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Old Tom Joad
Old Tom Joad Forum Participant Posts: 49

I'm new ish to campervaning ! I used to have a van some time ago but things have moved on (more sophisticated).

I need some advise. I picked up my nearly new camper a couple of days before Christmas and although I had a decent handover there are things I'm not sure about.

When on the move should I isolate the gas taps, we have an underslung gas tank. no bottles. There are taps for the fridge, gas cooker, water heater, hot air heater and fridge ?

I can see no way of isolating the water, I seem to remember opening the taps to release the water pressure whilst in transit ?

Any help or tips would be welcome.

Merry Christmas all.

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  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,191 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2023 #2

    Hello and welcome. I hope you've picked up your can  successfully. 

    Your post has only just appeared, date you submitted it unknown. Sadly first posts need to be approved before going live. This can intend take some considerable time!

    Yes gas should be isolated before travel. This should all have been explained in your handover and I hope it was!

    I've only looked in briefly, we have guests. But in case you're checking wanted you to know help is available.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2023 #3

    With an underslung gas tank you might have a crash safe system allowing use of gas while under way. Even if you don’t, there’s no real need to turn off individual gas taps and true isolation of the tank might involve crawling under the van.

    I have never heard of releasing water pressure in transit. I’ve never come across the need to do anything with water prior to travelling - unless, of course, you’re using an outside connection😀.

    Much will depend on the make and model of your MH but full instructions should be in your handbook.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383
    1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited December 2023 #4

    The flow of water will be controlled by a water pump powered from your 12volt leisure battery. This should have an on/off switch which is most likely located on your control panel. When you do not want water i.e in storage or you are going out for the day you should be able to switch the pump off using the switch. Alternatively the flow of water might be controlled by micro switches located in the taps which energises the pump when you turn the tap/s on in which case you may need to do nothing.

    Re gas I agree with TW about the underslung tank should have a crash safety valve.

    peedee

  • N1805
    N1805 Forum Participant Posts: 1,092
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2023 #5

    For the OP - Turning off (isolating) gas when leaving UK on ferries/ tunnel etc is requested by the operators but IMO is a personal choice when travelling in UK. Many LV’s have fridges that can run from base vehicle battery when the engine is running.  IMO the only time opening the taps to release water pressure is when draining down the system if the LV is not going to be in use during frosty/freezing weather.  Something to be aware of  -the boiler may have it’s own release valve which operates if the outside temp drops below a certain temperature.

  • Tammygirl
    Tammygirl Club Member Posts: 7,958 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2023 #6

    We have a MH with an underslung gas tank. As mentioned it should have a crash cut off system fitted. We only turn off the inside valves for appliances when travelling on a ferry or the tunnel. 

    Always turn off the water pump when going to bed at night and when leaving the van, if going out for awhile. The pumps are usually under quite high pressure so if there was a leak it can cause a bit of a mess. 

    At this time of year it's best to drain the water system down, empty the boiler, usually a yellow toggle dump valve near the boiler. Leave all taps open to stop them freezing and once empty leave the blade of the toilet open. 

  • Old Tom Joad
    Old Tom Joad Forum Participant Posts: 49
    edited January 7 #7

    Thanks all especially Tammygirl.