If you travel a lot with your camper and need a reliable gas supply, LPG tanks are the ideal solution. They not only offer a higher capacity than conventional gas cylinders, but also many other advantages that make your everyday life on the road easier.
Which gases are suitable for the LPG tank in the motorhome?
A mixture of propane and butane is mainly used for the LPG tank in the camper propane tank. Both gases have different properties that affect their suitability for use in motorhomes:
- Propane: Propane has a very low boiling temperature of around -42°C. This means that it remains gaseous even at low outside temperatures and can be extracted without any problems. Propane is therefore particularly advantageous in winter and should preferably be used in cold regions or when traveling in winter.
- Butane: Butane has a higher boiling temperature of -0.5°C. At temperatures below freezing, butane has difficulty forming in gaseous form in the tank, which makes operation more difficult. For this reason, butane is particularly suitable for use in warmer regions or during the summer months.
For winter operation, it is advisable to have a higher proportion of propane in the tank so that gas can be reliably extracted even at low temperatures.
How is the LPG tank in the camper propane tank refueled?
Refueling a camper propane tank is very simple. You can have the tank filled at any LPG filling station. Depending on the installation variant, the filling point is either located directly on the tank or via a remote refueling system in the area of the vehicle body. This enables uncomplicated refueling without having to remove the tank.
Many modern LPG tanks are also equipped with a level indicator. This can be read either directly on the tank, via a remote display in the vehicle or via a smartphone app. It is particularly practical to be able to call up the fill level via an app by connecting the smartphone to a sensor on the tank via Bluetooth.
LPG tanks: cylinder tank or toroidal tank?
There are two main types of LPG tanks that are used for installation in motorhomes: Cylinder tanks and toroidal tanks.
- Cylinder tanks: These tanks are installed both on the loading area and underfloor and offer a flexible solution for installation. They are available in various sizes, ranging from 16 to 120 liters. Cylinder tanks can be installed vertically or horizontally, with the horizontal version often saving space.
- Toroidaltanks: Toroidal tanks are particularly space-saving and are often installed underfloor. They have the shape of a ring and offer a larger volume capacity, making them an ideal choice for larger vehicles or longer journeys.
Valve: The difference between 4-hole tanks and multivalves
An important aspect of LPG tanks is the valve. Conventional LPG tanks are often referred to as 4-hole tanks. These have separate valves for different functions. However, modern LPG tanks are often equipped with so-called multivalves. These multifunctional valves combine all the functions of the four separate valves of a 4-hole tank in a single valve. This technology ensures easier handling and improved safety.
RV propane tank vs. camper propane tank
In practice, both types of tank are the same type of tank. While the RV propane tank can also be installed in other vehicles such as food trucks, the tank in the camper is often specifically referred to as a camper propane tank. The difference lies in the more frequent use and the specific suitability for use in motorhomes.
Which manufacturers offer camper propane tanks?
There are many suppliers of RV propane tanks on the German market. The best-known brands include CAMPKO, Wynen Gas, Stako, GZWM and GuG.
What advantages do LPG tanks offer compared to gas cylinders?
A permanently installed LPG tank has numerous advantages that significantly increase comfort and safety on your trip:
- Larger capacity: LPG tanks usually have a significantly larger capacity than gas cylinders, which means you don't have to refill as often.
- Easy refueling: LPG tanks can be easily refilled at almost any LPG filling station. Unlike gas cylinders, you don't have to remove the tank or transport it.
- Cost efficiency: Refilling LPG tanks is usually cheaper than buying new gas cylinders. The larger capacity also saves you the cost and effort of frequent refills.
- Safety: LPG tanks are equipped with safety mechanisms such as the 80% fill stop. This ensures that the tank never gets too full, which reduces the risk of pressure problems at high outside temperatures.
- Space-saving: LPG tanks can be installed in the vehicle to save space, either underfloor or on the loading area. This saves valuable storage space for other equipment and luggage.
- Sustainability: Refilling directly at filling stations means less waste, as there are no empty gas cylinders to dispose of. This makes operation with LPG tanks more environmentally friendly than with disposable cylinders.
What is the difference between autogas tanks and camper propane tanks?
A common misconception is the confusion between autogas tanks and camper propane tanks. They look similar at first glance, but there are significant differences:
- Autogas tank: autogas tanks are designed for vehicle engines and take gas from the liquid phase. They are unsuitable for motorhomes, as gas from the gas phase is required here. Incorrect use can lead to problems such as the pressure regulator freezing up and can be dangerous.
- Camper propane tank: In a camper propane tank, the gas is extracted from the gas phase, which is necessary for the operation of the stove, heater and other appliances in the vehicle. Such extraction prevents the pressure regulator from freezing up and ensures a reliable gas supply throughout the journey.
It is therefore crucial that you choose a specially designed model when installing an LPG tank and have the installation carried out by qualified specialist workshops.