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Touring - Water, gas & electricity

Monday 22 February, 2010

Water Gas Electricity

Water supply

Modern tourers and motorhomes come with complete hot water systems, and often fitted showers too. They usually can be powered by gas or electricity, giving you the choice. Motorhomes have onboard water tanks for fresh water, but usually you have to buy external water bottles for caravans as accessories.
  • Choose large containers (5 gallons) or commercial ones like Aquaroll
  • To avoid mix-up, choose a clear plastic container for clean water, and a black one for waste.
  • Your tourer should come with the necessary pipes to connect to containers, but do check!
  • You will need to buy a hose to help when you fill containers at stand-pipes on parks
  • Check the waste water container at least once a day for over-flowing
  • Make sure all pipes are thoroughly cleaned out at least once a year
  • Don't forget to drain the whole system before laying up the van for winter to avoid frost damage

Gas supply

There are 2 types in use, Butane (blue cylinders) and Propane (red cylinders). Propane is best for winter use as it functions in much lowers temperatures.
  • You will have to buy a regulator (the "tap") for your chosen cylinder. Each size requires a different one!
  • Butane (blue) regulators have conventional right-handed threads, while propane (red) have a left-hand thread.
  • It's a good idea to have 2 cylinders, as you can bet your life one will run out in the middle of cooking a meal when the park's office is closed!
  • While Calor gas is the most commonly used, there are other brands available
  • Have your onboard gas appliances checked by a qualified technician annually

Electricity supply

As well as the traditional 12 volt battery electrics, almost all new tourers and motorhomes have the option to plug in on-site to mains electricity. This enables you to use most electrical appliances, like TV, fridge, microwave, hairdrier etc.
  • Even if you use on-site mains electricity, it may be wise to carry a 12v leisure battery as back-up power
  • Do not run your caravan fridge on its internal 12v battery except while coupled to the car, or it will flatten the battery
  • Be familiar with all fuses and their location
  • If fitting mains electricity to your older caravan or motorhome, employ a qualified technician
  • Do not overload the mains or you may blow the park's fuse!

Connector wiring scheme

The following information is intended as a guide only. If in any doubt please consult a suitably qualified electrical engineer.

Terminal
Colour
12N
12S
1
Yellow
LH Indicator
Reversing light
2
Blue
Rear fog lamp
Battery Charging
3
White
Common return
Common return
4
Green
RH Indicator
Power supply
5
Brown
RH Side / Tail
Sensing device
6
Red
Stop Lamp
Refrigerator
7
Black
LH Side / Tail
Spare

Camping & leisure store
Just Kampers

Calor Gas online
Calor Gas online

Electrolux fridges
Electrolux fridges

MPG Publications
MPG Publications

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