Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Disaster! Almost... Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonMiriH
15/7/2015 at 4:51pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View MiriH's Profile View Profile   Reply to MiriH Reply   Quote MiriH Quote  
Joined: 11/4/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   8
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
I bought an old ABI Monza a few weeks ago (my first caravan). I knew it wasn't in perfect condition but it was totally damp-free (I had it professionally tested before I bought it) and only cost £500, so seemed like a bit of a bargain.

Anyway, upon having it serviced it appears that everything else is totally stuffed. It's dry, certainly, but the gas hob and electrics have both been condemned (not to mention to tyres and fridge).

I don't want this thing to become a money pit as there's just no point when we'll probably upgrade next year anyway. But I do plan on living in it for at least a month or two this summer, so I could do with working my way around the electric and gas issues. So, a brief question -

What's the best way to use our leisure battery and solar panel now we can't connect it to the caravan itself which is apparently 'flat-wired' and therefore dangerous? Is it just a case of getting an inverter?

Also, I presume sourcing a new hob for a caravan of this age (late 80s) would be out of the question? It's built in to the sink unit, and the problem does appear to be with the hob/grill itself. Apparently a foot-high flame shot out of one of the hob rings when the guy testing it lit the grill.. We'll probably just end up using our normal camping stove instead.


Personjohn#mel#3kids!
15/7/2015 at 5:25pm
 Location: west yorks
 Outfit:  Vango inspire 600xl 5m bell tent View john#mel#3kids!'s Profile View Profile   Reply to john#mel#3kids! Reply   Quote john#mel#3kids! Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   859
Tent Reviews:   6
Site Reviews Total: 5
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
If you plan to live in the van for a while I would put up an awning and run electric straight into there for fridge ect,and then into the van for lamps, telly, as for cooking get one of the round electric pans from b+m bargains, £20,we use ours for loads of things from a full English to a Chinese stir fry.


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

PersonAVON EAGLE
15/7/2015 at 5:41pm
 Location: Blackpool
 Outfit: Elddis Supreme View AVON EAGLE's Profile View Profile   Reply to AVON EAGLE Reply   Quote AVON EAGLE Quote  
Joined: 21/8/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   371
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: 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
If there was a foot high flame coming out of the gas hob - it is most probably your gas regulator that needs changing. You may be able to use it - if you change it. Make sure it is the correct regulator for the gas you are using - Blue for butane - Red for propane.

You could also run a battery charger to top up your caravan battery - get an intelligent one.


Personjanus
15/7/2015 at 5:47pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979
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
For electrics I would just go out and by a hook up lead intended for a tent then a fan heater for heat and run the fridge on gas. As has been said a new regulator should sort the gas out. If you then run a reasonably smart battery charger from the hook up you will have everything running that you need.

Just what do they mean by flat wired? Is the consumer unit working? If it is then your problems with the electrics are minimal.

-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


PersonMiriH
15/7/2015 at 5:55pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View MiriH's Profile View Profile   Reply to MiriH Reply   Quote MiriH Quote  
Joined: 11/4/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   8
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
I've just spoken to the person who serviced the van - apparently it's the 230v system which is no good, and that's no issue because we'll only be using the 12v system with our battery and big solar panel kit. All we need is a few interior lights and phone charging. So that's good - phew.

He also said that he tested the hob with a new gas bottle and regulator and so it does sound like it was the hob/grill. There was a gas leak detected also, which he presumed was down to the hob/grill.

I'm a bit happier now I know we can use the battery. Just wish the gas was working!


Advertisement



Personkazo2014
15/7/2015 at 8:41pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View kazo2014's Profile View Profile   Reply to kazo2014 Reply   Quote kazo2014 Quote  
Joined: 03/11/2014

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   724
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
try looking on ebay, I have just found this cooker/sink unit and I presume yours is the same http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Camper-van-caravan-sink-gas-hob-grill-unit-fellows-/301683696675?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item463dbfe423 it wouldn't be hard to run a new set of pipework to get it working safely, along with a new regulator I reckon maybe £60 max would sort that out


Personandy monty
17/7/2015 at 4:49pm
 Location: Gods Own Country
 Outfit: vango Nadina View andy monty's Profile View Profile   Reply to andy monty Reply   Quote andy monty Quote  
Joined: 07/3/2015

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   342
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
Quote: Originally posted by MiriH on 15/7/2015
I've just spoken to the person who serviced the van - apparently it's the 230v system which is no good, and that's no issue because we'll only be using the 12v system with our battery and big solar panel kit. All we need is a few interior lights and phone charging. So that's good - phew.

