Gas inspection for motorhomes – everything you need to know

Every motorhome owner knows the repetitive process: On the basis of the technical regulations for handling the inspection gas levels in motorhomes, as the owner, you are required to carry out the corresponding inspection every 2 years. This way, the safety of the gas system can be guaranteed and you can also benefit from warm water, a functioning heating system and many other services while driving.

Gas canisters in motorhomes – how they can be useful for you

Gas cannisters on board take over the task of storing gas necessary for running your motorhome. Since you cannot be connected to fixed pipelines on the road, there must be other ways for operating your equipment inside your accomodation. In order for warm water to come out of the pipe when cleaning or for the refrigerator to cool your food permanently, you need a gas cylinder and a functioning gas system.

Based on your individual travel length, you can decide in advance how much gas you need on board so that you can choose the right cannisters. The Alkanes Propane and Butane are available to you for filling the gas cylinders. Their differences lie not only in their specific price, but also in the range of different possible uses. Especially in cold months you should be dependent on propane, as butane cannot be used throughout the winter due to its relatively high boiling point.

When is a gas inspection required?

Only a functioning gas system can guarantee the use of gas for your convenience features, which is why you as the owner of a motorhome are required to carry out regular inspections. It is part of the regular TÜV inspection, as without it, being on the road with your motorhome wouldn’t be possible. A positive gas inspection is also necessary to park your vehicle, without which parking on the marked areas and service stations for motorhomes is also not permitted.

The reasons for such a meticulous standard is above all also for you own safety. The gas system should always be in good condition so that you can be sure to avoid gas leaks. This is not only a great danger if exposed to fire, but also for the human respiratory tract. The treacherous thing about this is that gas clouds are usually noticed much too late, which means that an immediate reaction or rescue is not always possible.

How the gas inspection for motorhomes should be conducted

The appropriate examination is part of the main inspection, although in the case of caravans, a malfunction is indicated as an “insignificant defect”. However, if the same defect is noticed within a motorhome, the result changes fundamentally, which renders the inspection unsuccessful.

The conduction of the examination consists of several areas which are checked one after the other. The first inspection is confined to the gas tank and its fixture, where the correct stowage is checked. It is very important to remove electrical objects from the surroundings of the gas tank to ensure smooth operation. Only appliances specifically designed to be used around gas tanks can continue to be used without hesitation.

Another part of the inspection is the pressure hose and the pressure reducer. Damage should be avoided, as gas leakage can occur. The same applies to the gas system, which requires a constant supply to function. If this pressure remains constant throughout a ten-minute inspection round, this part of the inspection is also successfully completed.

After a brief visual inspection of the equipment and exhaust pipes on the basis of obvious damage, the last section is the inspection of the individual appliances. The decisive factor here are the ignition fuses, which interrupt the gas supply when the flame goes out. Thus the gas is only used when there is a need, whereby the rations can be divided as accurately as possible.

The checklist for a successful gas inspection

To make sure that you don’t get into any difficulties when completing the inspection, you can simply use this checklist for guidance. This checklist will show you exactly what is important for the inspection and how you can best prepare for it.

· Check the fixture of the gas tanks.
· Check whether the ventilation opening in the gas tank is up to standard.

· Check that there are no electrical devices in the gas vent.
· Check the sealing of the gas system.
· Make sure that all safety valves are secure and that any gas leaks are avoided.
· In general, check that your integrated gas system is fully functional.
· Check how old the the connecting hose and the pressure reducer are and ensure that they are replaced independently if necessary.
· Finally, check all individual gas appliances and exhaust pipes for correct functioning.

If you pay attention to these factors before you do the inspection, nothing stands in the way of successfully passing, so that you can continue to travel safely with your motorhome for another two years.

How much does the inspection cost

The price of the gas inspection is usually between 20 and 50 euros. However, depending on the offer, the prices vary or are significantly lower in different combination offers. If, for example, you have your motorhome completely inspected, the entire inspection will cost you more than just a separate inspection, but the price share for the gas inspection will decrease. So you don’t have to make an additional appointment to check your gas system, you can do it all together.

You can have the inspection carried out here In principle, the examination can be carried out at all locations that also offer a general inspection. The inspector must be trained by the German Liquid Gas Association and have passed a corresponding expert examination. You can, however, simply get information about the procedure and date of your examination from the car repair shop of your choice, which will certainly also provide numerous services in the field of motorhomes.

For this reason, be particularly careful when checking your gas equipment and search for problems yourself beforehand. This way you can be sure that nothing stands in the way of passing the actual inspection and that your safety always has top priority. Caution is better than indulgence in this respect, which is why you should prepare for the inspection, but approach it in a relaxed manner.