Dormobile - camping gaz in engine bay.

[Dickie524]

Hi folks, just idly researching old dormy brochures and I stumbled across this:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/lit/1971_dormobile_uk/3.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Based on the sizes they look like Camping gaz 901 bottles.

This clearly shows in pictures, and states, that the gas bottles are stored in the engine compartment. Keeps them out of the way, sure - ans used an under-utilised bit of space when it is at such a premium inside - but - is this safe? I'm no wuss and certainly not given to fretting about trivial safety items but wondered what people's opinions were? Is anyone still using this setup?

Arguably 2 small is better than one large as you can swap over when one runs out then get it refilled - not left high and dry with a pan full of half cooked rice, and you can't go out for some more gas cos you have half a pan of half cooked rice sloshing about!

Arguably if you get an engine fire your bus is as good as dead anyway... ?

 

[Blackdog]

That's exactly how we roll! I think we have two camping gaz cylinders of different sizes fitted. There is a switch that cuts off the supply inside the van just in front of the spare wheel and another behind the cooker.
When we had our Propex fitted the gas engineer was horrified and fashioned a "compartment" with a gas sticker on it-but all it really does is hide them! I'll put some pics up next week just for interest...

 

[Dickie524]

Yeah, thanks, I'd be interested in that if you get the chance! Probably nothing wrong with that setup but it seems a bit risky, mybe. Someone has re routed mine and stuck ithe bottle in the main cupboard where it fills half of it.

But as with everything that's been diy'ed on there it has been done pretty poorly and I'm having to under loads of bodges, the favourite of which was an electrical connection on a wire tied together in a reef knot wrapped in sellotape!

 

[Blackdog]

Here we go! Apologies for the poor quality of the pictures-bit dark but you should be able to make out the different sized cylinders, one has a cover on it. Then there is the "compartment" cover in situ-which the gas fella fitted, and finally the tap next to the spare that isolates the supply. I think the orange carpet is original!

 

[Fortunate Son]

Cover door is a neat idea! Really loving the original orange carpet as well!

 

[Dickie524]

Sorry - only just spotted this again - thanks for the pics - really useful.

Interesting idea blocking it off altogether though, must surely hammper the air flow? and mean that moisture gets trapped behind it from the air intake??