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Water Gas Electricity

TOWING/TOURING

Introduction
Awnings
Choosing a caravan
Arrival on campsite
Etiquette on campsites
Insurance
Legal issues
Maintenance
Manoevring a caravan
Motorhome guide
Preparing for Winter
Sanitation
Security
Tourer accessories
Touring accessories
Touring abroad
Towing a caravan
Types of caravan park
Tyre safety
Water/gas/electricity
Weather
Winter touring

See Also:
Tourer Manufacturers
Forum
Camping guide
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Clean water/waste water

Aquaroll water carrier

Range of gas cylinders available from Calor Gas

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

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