Important safety information

Replacement of the Truma gas outdoor socket and two gas valves

During the course of its quality assurance Truma has established that there may be leaks in the Truma gas outdoor socket and two gas removal valves. This only affects products with a yellow handle cap and the following codes below:

This can cause gas to leak uncontrollably from the affected products. In unfavourable circumstances this can lead to gas deflagration and injuries. We have not heard of such a case yet.

As a manufacturer of premium products, Truma attaches great importance to supplying reliable and safe products. The safety and well-being of our customers is our top priority which is why, to avoid any risk, we and our supplier have decided to replace all affected products. The probability that campers will encounter this fault is very low; nevertheless we would ask them to take the following precautions:

  • Ensure that the gas system is immediately turned off. To do this, close the cylinders and/or the gas tank or the external gas supply. If the external gas socket is connected to a separate shut-off valve (e.g. on the so-called valve block), you only need to close this shut-off valve.
  • If there is an awning, ensure good ventilation.
  • Check the code below the yellow handle cap (picture 1 below). To do this, you may have to turn the ring to read the code. Ensure that there are no ignition sources nearby during the inspection.
  • If your product has a code between …01.2016… and …01.2017…, please contact your dealer, a Truma Service Partner or the Truma Service Centre for a free replacement. The products may only be replaced by trained personnel; this process does not take very long. Do not use the gas system again or re-open the separate shut-off valve (e.g. on the so-called valve block) until the parts have been replaced!
  • If your product has a different code than those in the table above, the gas system is safe to use again.

 If you have any questions, please contact us

Truma Service Centre
E-Mail: service@truma.com

Telephone +49 (0)89 46 17- 20 20

Picture 1

No more empty gas cylinders

Gas cylinders have the annoying habit of becoming empty in the middle of the night. You can put a stop to this with the Truma DuoControl CS which automatically switches from the empty operating cylinder to the reserve.

Truma_DuoControl_CS_vertikal_1000x750

The Truma dual-cylinder gas pressure regulator automatically switches to the reserve cylinder. The integrated crash sensor allows you to operate the gas system safely even when on the road.

Continue reading

Caution: left-hand thread

Things new campers should know about the gas supply in caravans and motorcaravans

Connection screws to gas cylinders with flammable content always have left-hand threads. This different turning direction ensures that no mistakes can be made.
The left-hand thread screw connections, e.g. hex nuts, are always marked with a notch (see figure links). This is standardised and anchored in the DIN EN 15202 as follows for liquid gas cylinders: “The corners of the hex nuts with left-hand threads must bear a notch for better recognition (e.g. a 60°-V notch).“

This picture shows one of the more rare left-hand thread wing nuts with notches.

In contrast, left-hand thread wing nuts do not always bear a notch, because this is not stipulated in the standard.

 

Can gas cylinders be connected when on the road?

Connected gas cylinders are classified as operating media and not hazardous substances (ADR release in compliance with sections 1.1.3.1 and 1.1.3.2. e). Gas cylinders that are not connected to gas installations always need to be closed and be fitted with protective caps.

The Truma gas remote switch allows the entire gas supply to be switched off comfortably from inside the vehicle at the push of a button. This does away with the need to go to the cylinder box and manually close the gas cylinders.

Truma Gasfernschalter

Truma gas remote switch

Gas testing certificate – this is important when buying or hiring a camping vehicle!

If you are looking to buy a second-hand camping vehicle or hire a vehicle, please note the following with regard to the gas supply:

Carefree holidays with hired vehicles.

Carefree holidays with hired vehicles

Carefree holidays with hired vehicles. XXX
Always check that the gas system has been tested and has a valid gas testing certificate. This testing certificate may only be completed and signed by a gas expert. In addition to the testing certificate, a test plate in compliance with G607 is attached to the outside of the vehicle, assuming that it has passed the inspection (see figure bottom right).
Also check whether the gas system can be operated whilst the vehicle is driving. If there is no safety lock (like the Truma crash sensor) in the vehicle, the heating cannot be operated when on the road.

Gas test plate attached to the vehicle

Gas test plate attached to the vehicle

Gas test plate attached to the vehicle
In this case the valves on the gas cylinders need to be closed. A warning sticker attached to the gas cylinder box states that the gas cylinders need to be closed when the vehicle is on the road.

Oily or soiled controllers

Problems with oily or soiled gas are common abroad, although this problem occurs occasionally in Germany in connection with gas from fuel stations for vehicle tanks or also tank cylinders.

Unfortunately there is no way of recognising the quality of the gas you purchase, when swapping the cylinders or filling your tank/cylinder at the fuel station. Continue reading

Regular inspection of the gas system in camping vehicles

How often does the gas system in a caravan or motorcaravan need to be inspected?

In Germany the gas system needs to be checked regularly every 2 years by a liquid gas expert (DVFG, TÜV, DEKRA). This is documented in a testing certificate (G607) and a test plate is attached to the outside of the vehicle.

Both the gas pressure controller and the gas hoses need to be replaced at the latest 10 years after the production date.