propane/ butane

[kevin_5110705]

We have been advised to use propane in our van as we are intending to use during cold spells. Can anybody advise if we will need to modify anything on the van or is it just a straight swap with different bottles.(blue for red)

Thanks,

Kev

 

[Andrewbutcher]

Hi Kev, you will need a new regulator, but that is all, happy caravanning!

Andrew.

 

[rob_jax]

Kev,

If you have a new van with the fixed 30 mb bulkhead regulator then it's just a case of changing the pig-tail (the black hose that screws into the regulator) for the propane specific model.

If your van predates the fixed bulkhead regulator (probably pre-2004), then you'll need a new regulator to match the coupling on the propane bottle. You'll need to check the appliances for their recommended gas operating pressure and buy the appropriate value regulator.

Note:

a) Propane has around 88% of the heat content of butane, so you may (but probably not) notice that food takes a bit longer to cook.

b) Butane still works even if it is just below freezing outside - we were away at York last April when the temperature dropped to -3 C overnight - there was still enough pressure in the bottle to run the heater in the morning - but the internal temperature in the locker was probably warmer than -3 C.

c) But if there is continuous periods (day and night) of below zero weather, propane is best.

Why the difference? The boiling point of Butane is 0 C, below that temperature it's a liquid and like water just below it's boiling point not too much steam is released.

Propane has a boiling point of -40 C and it never gets that cold in the UK.

Conversely it's not a good idea to take Propane bottles to France when the temperature is +40 C

Robert

 

[rayc]

Kev,

If you have a new van with the fixed 30 mb bulkhead regulator then it's just a case of changing the pig-tail (the black hose that screws into the regulator) for the propane specific model.

If your van predates the fixed bulkhead regulator (probably pre-2004), then you'll need a new regulator to match the coupling on the propane bottle. You'll need to check the appliances for their recommended gas operating pressure and buy the appropriate value regulator.

Note:

a) Propane has around 88% of the heat content of butane, so you may (but probably not) notice that food takes a bit longer to cook.

b) Butane still works even if it is just below freezing outside - we were away at York last April when the temperature dropped to -3 C overnight - there was still enough pressure in the bottle to run the heater in the morning - but the internal temperature in the locker was probably warmer than -3 C.

c) But if there is continuous periods (day and night) of below zero weather, propane is best.

Why the difference? The boiling point of Butane is 0 C, below that temperature it's a liquid and like water just below it's boiling point not too much steam is released.

Propane has a boiling point of -40 C and it never gets that cold in the UK.

Conversely it's not a good idea to take Propane bottles to France when the temperature is +40 C

Robert

Robert, what is the reason for not using propane in hot climates? Are you implying that Propane is more dangerous than Butane at +40c or so?

 

[kevin_5110705]

Kev,

If you have a new van with the fixed 30 mb bulkhead regulator then it's just a case of changing the pig-tail (the black hose that screws into the regulator) for the propane specific model.

If your van predates the fixed bulkhead regulator (probably pre-2004), then you'll need a new regulator to match the coupling on the propane bottle. You'll need to check the appliances for their recommended gas operating pressure and buy the appropriate value regulator.

Note:

a) Propane has around 88% of the heat content of butane, so you may (but probably not) notice that food takes a bit longer to cook.

b) Butane still works even if it is just below freezing outside - we were away at York last April when the temperature dropped to -3 C overnight - there was still enough pressure in the bottle to run the heater in the morning - but the internal temperature in the locker was probably warmer than -3 C.

c) But if there is continuous periods (day and night) of below zero weather, propane is best.

Why the difference? The boiling point of Butane is 0 C, below that temperature it's a liquid and like water just below it's boiling point not too much steam is released.

Propane has a boiling point of -40 C and it never gets that cold in the UK.

Conversely it's not a good idea to take Propane bottles to France when the temperature is +40 C

Robert

Thanks for replies.

Query sorted.

Kev