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Hi all

We bought a 2nd hand Pennine Fiesta 2001 model and following advice on this forum moved the battery from the gas locker, where someone previously had moved it, back to the cupboard under the sink. 

Thank heavens we did as our gas bottle leaked, first time the campsite owner had ever seen such a thing, so it could have been a potential disaster.  The seal on the bottle went which is vey unusal but the bottle was bought with the camper so could have been very old. Luckily the campsite sold gas bottles so removed the cannister to a safe place to discharge.

Thanks to those that advised to move the battery, we would have not known any different having never had a camper with a battery.

Neil

Most older caravans had the gas and the battery in the same locker, but probably an accident (or two) with such a set up has forced manufacturers to change the layout and seperate the two systems.

However there will always be the fellow who decides to combine them, for whatever reason, and this is why it is imporatant to have an up to date caravan manual to peruse so that you know what should go where. This is especially important if you are buying a second hand van/fc/whatever.

From Lobey

Most older caravans had the gas and the battery in the same locker, but probably an accident (or two) with such a set up has forced manufacturers to change the layout and seperate the two systems.

Yes my old 1982 Bailey had 2 gas bottle & battery holder moulded into the floor in the front locker.

Really if all batteries are connected with correct connectors like this then there is no chance of a spark, if the correct order is observed ie connect battery first then turn on gas, a bigger risk is that if a battery is overcharged or old and is giving of sulphuric acid gas this is heavier than air and highly explosive. Just make sure there is plenty of ventilation