defitzi
I sleepless surfing so may i join in- as boater?
I've had gas (no NOT flatulence) in vans and boats for decades. Boats really do need alarm or detector 'cos u can't exactly have a drop-out! And that's where it mostly happens! Wooooomf! Poooooof.! Anyone for swimming? iI lucky.
Well I did hear of a chap with the gas on, lighting a fag as he filled his outboard...and... legends, legends but....
But vans> well a hole in the bottom doesn't really need to be very big and if in the right place-places (yes you can drill more than one) gas will find its own (bottom) level. The real thing is the spark: one such is usually necessary for the gas to go bang....
Seriously tho' the problem is if the gas has not-does not disperse and drop out.Forward movement can also suck it out if u place a small deflector in front of the drop down opening (same principle as self-bailer in a boat). And an open window draught will often suck it especially when driving and circulating air.
Although gas does sink in static conditionsit is esily blown-swept-sucked along. I have a brace of catalyactic gas heaters- actually three- 2 in vans 1 on boat- the tiny pilot is deeply placed and guarded , the platinum elements cant set anything ire and the pilot and therefore the heater WILL extinguish automatically.
They are pricey -circa 80-140 quid but so is life!
A true story: A fella I know picked up his camper which had been stored all winter in Aunt's barn.
Started engine, drove out into into yard. Lit gas fridge. With wifie went into aunties for cuppa tea 'n chat. Outside: almighty bang Shook crockery-tea spilt. Outside in yard: camper blown up. Yes yes yes. Really bnig Boooooom! Fire, total.
He a very experienced engineer and head of big motor firm so big investigation.
Reason was uncovered: gas which gathered in bottom of fridge piping was not dispoersed( would have been shaken up in a bit of a run) hence expanded and explodedf cos would go up or away.
I never go back to my boat (if it is on land-on water it WILL shake up) or my camper after a long avbsence without making sure the fridge and m,aybe the heater? is well and truly shaken up and a good air sweep along the floor and out the door, before I light it.
And if there are any cupboards where gases just might congregate just go through the motions of sweeping it into a bucket and emptying the contents outside out... it just might be there. I do this with vans-boat bilges regularly sweep air into something empty out and folk watchigthink I mad (yes>) people watching think i mad (yes?) but so far, I've not gone bang-whooooomf as yet although I have been known to forget to turn off the (unlit) gas once or twice. Ok so I hope this helps
