Gas is the traditional fuel in a motorhome: cooking, heating, hot water and the fridge (in gas mode). It's practical and self-sufficient, but it's also the system that demands the most respect, because a leak or poor combustion can be dangerous. That's why it's regulated and worth keeping in order. Here's the essentials, no jargon.
How the installation works
A cylinder (butane or propane) feeds, through a regulator and some pipework, the various appliances (hob, heating, water heater, fridge). Propane performs better in cold weather than butane, worth bearing in mind for winter.
Regulations and inspections
A motorhome's gas installation is subject to regulations and periodic inspections, and its condition is also checked at the roadworthiness test. Components (pipework, regulators) have an expiry date and must be replaced. Keeping it in order isn't just a legal obligation: it's your safety. [Note: how often the gas system needs inspecting, and the expiry of pipework and the regulator, vary by country — check the current rules that apply to you.]
Safety: the non-negotiable part
- Carbon monoxide (CO) detector: essential. CO is an odourless gas produced by poor combustion and can kill while you sleep. A cheap detector saves lives.
- A gas leak detector fitted low down (gas is heavier than air and settles low).
- Close the cylinder valve while driving and while sleeping, as a general rule.
- Never block the vents: they're what clear any leaks and fumes.
- Check the pipework: if you see cracks or it's past its expiry date, replace it.
We go into more detail in gas safety.
The alternative: less gas, more electricity
More and more campers are reducing their dependence on gas by switching to induction and other electrical uses, backed by a good lithium and solar setup. It doesn't eliminate gas entirely in most cases, but it reduces its use and how often you have to swap cylinders (see induction hobs).
In short
Gas is practical but demands respect: an installation kept in order, with its inspections and expiry dates, and non-negotiable safety with a CO detector and ventilation. The step you can take today: check that your installation has been inspected and that the pipework isn't past its expiry date, and fit a CO detector if you don't have one; and if you want to depend on gas less, consider switching part of your consumption to electricity. Combine it with the maintenance checklist.