He also said that he tested the hob with a new gas bottle and regulator and so it does sound like it was the hob/grill. There was a gas leak detected also, which he presumed was down to the hob/grill.

I'm a bit happier now I know we can use the battery. Just wish the gas was working!



find a local gas man or just use a stand alone hob/ camping kitchen in the awning??


Personjanus
17/7/2015 at 5:14pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979
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
Quote: Originally posted by MiriH on 15/7/2015I've just spoken to the person who serviced the van - apparently it's the 230v system which is no good, and that's no issue because we'll only be using the 12v system with our battery and big solar panel kit. All we need is a few interior lights and phone charging. So that's good - phew.

He also said that he tested the hob with a new gas bottle and regulator and so it does sound like it was the hob/grill. There was a gas leak detected also, which he presumed was down to the hob/grill.

I'm a bit happier now I know we can use the battery. Just wish the gas was working!


When he says the 240v system is no good exactly what does he mean. Does he mean that it does not reach current installation standards, which the vast majority of vans over two years old would fail to meet. Or does he mean the the whole electrical system probably meets the standards required when they were installed but are not inherently dangerous,. Or does he mean that the installation is dangerous and it's use would pose a threat to life if used.

A competent caravan engineer would be able to sort out the gas installation and if necessary have it checked by a registered gas person.


-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


Personromany girl
17/7/2015 at 10:05pm
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: ElddisAvante462 Honda CRV SE2.2 i-Dtec View romany girl's Profile View Profile   Reply to romany girl Reply   Quote romany girl Quote  
Joined: 26/1/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3025
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
Whatever you do, do not use your camping hob inside the enclosed space of your caravan, as you risk carbon monoxide poisioning from doing so as this type of cooker is not fitted with an external flue, and is designed for use in well ventelated open spaces only.

Julia

-------------
Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife

Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!


Personjanus
18/7/2015 at 12:53am
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979
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
Quote: Originally posted by romany girl on 17/7/2015
Whatever you do, do not use your camping hob inside the enclosed space of your caravan, as you risk carbon monoxide poisioning from doing so as this type of cooker is not fitted with an external flue, and is designed for use in well ventelated open spaces only.

Julia

Are any caravan hob units fitted with an external flue? It would be very very difficult to manage. Every one that I have seen has bare flames burning inside the caravan, just as you would get from a tent camping hob sat on top of the omitted caravan hob.



-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


Advertisement



Personbilly
18/7/2015 at 10:35am
 Location: North Essex
 Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400 View billy's Profile View Profile   Reply to billy Reply   Quote billy Quote  
Joined: 19/4/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4364
Site Reviews Total: 39
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 6  
Site Reviews 2022: 7  
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 7  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 121
Site Nights 2023: 45
Site Nights 2022: 91
Site Nights 2021: 112
Site Nights 2020: 84
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
No caravan hobs have a flue so ok to use portable stove inside caravan with vetilation. Don't go to sleep with it burning, obviously.


PersonGrampian91
19/7/2015 at 3:36am
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
Site Reviews Total: 2
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 wonder if they just wired it directly to some sockets and no circuit breaker fitted?
Ive seen that a few times.

Inverters work but they are not that efficient, i tested 2 a couple of weeks back and powering a 100w bulb one peaked at 156w and settled back to a continuous 136 watts.

Not very efficient, your much better off with dedicated 12v electrics.


Personnaturlist123
20/7/2015 at 1:02am
 Location: Southport
 Outfit: Adria Adora Premium Yeti 4x4 run about View naturlist123's Profile View Profile   Reply to naturlist123 Reply   Quote naturlist123 Quote  
Joined: 13/1/2013

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   702
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
Last week Aldi had two plate electric hobs for under £25 one I kilowatt one 2 kilowatt both adjustable about 18" x 10" over all which can be used in your awning or van but youll need a EHU.



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

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

8002 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


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

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

Request a Reminder