Both gases are also heavier than air, so any leak leads the gas to sink to the floor. It is therefore essential that the built-in floor vents in your unit are not obstructed, either intentionally or otherwise, in order to prevent any leaked gas building up to a dangerous level.

Whereas butane is an efficient heat producer in summer conditions, propane changes into gas at much lower temperatures and so is recommended for winter use. Butane and propane require different regulators; butane (28mbar) must not be used with a propane regulator (37mbar) and vice versa.

Caravans and motorhomes built from 2004 onwards will be supplied with a universal 30mbar regulator fitted to the bulkhead in the gas locker, for both types of gas. You will need to obtain a different connector for each type of bottle you use. The gas burning equipment will also be designed to suit the new pressure, so pre-2004 manufactured units must not be retrofitted with the new regulator.

LPG cylinders must be stored upright, since there is always a small chance that the valve on the top of the cylinder could leak.

Gas bottles are coloured for identification. Butane bottles are generally blue and propane ones are generally red, but some manufacturers may use different colour codes. Supergas informs us that all its cylinders are orange. Calor Gas is available neither on mainland Europe, nor in the Republic of Ireland, so three options are open to you: (1) carry sufficient gas to last for your whole stay; (2) supplement your supply with Camping Gaz, which is widely available; or (3) buy a gas bottle and regulator (or the new connector if your unit was manufactured from 2004) in the country in which you are to spend most time (Many members now do this in Spain, signing the necessary certificate which grants permission to use a gas bottle and regulator). Please be aware of any restrictions applying to the carriage of gas bottles on ferries and EuroTunnel.

Calor Gas Ltd 0800 626626 

Read about Gas Safety here.