Can You Travel in a Motorhome with the Gas Turned On?
It’s one of the most debated questions among motorhome owners: can you travel in a motorhome with the gas turned on? Some people insist it’s dangerous, while others say they always do it to keep the fridge cold. The truth is more nuanced. It depends on your motorhome’s gas installation, the safety equipment fitted and where you’re travelling.
The Short Answer
Yes – but only if your motorhome is equipped with the correct safety system and you follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
If your motorhome does not have a crash-protected gas regulator and the appropriate hose rupture protection, the gas cylinders should be turned off while travelling. Modern systems such as the Truma MonoControl CS and DuoControl CS are specifically designed to allow approved gas appliances to be used while driving by automatically shutting off the gas supply if a significant impact occurs.
Why Is There So Much Confusion?
The advice has changed over the years.
Older motorhomes were generally expected to have their gas supply turned off before setting off, because their gas systems didn’t include today’s crash protection technology.
Modern motorhomes, however, may be fitted with gas pressure regulators incorporating an integrated crash sensor. These systems are designed to stop the flow of gas automatically if the vehicle is involved in a collision, reducing the risk of gas escaping from a damaged pipe.
That means the answer depends on how your particular motorhome is equipped, not simply on its age.
What Is a Crash Sensor?
A crash sensor is built into certain gas pressure regulators.
In the event of a significant impact, the regulator automatically shuts off the gas supply. When combined with compatible high-pressure hoses that incorporate hose rupture protection, these systems are designed to meet the relevant standards for operating gas appliances while travelling.
Many owners will recognise products such as:
- Truma MonoControl CS
- Truma DuoControl CS
If you’re unsure whether your motorhome has one of these systems, check your handbook or ask your dealer or servicing engineer.
What About the Fridge?
This is usually why the question gets asked.
Many three-way absorption fridges can operate on:
- 230V mains electricity
- 12V while driving
- LPG when parked
On most modern motorhomes, the fridge automatically switches to 12V when the engine is running via the AES (Automatic Energy Selection) system, so there is usually no need to run it on gas while driving. Not every motorhome has AES, however, so it’s worth checking how your own refrigerator operates.
Always Turn the Gas Off When Refuelling
Regardless of what equipment your motorhome has, gas appliances should not be used while refuelling.
Petrol stations present an obvious ignition risk, and manufacturers advise that LPG appliances are not operated during refuelling.
It’s a simple precaution that every motorhome owner should follow.
Ferries and Tunnels
Another important consideration is travel by ferry or through certain tunnels.
Most ferry operators require the gas cylinders to be turned off before boarding, and some may apply additional requirements such as sealing the cylinder locker or checking that the valves are closed.
Tunnel operators may also have their own rules regarding LPG systems.
Always check the requirements of your ferry company or tunnel operator before you travel.
How Can You Tell What Your Motorhome Has?
If you’re unsure, look inside the gas locker.
A regulator with an integrated crash sensor is usually clearly identifiable, and many Truma systems have a distinctive yellow reset button.
If you can’t identify the system, don’t guess. Consult your owner’s handbook or ask a qualified motorhome service engineer.
Practical Advice
If your motorhome is fitted with an approved crash-protected gas regulator and hose rupture protection, using compatible gas appliances while driving may be appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
If it isn’t, the safest approach is to turn the gas cylinders off before setting off.
Either way:
- Never use gas appliances while refuelling.
- Follow your motorhome manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check ferry and tunnel rules before travelling.
- Have your gas system inspected as part of routine servicing.
Motorhome Monkey Verdict
The question “Can you travel in a motorhome with the gas turned on?” doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer.
Modern motorhomes fitted with an approved crash-protected gas regulator and hose rupture protection may be designed to allow gas appliances to operate while travelling. Older systems, or installations without this equipment, should have the gas turned off while on the move.
The safest approach is to understand your own motorhome’s gas installation rather than relying on general advice from social media or internet forums.
If in doubt, seek advice from a qualified motorhome service engineer and always follow the guidance provided by your vehicle and appliance manufacturers.
