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Hi,I have just bought a compass van and in the compartment where the gas bottle is stored there are no  connections for the gas bottle there is only a rib pipe poking up from underneath. Can anyone tell me what I need to make the connections please?

It depends on whether you want to use Propane (red cylinder) or Butane (blue cylinder). Although the regulator colours correspond to the type of cylinder you are using, the Propane cylinder has a female thread so the regulator has a male thread to make the contact. Butane however is the reverse so the female thread is on the regulator and the male thread on the gas cylinder. The choice of gas is all dependent on when you intend using the caravan. Butane is okay for summer use as it functions well above +3 degrees Celcius so in winter the Butane fails to operate. This is where Propane is beneficial as it can function down to at least -25 degrees Celcius so you need to decide first which seasons you intent using the caravan. However, Propane can work out more costly per kilo so you would have to get some quotes from your local supplier to see how they compare. I and like most other caravanners mainly use Propane gas all year round. When you have decided which of the two you want, you need to purchase a regulator and then fit it in the end of the rubber pipe (apply with some wasing up liquid for ease of connection) then fit with a jubilee clip and make sure it's tight.

Trev.

Thanks do I just fit the rubber pipe and jubilee clip to the rib pipe poking up from underneath also

yours trev

If you go to a plumber merchant rather than a caravan outlet you should get a metre length of LPG rubber piping much cheaper. They advise that you change this on your caravan about every 3 years anyway (I've just changed mine). You need 2 jubilee clips to accommodate the rubber tubing and like Tentz said, dip the the one end in hot water to soften it before pushing the pipe onto the copper bit that sticks up. (I always use wasing up liquid as it's easier with the caravan being in storage). Push right home then fix the jubilee clip in place to hold firm an seal the pipe. The other end of the tubing you have to fit the regulator and you do exactly the same and finally fit the jubilee clip to seal the connection between rubber tube and regulator. That's the job finished but if you want a gas pressure test conducted to be on the safe side then ask a company that services caravans as they will have the appropriate meter for the task.

Trev.

Will do thanks for all your help cheers

trev