Caravan Heating In Winter.

[gazzers]

Hi everybody,

New to caravanning, started last year but would like to try winter caravanning. What l would like to know from all you experts out there is how do you heat your van if you are not on electric hook up at night? Can you leave the gas heater on on low? Any ideas would be very grateful!

Thanks. Gary.

 

[JTQ]

The modern gas heating system is designed to be used even at night.

The fundamental feature is that the products of combustion are completely sealed from getting inside the van.

However to take extra safety precautions the wise user invests in a carbon monoxide alarm. The chances of it being needed is very low but the implications of a leak are just too serious not to spent

 

[ProfJohnL]

I support JTQ's reply fully, but would add that it is also important to make sure your gas appliances are checked for safety, at least annually.

As for the risks of Carbon Monoxide (CO), there is a far greater risk of CO from the use of the cooker and oven, but my commet above still applies.

 

[catherine2]

The advice given above is sound. However, just because someone uses their gas appliances only in the day doesn't mean they're any safer. Carbon monoxide has a nasty way of killing you without you even knowing it, awake or asleep!

 

[Ianofwilts]

Gary, I agree with JTQ. We spent Christmas and New year in Devon and the temperature dropped to - 6 a couple of times. We have dogs in the awning with a small electric oil heater so the van door is open all night. We were all toastie including the dogs with the gas on continually. We also made sure we had the carbon monoxide alarm. 2 points though, it cost us more in gas than site fees and diesel so factor that into your cost. A bottle was lasting just over 2 days but cooked the turkey on gas and secondly be aware of the proximity of the fire to any bedding that may shift during the night.

Ian

 

[Icemaker]

crickey just 2 days out of your bottles ?, that worries me a little as im going to a friends farm in france in 4 weeks and allthough we will have a hook up it wont be able to power the vans heating so we will be on gas only. the difference being our van door will be firmly shut so i hope my gas should last the week easily.

 

[gazzers]

Hi all,

just to say thanks for all your replies its a help.Was thinking of booking a pitch at setthorns up in the new forest next week as the children are on half term next week,but only for 2 nights just to get a way from the house. Once again thanks.

Gary.

 

[ProfJohnL]

The advice given above is sound. However, just because someone uses their gas appliances only in the day doesn't mean they're any safer. Carbon monoxide has a nasty way of killing you without you even knowing it, awake or asleep!

Good point Catherine.

 

[Ianofwilts]

crickey just 2 days out of your bottles ?, that worries me a little as im going to a friends farm in france in 4 weeks and allthough we will have a hook up it wont be able to power the vans heating so we will be on gas only. the difference being our van door will be firmly shut so i hope my gas should last the week easily.

Icemaker

My wife works in an air conditioned office so our heating does tend to be maxed out. We did do most of the cooking with gas and all had showers on board so used gas and electric to keep water temp up.

Ian