Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning

Topic: This May Be a Daft Question , but ...

Page: 1 2

MrRee

02/5/2012 at 7:01pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/8/2003

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 183

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

... do all caravans, with a hot water facility, heat it with both mains Electric and Gas?

We are looking for a van secondhand and just thought while we were looking whether we may trip up through ignorance.

We definately want gas powered hot water as we go to rally fields and suchlike without mains (but still want a hot shower!).

Anyone?

rushallmanor

02/5/2012 at 7:08pm
Location: Walsall
Outfit: Unicorn Barcelona 2 & Kia Sorento

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/7/2006

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 493

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Not all have electric, I think it was added in the early 90's

All have gas if there is water heating.

-------------
Regards

Steve

Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!

UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

michael

02/5/2012 at 7:28pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Caravan now Sold

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 23517

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

most modern ones do.you can use both at once if you like.

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.

tango55

02/5/2012 at 7:31pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9587

Site Reviews Total:	23

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	3
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	11
Site Nights 2021:	3
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	24
Site Nights 2018:	0

I used to have a Coachman Genius 1992 and apparently according the handbook there were 2 different hot water tanks installed, either one with just a gas supply and the other with both gas and electric facility. Mine had both and you can identify this by a couple of visual checks to see if ithe tank has an electric supply or not. One of the features is that there should be an immersion switch to operate by electric and the other is if you look at the end of the hot water tank itself (usually under the seat), there should be a steel box fitted at the end with a small red or blue button in the middle which contains the electric wiring to the trip facilty. This is the safety feature so the electric doesn't activate if the tank is empty (no water). If it's a tank with no box at the end and no immersion switch then this will be confirmed as being operated by gas only. I consider it better by having both gas and electric because if however you do go on a site with electric hook up then you have already paid for this facility so you can save on your gas, also I find it's much easier by electric if you happen to use the onboard caravan shower too. All modern caravans have both these facilities now as standard so it depends on the year of model that you are considering buying but this should be a helpful tip.

MrRee

02/5/2012 at 7:41pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/8/2003

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 183

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

"also I find it's much easier by electric if you happen to use the onboard caravan shower too"

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this sentence?

Thanks to all replies!

tango55

02/5/2012 at 8:07pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9587

Site Reviews Total:	23

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	3
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	11
Site Nights 2021:	3
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	24
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by MrRee on 02/5/2012

"also I find it's much easier by electric if you happen to use the onboard caravan shower too"

I'm not sure I understand what you mean by this sentence?

Thanks to all replies!

What I meant was that the water pump consumes more power whilst in the shower and being on electric happens to keep the leisure battery fully charged whereas on gas it doesn't. I sometimes use gas myself if I attend a weekend rally but for any longer I prefer to opt for EHU if possible.

bordercaz

02/5/2012 at 8:15pm
Location: Shropshire North Wales borders
Outfit: Adria Win

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/10/2002

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 15316
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	30

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	1
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	6
Site Nights 2022:	3
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I've only had one van that had electric hot water as well as gas - 1997 Avondale. All my other caravans and motorhomes that have had hot water it has been gas only - but they've all been late 80s early to mid 90s.

I believe there are a few current models that are electric only?

-------------
Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.

dianebb72

02/5/2012 at 8:32pm
Location: North Yorkshire
Outfit: Sterling Europa 460 NT

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 13/5/2005

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 5574
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

we have a 1995 van and it works on both gas and electric and we also rally alot and have no problems using it on gas and having showers. In our van there are 2 seperate switches to turn on via gas or electric. We've also invested in an 80 watt solar panel to keep the battery topped up. When on hookup we just use the electric heater to save on gas

-------------
-x- Diane -x-

May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals

Delboya

02/5/2012 at 9:16pm
Location: Somerset
Outfit: Hobby 560 Prestige +VW Touareg

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 03/6/2011

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 267

Site Reviews Total:	11

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	3
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by rushallmanor on 02/5/2012
All have gas if there is water heating.

Maybe true of UK vans - but not (necessarily) of continental ones. I'm mains electric only.

Del

cwdc56768

02/5/2012 at 10:45pm
Location: Keswick
Outfit: Bailey

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/12/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3150

Site Reviews Total:	8

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Just in case you are not aware, If you are using gas to heat the water don't forget to take the water heater vent cover off. With it on it may register a fault and switch off. Otherwise the gas stays on and iffy gas may seep into the van.

Phil

-------------
If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe

MrRee

02/5/2012 at 11:11pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/8/2003

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 183

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I have heard about Butane Gas and Propane Gas ..... but, iffy Gas .... is this a recent development? ;-)

tango55

02/5/2012 at 11:42pm
Location: Lichfield
Outfit: Coachman Amara 450

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9587

Site Reviews Total:	23

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	3
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	4
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	11
Site Nights 2021:	3
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	24
Site Nights 2018:	0

What Phil means by iffy gas is another word for being a bit dodgy because there's no ventilation. In other words, the gas could be a bit iffy as it would then be carbon monoxide fumes and to prevent this as a safety measure it switches off.

cwdc56768

03/5/2012 at 7:33am
Location: Keswick
Outfit: Bailey

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/12/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3150

Site Reviews Total:	8

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Tango wins the Goldfish.....or should it be a canary?

No means of escape for the monoxide and it drifts back into the van....and on these cold nights with no windows open.....

Phil

murano

03/5/2012 at 8:04am
Location: whitstable kent
Outfit: sterling eccles sport 584 freelander 2

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/8/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 1784

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Phil I was going to go to the caravan shop and ask for iffy gas, is that the one that comes in a green bottle

Joking aside, when we had out first van it only had a gas heater, but I never used it, even though we had it checked, I was terrified of it, so we bought a little oil filled radiator for heating, which was ok as we only used ehu then, I just got so paranoid we'd die in our beds.

-------------
"I'm a fool for my dogs"
Adopt a rescue, rescue dogs make great pets, don't support puppy farms.
The road can be tough and rough,but what you put in you get back 10 x more.

littlejack40

03/5/2012 at 5:12pm
Location: Eastbourne East Sussex
Outfit: Elddis WistonGT

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 07/12/2005

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 410

Site Reviews Total:	6

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

The usual result of using the water heater on gas without taking the vent cover off, is that it removes itself, usually with a considerable bang and projects itself a consderable distance!

MrRee

03/5/2012 at 6:30pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/8/2003

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 183

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Surely the pressure switch would activate long before the pressure biult up enough to blow the outer cover off?

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

7447 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder