Caravan gas systems ????

[BADGER.BRAD]

Can anyone tell me can caravan gas systems use butane or propane or just one or the other ? How do I know if the fridge is working ? I don't seem to be able to see any flame ! I've just brought a cheap/fairly old caravan in good condition and am trying to work out if everything is working.

Thanks

Brad

 

[talisman50082]

Can use propane or butane. Each requires an appropriate regulator, you cannot swap. The fridge probably has a pilot light . Obviously you need gas to light it. Bit surprised you didnt ask the seller?

 

[TissoT]

I would get gas specialist (plumber) to check out the system ... To put a gas test on the fire/cooker Etc

 

[subaqua]

I would get gas specialist (plumber) to check out the system ...

NOT a plumber.

A gas safe registered engineer who done the relevant ACOPs sections ( i.e. LPG ) for the gas safe registration he holds.

that way you are less likely to

a) blow yourself up
b) asphyxiate yourself with CO ( carbon monoxide) from a badly adjusted appliance.


some plumbers DO have gas safe registration but not all gas engineers are Plumbers.

 

[TissoT]

NOT a plumber.

A gas safe registered engineer who done the relevant ACOPs sections ( i.e. LPG ) for the gas safe registration he holds.

that way you are less likely to

a) blow yourself up
b) asphyxiate yourself with CO ( carbon monoxide) from a badly adjusted appliance.


some plumbers DO have gas safe registration but not all gas engineers are Plumbers.

Iam in the game... I am aware of the difference.

 

[subaqua]

Iam in the game... I am aware of the difference..

you might be, but a lot of others won't be.

 

[screenman]

Most require the electric controls on the fridge turned off to work on gas. Get it serviced, it will be money well spent.

Propane has a lower freezing point than butane, which is why the former is more popular. Least I think it is that way around.

 

[cyberknight]

Iam in the game... I am aware of the difference.

I thought we were talking about pilot lights , not red lights




I will hide again now

 

[TissoT]

I thought we were talking about pilot lights , not red lights




I will hide again now

Iam in the Game .... NOT on the Game

 

[Leedsbusdriver]

[QUOTE 3375523, member: 45"]

It would probably help to find someone into caravans and get them to have a look.[/QUOTE]
May i suggest Jeremy Clarkson.

 

[DRM]

In the bottom corner of the fridge you should have a small plastic viewing hole, make sure that the 12 volt supply is on and turn the control knob on the fridge to the gas setting, press the control knob in & count to 8 then press the ignition button in quick succession whilst holding the control knob in, you should see a spark in the viewing hole and the gas should ignite, once the gas is lit keep the control knob held in for a count of 10 (slowly) then let go of the control knob & the fridge should keep running on gas, you will see the flame in the viewing hole. The control knob has 4 positions off, 12 volts, gas & mains electricity 12 volt is for use when towing only, you will need to have a 12S socket with a grey lid on your car, the gas & mains positions are self explanatory.
Propane cylinders (orange) are best for use with the caravan as it continues to gas down to around -40c but butane (blue) stops gassing at around 1c which will make you pretty miserable & cold.
I would personally get the caravan serviced there are some mobile service companies about and they will check all the running gear, gas and electric systems and will be qualified to do so.
Can I also point out that your caravan when loaded to its. Maximum allowed weight shouldn't weigh the same or more than your car it should be around 85% of your cars kerbweight, as you need a hefty car to prevent the caravan starting to weave about when on the road, a huge twin axle caravan being towed by an Astra or Focus sized car is a disaster waiting to happen. HTH

 

[classic33]

What state is the rubber hose in. Before you connect a gas supply to it. Any surface cracks may indicate hidden damage.

 

[Piemaster]

Propane has a lower freezing point than butane, which is why the former is more popular. Least I think it is that way around.

True, but at atmospheric pressure liquefied butane is around -25 C and propane -40 C (from memory, used to work on ships carrying a LOT of it a few millibars above atmospheric pressure)
Don't think I'd want to be using a caravan if it was a problem with ambient temperature and can't see a cooker/fridge using enough to create problems with freezing as it expands. Think the preference is more based on the calorific value of the gases and temperatures they burn at.

 

[screenman]

Just googled.

"In order to be usable, the liquid in the bottle must be able to boil into a gas. In the case of Butane, this will happen at any temperature above -2C, whereas with Propane, this figure is much lower, at -42c"

 

[subaqua]

Just googled.

"In order to be usable, the liquid in the bottle must be able to boil into a gas. In the case of Butane, this will happen at any temperature above -2C, whereas with Propane, this figure is much lower, at -42c"

Yup butane is better in warmer temps. Around it's "boiling point " gas delivery can be a bit lumpy . When we go diving in the winter the gas stove gets a propane bottle on it instead of a butane bottle. ( thanks work ) makes getting a hot chocolate or cuppasoup far easier with no spitting .

If you want to be really stupid put a bic lighter in the freezer for a bit and then light it. You can get balls of unburnt liquid in the flames spitting as they warm enough to combust . Kids don't try this at home. No really