Camper van gas conversion systems provide the foundation for cooking, heating, and hot water in your mobile home. These systems typically include LPG gas bottles (propane or butane), regulators, copper piping, gas lockers, appliances like Dometic/SMEV or Thetford cookers, and safety equipment. Modern conversions often feature refillable systems from brands like Gaslow, allowing you to fill up at any Autogas station across Europe. The setup requires proper ventilation with drop-out vents, gas detection alarms, and compliance with BS EN 1949:2021 regulations.
Gas appliances for camper vans include compact combination units that integrate hobs, sinks, ovens and grills into space-saving designs. Popular models like the SMEV 9222 hob-sink combo or Thetford Spinflo Triplex cooker offer domestic-style cooking in minimal footprint. Water heaters from Truma or Whale provide instant hot water, while Propex or diesel heaters handle space heating more efficiently than gas alternatives. Professional installation ensures flame failure devices, isolation valves, and proper gas pressures (30mbar standard) work safely together.
Converting to gas requires careful planning around gas bottle storage, either in external metal lockers or underslung tanks for larger vehicles. Bottle-mounted regulators suit basic setups, but bulkhead regulators offer better performance and handle both propane and butane without switching equipment. The main limitation is the requirement for professional certification - while you can install components yourself, a Gas Safe registered engineer must test and sign off the complete system for safety, insurance and legal compliance. Most conversions balance convenience with cost, choosing 6kg or 11kg bottles over more expensive refillable options for occasional use.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat size gas fittings do I need for my camp
-17500.webp)
19171.webp)
Thetford Spinflo hobs and cookers plus spares for your spinflo hob or
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a gas locker for my camper van conversion?Yes, BS EN 1949:2021 regulations require gas bottles to be stored in sealed metal lockers with 50mm floor lips and drop-out vents. The locker must be sealed from the living space but vented externally at the bottom, as LPG is heavier than air. Alternative storage options include underslung tanks for larger vehicles or external compartments accessible from outside only.What's the difference between propane and butane for camper van conversions?Propane works in all temperatures including below freezing, making it ideal for year-round camping. Butane is slightly more efficient but stops working below 0°C, limiting winter use. Both operate at 30mbar pressure through modern bulkhead regulators. Propane uses screw-on connections while butane uses clip-on regulators. Most UK installations favour propane for reliability across seasons.Should I choose refillable or replaceable gas bottles?Refillable systems like Gaslow or GAS IT cost more upfront but save money long-term through cheaper refills at Autogas stations. They're essential for extended European travel where UK bottle exchanges aren't available. Replaceable bottles (Calor, Flogas) cost less initially and work fine for weekend camping, but require finding exchange points and carrying empty bottles when travelling abroad. Refillable systems typically pay for themselves after 2-3 years of regular use.Can I install a camper van gas system myself?You can install components yourself, but a Gas Safe registered engineer with LAV (Leisure Accommodation Vehicle) certification must connect appliances and test the complete system. This includes pressure testing, leak detection, and certification for insurance purposes. DIY installation of lockers, pipework routing, and appliance mounting is acceptable, but final connections, commissioning, and safety certification require professional qualification.What size gas bottle do I need for my camper van?Standard sizes are 6kg and 11kg for most campervans. A 6kg bottle typically lasts 3-4 weeks for cooking only, while 11kg bottles last 6-8 weeks but require larger lockers. Regulations allow maximum two 16kg bottles per vehicle. Consider your usage patterns: weekend camping suits 6kg bottles, while full-time living or winter heating requires 11kg or dual-bottle setups. Underslung tanks (25L-60L) suit larger motorhomes for maximum capacity.Which appliances work best in camper van gas conversions?SMEV 9222 hob-sink combinations are most popular for compact installations, offering two burners plus sink in minimal space. Thetford Spinflo Triplex units add oven and grill functionality for full cooking capability. Truma Combi systems provide both space heating and hot water efficiently. All appliances need flame failure devices, piezo ignition, and proper ventilation. Combination units maximise functionality while saving precious space in van conversions.Do I need special regulators for camper van gas systems?Modern installations use bulkhead regulators mounted on gas locker walls, delivering consistent 30mbar pressure for both propane and butane. These two-stage regulators perform better than bottle-mounted single-stage versions, especially as pressure drops. Older installations may use different regulators for each gas type (28mbar butane, 37mbar propane) but current BS EN 1949 standard requires unified 30mbar systems for all new installations.What safety equipment is required for camper van gas installations?Essential safety equipment includes drop-out vents at floor level in gas lockers, gas leak detectors positioned low (gas is heavier than air), isolation valves for emergency shut-off, and flame failure devices on all appliances. Carbon monoxide detectors protect against incomplete combustion, while solenoid shut-off valves allow remote gas isolation. Fire blankets and extinguishers provide additional protection. All installations need annual safety checks by qualified engineers.
© Leisureshopdirect Ltd - 2004 . All rights reserved.
