Gas tank in motorhome

Everything you need to know about permanently installed motorhome gas tanks

We are often asked what the advantages of a permanently installed gas tank are, which manufacturers there are and what the differences are between a fuel gas tank and a motorhome gas tank . In this article you will learn everything you need to know about gas tanks.

Table of contents

Differences between car gas tank and motorhome tank

Not all gas tanks are the same! The car gas tank and the motorhome gas tank are often confused. The car gas tank is intended for the engine drive, but can later also be used for heating and cooking.

And even if the car gas tank and the gas tank for motorhomes look similar, they have significant differences in design. There is one key distinguishing feature, and that is the extraction pipe inside the tank! While in a car gas tank the gas is extracted at the bottom in the liquid phase, in a motorhome tank the gas is extracted at the top in the gas phase. If this is not taken into account and a car gas tank is installed, the gas will be extracted from the liquid phase and the pressure regulator will freeze after a short time. Incorrect use can have unforeseeable consequences. For example, if the liquid gas penetrates to the gas cooker and is ignited there.

Unfortunately, there are dubious fitters who work with modifications to conventional tanks. However, we strongly advise against these experiments and recommend that you always consult a specialist workshop when installing the gas system.

Advantages of a gas tank

80% filling stop briefly explained

The 80% fill stop for motorhome gas tanks is a safety measure that ensures that the gas tank is not filled to more than 80% of its total volume. This ensures that the gas has enough space to expand when outside temperatures rise.

Filling level indicator in the motorhome

The gas tanks offer several options for conveniently checking the fill level. This can be done either directly on the tank or via a remote display in the interior. There is also the option of checking the fill level via a smartphone app. To do this, the smartphone must be connected to the transmitter on the tank via Bluetooth.

Which gas for the gas tank in the motorhome?

In principle, any mixture of propane and butane can be filled into the gas tank of a motorhome. While butane has a higher energy efficiency, propane scores with a lower boiling temperature of -42°C. This is particularly advantageous in winter, as propane forms a gas in the upper layer of the tank even at very low temperatures and is therefore available for withdrawal. Butane, on the other hand, has a boiling temperature of around -0.5°C, which means that it is less efficient at lower temperatures and can cause difficulties when extracting gas. If you refuel at an LPG filling station, pay attention to the mixing ratio and the highest possible propane content, especially in winter, in order to get through the winter reliably.

How do you refuel?

In principle, it can be refuelled at any LPG filling station. Depending on the installation, refuelling takes place either directly at the tank or via so-called remote refuelling(LPG tank nozzle in the vehicle body).

Which gas tank manufacturers for motorhomes are there?

There are numerous manufacturers of fuel gas tanks for motorhomes. The best-known brands and suppliers on the German market include CAMPKO, Wynen Gas, Stako, GZWM and GuG.

What types and models of motorhome gas tanks are there?

Shape

In principle, a distinction is made between two types of gas tanks: ring tanks and cylinder tanks. Both can be installed on the loading area or under the floor. Underfloor refers to installation on the underside of the vehicle. The cylindrical gas tanks are also offered upright and are known as gas tank bottles.

Valve

There is also a difference in the valves. While conventional gas tanks are often referred to as 4-hole tanks, there are now also modern multi-valves and corresponding 1-hole tanks. As the term „multi“ suggests, a multifunctional valve combines all the functions of the four separate valves of a 4-hole tank.

Installation position cylinder tanks

A cylinder tank with underfloor installation is referred to as a 105° installation position. In this case, the tank is aligned so that the valve plate is positioned slightly below the centre of the side of the tank and points slightly downwards. This orientation facilitates both installation and subsequent maintenance on the vehicle platform. In contrast, 90° or 0° tanks are usually used for installation on the loading area.

A tank is already designed ex works for a specific installation position and must not be rotated at will during installation. The valves in the tank are also designed for the intended installation position.

Difference between fuel gas tank and motorhome gas tank

In both cases, it is the same type of tank. While a fuel gas tank can also be installed in a snack van, a tank in a motorhome is usually referred to as a motorhome tank.

Overview of common sizes with weight and volume specifications

CAMPKO gas tank cylinders

Diameter	Height	Gross volume
300mm	385mm	15 litres
300mm	485mm	22 litres
300mm	585mm	30 litres
300mm	685mm	36 litres

Ring tanks

Diameter	Height	Gross volume
630mm	225mm	58 litres
600mm	230mm	53.5-55 litres*

* Depending on manufacturer

Cylinder tanks

Diameter	Height	Gross volume
200mm	585mm	16 litres
200mm	717mm	20 litres
200mm	884mm	25 litres
200mm	1050mm	30 litres
230mm	630mm	23 litres
230mm	809mm	30 litres
230mm	1004mm	38 litres
270mm	607mm	30 litres
270mm	792mm	40 litres
270mm	1069mm	55 litres
300mm	646mm	40 litres
300mm	940mm	60 litres
300mm	1088mm	70 litres
300mm	869mm	60 litres
300mm	1004mm	70 litres
300mm	632mm	55 litres
300mm	944mm	85 litres
300mm	1099mm	100 litres
300mm	1298mm	120 litres
300mm	1090mm	120 litres