Tech Advice | TECHNICAL
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 dieselpowered 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.
