Summer is the best time to hit the road with a motorhome. Nothing quite beats the freedom and comfort quite like your own home on wheels. Whether you’re a seasoned motorhome traveller or new to the community, ensuring your safety and that of your loved ones throughout your trip is essential. One crucial aspect of safe motorhome travel is understanding and using gas correctly. As a trusted provider of LPG gas canisters, we have put together some important tips for safe motorhome holidays.

Understand Your Motorhomes Gas System

Whether renting a motorhome or having one to call your own, understanding the fundamentals of your gas system is vital for an enjoyable and successful road trip. Gas is used for many appliances on board your motorhome, and having the correct knowledge of how it works with your gas canister will ensure you encounter no issues on your adventure. Incorrect connections and lack of knowledge could put you at serious safety risks, so be sure to have one party member privy to the system’s workings.

To find the information you need, you can review the vehicle’s instruction manual, where you can find the specific details of the onboard system. If the instruction manual is missing, then you should be able to consult a qualified technician or mechanic who has specialised knowledge of motorhomes. If you know where your motorhome was purchased, they may also be able to assist with this. Alternatively, you can look up your make and model online, and information will be easily accessible for your motorhome (or information on who to call for assistance if needed).

Choose the Correct Gas for Your Motorhome’s System

Gas is gas, right? As an expert in bottle gases, we can quickly answer this question with a hard no. All gas has unique properties and capabilities, which may cause a hazard when connected to the wrong system. For instance, some gases are more flammable than others, while some may be toxic if not handled correctly. In addition, different gases have different energy densities, producing different amounts of heat when burned. Choosing the suitable gas for your motorhome can help ensure that your appliances run efficiently and you get the most out of your fuel.

Also, each gas appliance or system will have various connection types, which may not be suitable for every gas canister. Having the incorrect gas attached unsafely to the connector could make it very dangerous. From gas leaks to being highly flammable, without suitable gas, you could be putting your entire party in jeopardy with the wrong gas canister attached.

Storing and Transporting Gas for Your Motorhome

Every motorhome should have adequate storage onboard for your gas canister. If your motorhome requires a connection to gas whilst travelling, then it will have an onboard system designed specifically for use on the road. These systems are equipped with safety features that will allow for the use of gas safely, including automatic shut-off valves and pressure regulators to prevent any incidents whilst the motorhome is actively moving.

Travelling with a pressurised gas canister secured onboard is much safer than having a gas supply open. However, for most appliances, the gas must be disconnected for the safety of your travels. It is very easy for devices to become unsteady during transit which may compromise the connection to the gas canister. This could result in gas leaks and be a potential fire and explosion hazard. If in doubt about whether you should disconnect your gas, always disconnect.

Things to Check Before Your Motorhome Holiday

Even if you are renting your motorhome, you must check on the gas system prior to any journey.  Even if the rental facility ensures your checks are completed, for peace of mind that you will reach your destination without any problems, it’s always good practice to do your own checks. Here are a few things to check before any big trip or motorhome holiday.

Gas cylinders – Any gas canister or cylinder on board should always be checked for imperfections. If there is any rust or damage, always be sure to have it inspected by expert gas suppliers.

Regulators and connections – The regulators and connections are essential for preventing leaks and providing an adequate gas supply for your motorhome’s needs. If there are any sins of damage, it is always safer to purchase a new one designed for your system. Even if the damage looks minimal, investing in new equipment is better than putting you and your motorhome at risk.

Hose and fixings – Where possible, check all the accessible hoses and fixing to ensure they are secured in place and have no clear signs of wear or tear. Cracks and damage to your hoses and fixings could also potentially cause leaks.

Ventilation – Proper ventilation is critical for safe gas use. Check that all vents and flues are clear of obstructions and functioning correctly.

Emergency shut-off valve – In case of a gas leak, an emergency shut-off valve can help prevent further gas flow and reduce the risk of explosions. Check that the emergency shut-off valve is properly installed and functioning correctly.

Gas Leak Detectors

One way to ensure a safe adventure is by having a gas leak detection appliance. Much like a smoke alarm, it will detect a warning when there are any indications of a gas leak. Although you may not think you need one, it is a necessity when sleeping in a vehicle with gas canisters. This is because many natural gases, such as our 13kg propane gas bottles, are typically odourless, which means they may go undetected if there is a leak. Having the correct equipment to make you aware can potentially save you from harm.

Get the Right Gas Every Time With Bottle Gases

It is essential to understand the gas system in your motorhome and take appropriate safety measures when storing, transporting, and using gas. Regularly inspecting and maintaining the gas system and following the manufacturer’s guidelines can help prevent accidents and injuries.

We provide high-quality butane and propane gas canisters in various sizes for all industries. However, we are particularly proud of our great selection of camping gas, including our 7kg butane gas bottles. With a local delivery service available in Kent and surrounding areas, you can trust Bottle Gases to provide you with the gas canisters you need for your motorhome. By choosing the correct bottled gas and following the safety guidelines, you can enjoy your motorhome travels with peace of mind, knowing that you and your passengers are safe. So, make sure to check your gas system before using your motorhome and trust Bottle Gases for all your gas canister needs.