Why gas is the energy source of choice for most motorhome systems
Rachel Scholes...
...is MMM’s Deputy Editor and has been around motorhomes since she was about four years old. She dreams of the day her parents will buy a new motorhome and pass on their current one to her
Most motorhomes come with a gas system that is commonly used to power the hob/oven, fridge and heating/hot water.
You can go gas-free with diesel-powered heating and hot water, compressor fridges that work off electric only and either diesel or induction hobs, but most of these things will require hefty batteries and upgraded charging systems to allow you to stay away from hook-up for even a few days.
Smaller campervans may also only have portable gas-powered hobs and not be fitted with hot water or heaters.
Gas is favoured as a source of energy because it is very efficient, cheap and is compressed, so the amount of energy stored in a 6kg cylinder, for example, holds the same amount of energy as 42 leisure batteries! So, gas is a good thing for motorhomes, where space and weight is at a premium.
It’s very efficient in all respects, but it does add a layer of complexity with its system and servicing requirements.
HOW IT WORKS
All gas systems work the same way; there’s a bulk storage container with a regulator. This feeds gas into the pipework that then runs to the appliances that need it.
Refilling is where systems differ as there are two types of system. The most common is the exchange cylinder – such as the most well-known, Calor. You simply remove the empty gas cylinder and swap for a new one.
Refillable systems involve an underslung tank or a special type of cylinder installed in an existing gas locker and this is topped up at LPG stations around the country.
TYPES OF GAS
There are two main types of gas: butane and propane. The key difference between the two is operating temperatures – butane doesn’t work so well in colder temperatures, and so propane is better for year-round use.
Some people also report that butane is cheaper than propane but this is not the case.
Butane, in the form of Campingaz cylinders, can be exchanged across Europe. The biggest gas brand in the UK, Calor, is only available in the UK, as is Flogas, one of the other main suppliers.
Butane and different European gas cylinders ( from Cepsa, etc) will require different regulators t
