Fittings
Copper tubing is used to connect your campervan appliances to your gas supply system. Copper tubes are relatively easy to bend around corners and is easy to secure using the appropriate clips.
​
Gas Manifold
A gas manifold is a device that evenly distributes individual gas supplies to each appliance. This makes running multiple gases feeds a simple process.
Another excellent feature of a gas manifold is the ability to shut off a single gas supply feed. Typically, you would install the gas manifold directly after your gas regulator.
Gas Safety Equipment
Drop Out Vent
As L.P.G is heavier than air, if you were unfortunate to get a gas leak, the gas would first accumulate at floor level. L.P.G. is known as a ‘pooling’ gas – which simply means it behaves like a puddle of water.
The more gas that leaks, the bigger the ‘pool’ would become. To help disperse the gas, you can install drop out vents. These are specially developed vents that allow gas to escape through the floor to the exterior of your campervan. Consequently, these vents should hopefully prevent any build-up of flammable gas.
​
Gas Safety Locker (Bottle Only)
One of the most common places you can get a gas leak on your gas system is at the gas cylinder bottle connection point. One method to add a little extra safety is by installing a gas safety locker. This is a specially fabricated air-tight metal container that are purposely made to houses a gas cylinder bottle.
Typically, a gas safety locker is manufactured from steel then finished in a tough powder-coat. You access the locker via a removable front panel that is generally held in place by a twist-latch. Once the front panel is locked in place, the metal case becomes air-tight, preventing any gas entering your vehicle interior.
As a result, If you were unfortunate to get a leak from your gas cylinder, the gas would now safely exit the locker via a vent to the exterior of your campervan.
​
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
A carbon monoxide detectors will sound an alarm when carbon monoxide hits a certain level over time. Different sensors set off different types of alerts.
A great feature of an electronic carbon monoxide detector is once the detector sounds the alarm, it won’t shut off until its back in a carbon monoxide-free environment. This then lets you know that its safe to return into your campervan.
Campervan Gas Safety Tips
We always recommended choosing a professional technician to install your campervan gas L.P.G. system.
​
Always shut off all your gas before travel.
​
Although not always required (check local gas laws), when carrying gas, we advise displaying a gas warning sticker on your vehicle exterior.
​
Make sure that you know how to safely remove and fit your gas regulator.
​
Keep well away from naked flames when changing the gas cylinder bottle.
​
If you suspect a gas leak, don’t use a naked flame to help look (yes, people have actually done this before). A handy trick is to apply some water and washing-up-liquid solution to the suspected area and look for bubbles.
​
Make sure you’ve got a fire blanket and/or fire extinguisher.
​
Install an adequate fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm.
​
Make sure your drop vents are not blocked. Gas needs to escape in case of a leak.