ABC of auto tourism: 10 facts about gasoline in a trailer
The most common heating system is gas. But what kind of gas is this, you ask? The cylinders contain a mixture of propane (C3H8) and a small amount of butane (C4H10). Resident proportions vary depending on the country and season. In winter, it is recommended to use only cylinders with a high propane content. But why? The answer is simple: it evaporates only at a temperature of -42 degrees Celsius, and butane will change its material state already at -0,5. This way it will become a liquid and will not be used as fuel, such as the Truma Combi.
Under good external conditions, each kilogram of pure propane provides the same amount of energy as:
- 1,3 liters of heating oil
- 1,6 kg coal
- Electricity 13 kilowatt hours.
The gas is heavier than air, and if it leaks, it will accumulate on the floor. That is why compartments for gas cylinders must have an unlocked opening with a minimum cross-section of 100 cm2, leading outside the vehicle. According to current regulations, there should be no ignition sources, including electrical ones, in the glove compartment.
Properly used and transported, gas cylinders pose no threat to the crew of a campervan or caravan. Even in the event of a fire, the gas cylinder cannot explode. Its fuse trips at the right moment, after which the gas escapes and burns in a controlled manner.
These are basic elements that need to be constantly monitored. They ensure our safety when transporting gas from a gas cylinder to a heating device. The reducer, as the name suggests, will regulate the gas pressure according to the current needs on board the vehicle. Therefore, the cylinder cannot be connected directly to the receivers found in the camper or trailer. It is extremely important to secure it correctly and check that there are no gas leaks anywhere. Hoses should be checked frequently - at least once a year. If any damage is found, it should be replaced immediately.
Interesting fact: the maximum gas consumption depends on the size of the cylinder. The larger it is, the greater the gas consumption, measured in grams per hour. In a short period of time, you can take even 5 grams per hour from a 1000 kg cylinder. Its larger counterpart, 11 kg, is capable of reaching speeds of up to 1500 g/h. So if we want to service several high-consumption gas devices, it is worth using a larger cylinder. Even 33 kg cylinders designed for winter camping are available on the German market. They are installed outside the car.
Gas cylinders must be closed while driving, unless we are using gearboxes equipped with a collision sensor. This prevents uncontrolled gas leakage in the event of an accident. These can be found in brands such as Truma or GOK.
In Poland there are services that not only check the installation, but also issue a special certificate with the date of the next inspection. Such a document can be obtained, for example, on the website of the Elcamp Group from Krakow. This can be useful, for example, when trying to take a campervan to a ferry.
First of all: don't panic. Put out the fire immediately, do not smoke, and turn off all electrical appliances. Remember that after turning off the 230V power supply, the absorption refrigerator will automatically try to switch to gas. The spark igniter is then activated, which can be a source of ignition for the escaping gas. Open all doors and windows to ensure adequate ventilation. Do not turn on any electrical switches. Have your gas installation fully checked by an authorized service center as soon as possible.
On our channel you will find a 5-episode series “The ABCs of Autotourism”, in which we explain the nuances of managing a camping vehicle. From the 16th minute of the material below you can learn about gas circulation topics. We recommend!
