Nabble - Technical Issues

Gas Regulators on newish caravans.

2009-01-27T13:28:27Z

Modern (newish) caravans have the regulator fixed on the bulkhead towards the top of the gas bottle locker. When being serviced, a check is made on the pressure being delivered through the regulator.

When I bought my caravan I had a change-over valve fitted. The check showed insufficient pressure through the regulator and the change-over valve was deemed to have failed. When the hose from the gas bottle was connected directly to the regulator checks showed pressure was just within acceptable limits.

The regulator was then examined and found to in a marked state of deterioration.

The bulkhead mounted gas regulator used by all Swift Group Caravans and many other manufacturers is made by Truma.

Swift Group were contacted on my behalf and I have been told that Truma are no longer prepared to accept liability for their regulators as they consider that bottled gas has an unacceptable amount of oil contamination in the gas which is causing their regulators to fail.

Gazflow (who made my changeover valve) take a different point of view – that the hose between valve and regulator breaks down and the rubber liquefies causing valve and regulator failure. Gazflow’s solution is to use stainless piping and under those conditions are prepared to give a five year warranty on their change-over valves and regulators.

I believe that a good many people are getting round the present problems by using an old type (more robust) regulator at the gas bottle end and supplying gas to the caravan through the barbeque point. A few years ago, I made arrangements for Newschat to publish an article on the subject of gas through the b.b.q point. Caravan Club, and insurers are trying their utmost to have gas bottles only in the gas bottle locker. (They are worried about vandalism – my own view is that the most likely problem is leaking gas, and far better to have a leak in the open where it will more readily dilute and dissipate).

I spent some time loading and delivering LPG. Unlike motor fuel, which does have minor differences between brands, LPG for all the main brands comes from the same storage tank and is the same product. If there were to be any change in the product specification (oil – sic!) it should have been well publicised.

I was given two options:

1 Renew the rubber hose, and carry a spare regulator ready to use. (You can bet your life the old regulator would pack up in the middle of a freezing, stormy night)

2 Invest some money in Gazflow regulator and stainless pipes and have a five year warranty.

Can I suggest that when your caravan goes for service you raise the above with your dealer?

Posted on behalf of Patrick Thompson

Al-Ko Jack

2008-05-16T07:06:43Z

Has anyone else had any problems with the Al-Ko Jack supplied with their van? I have to use it on a regular basis to fit my Al-Ko wheel locks & the eye where the winding handle fits to has become bend & creased.

I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem.

Re: Towing Mirrors

2008-05-10T14:55:12Z

Thanks for the clarification Metz.

Re: Towing Mirrors

2008-05-10T13:01:36Z

Hi Folks, The information on mirrors in the mag is not strictley correct, the following is the official line, extract from the Department of Transport on May 1st 2008, The requirements for caravan towing mirrors follow the vehicle requirements as defined in regulation 33 of the road vehicles (construction & use) regulations 1986. Regulation 33 requires that the mirrors comply with either the EC Directives (71/127/EEC or 2003/97/EC) or UNECE Regulation 46.
The current confusion is based on the fact that regulation 33 allows compiance with EC Directive 2003/97/EC. However, the requirements of this directive do not become compulsory for new cars until Jan 26th 2010. Therefore, if the towing is already in use, or newly purchased now- E marking is preferred (but not strictly required)
If a new car is purchased after Jan 26th 2010, then 2003/97/EC or UNECE Regulation 46 compliant caravan towing mirrors will be required for that vehicle, We assume that all caravan towing mirrors will comply with the new requirements by that time.
For those who want to be pedantic about the markings on the mirrors: 'e'
in a rectangle signifies approval to the EC Directives; and 'E' in a circle signifies approval to the UNECE Regulation.
Either of these markings is acceptable." hope tis clears up some of the confusion.

Towing Mirrors

2008-05-09T07:23:07Z

The May issue of the Caravan Club magazine has infomation on the legality of towing mirrors pg 22

Your towing mirrors in most circumstances must be E-marked on both sides of the car.

If you are stopped by the police it could result in £60 fine plus 3 points on your licence.