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Gas installation

Started by dmchris, November 22, 2015, 05:01:54 PM

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dmchris

Hi,

As I am considering purchasing a van in Germany early next year I started reading up on regulations regarding gas in vans. Seems there are a LOT of rules about storing the bottles in gas tight chamber, huge ventilation openings, for fillable systems opening has to be outside of living compartment, heat screens if installed under hob, no hoses (only metal pipes) allowed etc.

Im sure it will be similar within a large part of the EU, definitely Sweden (where im currently residing).

How have people coped with this? Can you get away with having a not built in cooker in order to avoid all that stuff? Do you just not care and accept void insurance in case of fire and risk of failed TÜV (MOT equivalent)?

Grateful for any pointers and ideas on this.

kryten

I don't know about mainland Europe but in the UK to register you're van as a motorhome then any install gas bottles need to be in a metal lined area. If you register and insure your van as a van then you don't need this. Having the gas bottle in a metal lined area is for safety, don't forget to vent the gas area with a hole in the floor near the bottle.

If you're using self filling lpg bottles then these need to be fillable from the outside. If you decide to install your gas bottle with access from the inside then I would suggest a garage area at the back so you have access to the bottle via the rear doors.

dmchris

Thanks for the info.

So if I dont register the van as a motorhome the regulations aren't the same. But what would insurance say in case i burn the van down due to accident with gas installation or similar? How does that work?

Im all for keeping it simple, if i can get away with just not registering the van as a motorhome and its OK to carry the gas anyway im happy. But i do also want full insurance coverage in case something goes horribly wrong.

Creating the external access for LPG bottles/tank is one thing that is bothering me regarding the whole kitchen project. Not really keen on making a hole in the car for it, and had planned to use rear door area for storing my climbing gear (specifically crash pads). Not sure i will be able to also fit the gas bottles there, and of course it would also require gas pipes all along the van to kitchen area up front.

kryten

Quote from: dmchris on November 23, 2015, 01:34:14 PM
Thanks for the info.

So if I dont register the van as a motorhome the regulations aren't the same. But what would insurance say in case i burn the van down due to accident with gas installation or similar? How does that work?

Im all for keeping it simple, if i can get away with just not registering the van as a motorhome and its OK to carry the gas anyway im happy. But i do also want full insurance coverage in case something goes horribly wrong.

Creating the external access for LPG bottles/tank is one thing that is bothering me regarding the whole kitchen project. Not really keen on making a hole in the car for it, and had planned to use rear door area for storing my climbing gear (specifically crash pads). Not sure i will be able to also fit the gas bottles there, and of course it would also require gas pipes all along the van to kitchen area up front.

If you fit a gas system then always remember to switch off the bottle while travelling. Do regular checks on hoses and try and keep hoses accessible during your build. Does your van have a side door? If so then you could put the gas bottle in a cupboard next to that door so you have easy access to it and your kitchen could be mounted above.