ok folks in the know - here goes my next round of research; the aim is to over-winter with this van off-grid. Gas stopped coming through to hob and heater around the same time. So I have now booked the c'van booked into a CCC recommended dealer locally
for Dec 2.
Price seems ok for a service, but the unknown is
- what if any parts might they have to order to fix?
- am I right in thinking that if they get these two
appliances working, then I stand a good chance th
e fridge is then also able to run on gas?
From that I have followed I may just be able to survive on a few real strong D-battery-powered lanterns/torches as I seem to remember the battery was not playing years before the gas failure. The only hitch is I need to power my laptop when going out during the day, but that seems do-able. In this worst-case scenario.
If grant allows, I could get a winter-version of a solar panel and a new battery but that would not resolve charge for laptop, would it? And no, I don't have a car where I can plug in the laptop in the lighter. :-)
Any other thoughts, something I have not thought of?
Yes, I'd love to get a new-to-me van instead, but that may not be an option , and the site offered is a dream come true.
------------- Barbara
- enjoy life, this is not a rehearsal -
Get a USB adaptor for cigarette lighter in car to charge laptop when running. New battery with mains connection to van if stored at home will take care of battery with no need for solar panel. Good luck with the gas although check to see whether taps in pipeline in van are open.
I am not 100% certain but you may need some battery power to ignite the gass for the fridge. If funds allow a solar panel and decent leisure battery will help with such things. I'd not suggest trying to charge a lap top off a cigarette lighter socket in the caravan as it would quickly drain a battery that might not get a full charge on some bad winter days. I'd ask the servicing folk if the fridge needs 12v to work.
12v would let you use some LED lights which is easier than a torch
------------- We camped for years. In 2019 we bought an Elddis Avante 454. We like it as it is short (6.9m) and fits in our driveway and has a fixed bed.
We had 127 nights away in the caravan in 2023.
I did not advocate charging in the caravan with a cigarette litter adaptor. Merely to charge in the car while running during a journey from the adaptor. Does the cooker light on gas? If so gas supply seems OK. Electric voltage is the probable culprit so change the battery.
Quote: Originally posted by queensmessenger on 20/10/2016
I did not advocate charging in the caravan with a cigarette litter adaptor. Merely to charge in the car while running during a journey from the adaptor. Does the cooker light on gas? If so gas supply seems OK. Electric voltage is the probable culprit so change the battery.
They said they dont have a car in which to charge the laptop. But they will need a decent amount of solar power to recharge a laptop during the winter.
The issue is they need the laptop during the day which is when they need to recharge it. So solar is not really an option without a battery storage bank.
Even if the fridge doesnt use 12v to work the waterheater usually requires 12v also.
Are you using Butane or propane?
Not working maybe a regulator and may require replacing all the pipework. Without some pictures its impossible to tell.
Labour rates around £60/hr+vat for extra work apart from service. If the gas supply is fixed then fridge should run on gas provided fridge is not faulty. I would at least get burner cleaned. You need to learn to diy on an old caravan otherwise service people will see you as a lemon to be squeezed.
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Topic: gas line repair 1995 compass echo
