Travelling in a motorhome can be an amazing adventure, but it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary resources to make your journey comfortable and safe. One of the most important resources that you will need is gas. Gas is essential for heating, hot water, cooking, and running the refrigerator in most motorhomes.
If you travel in Europe, you will be pleased to know that gas is readily available for refilling fixed gas tanks or for refilling or replacing bottles. However, when travelling to more remote areas, accessing gas may not be as easy.
It’s important to note that while gas is a crucial resource for your motorhome, it can also be dangerous if not handled properly. Therefore, it’s always advisable to consult a specialist for any technical questions or issues related to gas usage in your motorhome. I can provide general information, based on my experiences, for fellow motorhome travellers, but it’s always better to seek professional advice for more detailed information.
Availability
For those planning to travel to Morocco, it’s useful to know that gas is easily available all over the country. However, there are some things that you should keep in mind before making any arrangements.
Firstly, LPG is not available in Morocco, so you cannot refill fixed gas systems via a pump in the same way you would in Europe. Instead, bottled gas is the most common option in Morocco, and it is usually Butane gas. Propane, on the other hand, is not readily available in most areas, but you may be able to get it in some larger cities.
Gas bottles come in various colours, but it’s important to note that the colour only represents the gas supplier and not the contents. Almost all gas bottles in Morocco contain Butane gas. The most common colours are blue and red, but not all colours are available in every area. When swapping an empty bottle for a full one, shops will usually only exchange it for a bottle of the same colour, and this will cost around 40-45 dirhams. If you’re buying a bottle for the first time, it will cost around 150 dirhams because it includes a deposit.
Finally, it’s worth noting that propane, where available, usually costs around 28 dirhams per kilo. Knowing these details can help you plan ahead and make informed decisions about your gas needs while in Morocco.
Under Pressure
Did you know that butane and propane have distinct differences in their properties? Propane is stored at a higher pressure than butane, which means that the equipment required to use it safely is also different. This is why the pigtails that connect the gas bottles to the gas system in the van are different for propane and butane. Propane requires a high-pressure pigtail, while butane requires a low-pressure one. To prevent connecting the wrong pigtail to a gas bottle, they have different fittings too.
Due to the different storage and operating pressures, they require different regulators. However, some bulkhead regulators are suitable for use with either propane or butane. It’s important to note that if you plan to switch to Moroccan gas, it’s best to have everything checked over before doing so. You can go to a garage to have this done, or most larger suppliers will offer the same service for free if you are buying your gas from them. They will also be able to supply you with a regulator if needed. By being mindful of these differences, you can ensure that you are using your gas safely and effectively.
Feeling the Heat
It’s important to understand the differences between butane and propane when using them as fuel sources for various appliances. Butane burns at a higher temperature than propane, making it a better option for high-heat applications like cooking. However, at lower temperatures, butane may not work as well as propane due to its lower boiling point and decreased volatility in the cold.
It’s essential to keep in mind these differences when travelling during winter, as even in the desert, nighttime temperatures can get very cold. This can be problematic if your heating doesn’t function properly.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that some sensitive equipment may not work properly when using butane due to its differences from propane. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check the operating manuals or consult an expert before using butane.
Understanding the differences between butane and propane can ensure that you use the right fuel for the right application and avoid any potential issues or hazards.
Dirty Fuel
The butane used in some places, like Morocco, can contain impurities that cause problems when burned. When Moroccan butane burns, it produces a strong odour and a lot of soot, making it unpleasant to use.
When using butane in a confined space, like a van, it’s essential to make sure that the equipment is functioning correctly to avoid potential safety hazards. In our case, even after servicing the fridge and cleaning the flue, the carbon monoxide alarm kept going off. We eventually discovered that the seals on the back of the fridge had deteriorated, allowing the fumes to enter the van and pose a potential danger to our health.
We had the fridge resealed, which helped with the carbon monoxide problem. However, we still experienced issues maintaining a low enough temperature due to the impurities in the gas. It’s essential to be aware of these potential issues when using butane and take proper precautions to ensure your safety.
The Solution
In the end, we found a twofold solution to our problem:
Firstly, we had a filter installed to prevent some of the impurities from entering the system. However, this did not completely solve the issue as the gas was still producing a large amount of soot.
Secondly, we began cleaning the flue on a weekly basis. I had no prior experience with this task, but after observing it being done three times, I felt confident enough to do it myself. The process is fairly simple and does not require any technical knowledge, otherwise, I wouldn’t have attempted it.
Cleaning the Flue
- it’s a good idea to wear some latex gloves – it’s a dirty job.
- turn off the gas, both at the fridge and at the isolator switch or at the bottle
- remove the covers
- unscrew the metal plate and remove it
- unscrew the burner and move it gently out of the way
- remove the chimney and take out the spiral baffle
- Place something under the flue to catch the soot and sweep out the flue with something suitable – I used a drain cleaner with a little wire scourer attached to the end, but you could also use a wire bottle brush, or even a bit of braided wire unwound a bit at one end to create a “brush”. You don’t want to use anything that could potentially damage the flue as that could turn out expensive.
- clean the chimney and baffle
- reassemble everything
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An ex street dog from Cyprus, an ex-pub dog from Devon, ex ex-overnight security dog and now enjoying my time travelling with my mum and dad.
My hoomans and I explore the world in their big white box on wheels, although that work fing gets in the way sometimes. So far we have travelled mostly around Europe, but have also been to Morocco in Africa.
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