Ventilation - don't take chances!

Ventilation - don't take chances!

All recreational vehicles fitted with any type of gas appliance must comply with the Gas Installation Code AG 5601 - 2002. This is all taken care of at the A'van factory for you and included with your A'van manual you will find a Certificate of Compliance which you legally must retain for 10 years. It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with just why the gas regulations apply. It is not generally realised why the A'van door has a vent in it. This is to let fresh air in whilst appliances are burning, as for various reasons not all the gas burns during cooking. The hot air and unburnt gas escapes out of the plastic vent above the sink near the apex. Under no circumstances cover these vents, or reduce the area, as you run the risk of killing yourself with carbon monoxide poisoning. On the road you will come across caravans with plastic over the door vents to stop dust coming in. These people don't realise the risk they are taking if they FAIL to remove it whilst stopped.

WARNING:- Some DIY A'vanners have extended the shelf above the sink and it is possible to cover/partially obstruct the vent.

There are many ways of minimising the amount of dust that finds its way into your van. Slowing down on dirt does wonders! The best mechanical method we have come across is used by Sunliner Motorhomes for instance. It just sucks filtered air from the outside and pressurises the inside using a small fan. Camec make a caravan door with a venturi effect - pictured above. The idea is that dust will not enter as the air passing the outside creates a low pressure area. It is possible to buy just this part as a spare and retrofit it to your A'van door. These are not perfect but it is about 95% effective.

Bob Eustace