Help! Gas problem in Calais

AlastairH
AlastairH Forum Participant Posts: 30
edited May 2017 in Caravans #1

I have just arrived in Calais for a six week tour of France and my gas supply is not working.  It was fine until I turned it on when I arrived but the gas will not stay lit on the hob.  It lights but seems to run out of  out of gas after 20 seconds or so.

MY lpg tank is full and I have tried priming the regulator umpteen times.  I suspect the regulator is goosed.

Does anyone know where I can find a gas technician in Calais please?

Thank you in anticipation.

Alastair

Comments

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,198 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2017 #2

    Sorry you've not had any replies yet, I'm not able to suggest Calais help, but gonna chuck out silly question 😉. On our cooker if the lid is not completely vertical it cuts the gas off. Could this be your problem? We nearly changed an almost full, but we didn't realise it, cylinder as we couldn't get cooker go stay alight. We were pretty new then luckily the wardens on the C&CC site put us straight when he picked up the gas cylinder.  I hope that is your problem. 

    Do let us know how you get on. Fingers crossed for a good trip.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited May 2017 #3

    Would it not be possible to find somewhere to buy a new regulator? 

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited May 2017 #4

    first thing is to check the extent of the problem....

    we know the hob doesnt stay lit but does the fridge work on gas, or the heating or the oven?

    if none of these work you may have a regulator issue (this can strike at anytime...), you havent turned off the isolator have you?

    if other items work then its the hob, for whatever reason.

     

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
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    edited May 2017 #5

    Can you phone your local dealer at home and ask them to post a new regulator to you at your first campsite stopover?  Alternatively you may have to buy a French gas bottle and a regulator and these can be bought at aupermarkets, garages, etc.

    An alternative (which is what we do) is to buy a two ring electric hob and a mini-oven and use those.  We've bought a two ring hob from either Lidl or Aldi in France for just €9.99 and on another occasion bought a mini-oven (easily big enough to cook a chicken and a tray of roast potatoes) for €27.99 - not much more, in combination, than the gas bottle and regular, and thereafter your cooking is free!

  • AlastairH
    AlastairH Forum Participant Posts: 30
    edited May 2017 #6

    Bakers2

    Fridge not working either so the gas source is the problem.  Thanks anyway.

     

    EasyT

    If I could find someone who sells regulators I would ask them to fit it. Dealing with a high pressure gas supply is not something for an amateur.  Thanks anyway.

    Alastair

  • AlastairH
    AlastairH Forum Participant Posts: 30
    edited May 2017 #7

    ValDa

    We have a refillable gas bottle but your suggestion for a backup is a good one in the last resort.

    Thanks.

    Alastair

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited May 2017 #8

    so, you have a bulkhead mounted regulator....

    this is just screwed to the gas locker wall, one connection to the low pressure side, to the inside of the van (a small nut....) one connection to the high pressure side, the cylinder (the nut on the end of the bottle to regulator hose.

    turn off the cylinder and its no different to changing a hose....

    just need to check youve fitted the two nuts properly....bit of washing up liquid/bubble test....

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited May 2017 #9

    My view as well BB. The high pressure side is the pigtail that often new van owners end up fitting themselves. 

  • ForestR
    ForestR Forum Participant Posts: 326
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    edited May 2017 #10

    Most likely a Truma bulkhead regulator which according to Truma web site can be obtained from many dealers in France. Nearest to Calais is Calais Caravans tel 0033321796786. If you search the Truma site for France you will be able to find other dealers and workshops for other towns.

  • bandgirl
    bandgirl Forum Participant Posts: 440
    100 Comments
    edited May 2017 #11

    Hi Alastair, I have absolutely no idea how to answer your question, but the problem must be causing you a great deal of worry.  I hope you manage to get it sorted out so that you can enjoy your holiday.

  • Boff
    Boff Forum Participant Posts: 1,742
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    edited May 2017 #12

    Changing the regulator is a 5 minute job.  You work on the high pressure side everytime you change a bottle. The only thing to be aware of is Truma regulators come with 2 sizes to fit 8 and 10mm pipes.  

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,830 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2017 #13

     Calais Caravanes, Avenue Roger Salengro, Calais.

     

  • AlastairH
    AlastairH Forum Participant Posts: 30
    edited May 2017 #14

    Problem solved.  I needed a new regulator and found it at

    Calais Caravanes

    1265 Avenue Roger Salengro

    62100 Calais

    A useful little agency stuffed with all the bits and pieces you might need.  

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited May 2017 #15

    well done, good result, on with the trip....smile

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited May 2017 #16

    Excellent

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