Heating, cooking, cooling: When travelling with a motorhome or Camper Van, you need gas for many tasks. How much gas you need in your vehicle is therefore a crucial question - after all, you don't want to suddenly have to do without.
Below you can find out what is important in the calculation and how long an 11kg gas bottle could last on this basis.
Calculate your own gas consumption in the motorhome
How long you can get by with gas in your motorhome or Camper Van depends on your individual gas consumption and the time of year. In summer, you will probably be able to get by longer with an 11kg gas bottle than in winter. The size of your vehicle and the type of gas appliances installed also influence gas consumption. It is therefore difficult to give a generalised figure for gas consumption.
A guideline on gas consumption is therefore often: In summer, around 3 kg of gas is used per week for the refrigerator and cooker. In winter with frost, cold temperatures and strong winds, the contents of the same bottle can be used up in two days.
For an estimate, therefore, consider which tasks require gas in your case and how long you need these consumers per day. You can also find the consumption values of the appliances in the manufacturer's operating instructions.
You must then calculate your gas requirement based on your consumption and individual usage behaviour. Also note whether the various devices can also be used with shore power - such as on the Camping ground.
We have prepared two sample calculations here:
In our example, we assume that we would like to use the vehicle for one day in the summer. In our example, the following consumption is therefore incurred:
- Cooking: 1 h/day = 150 g gas/h
- Refrigerator: 24 h/day = 20 g gas/h
- Heating: -
In our case this means: 150 g + (24 h*20 g) = 630 g/day.
630 g/day : 1000 g/kg = 0.63 kg/day
For an 11kg gas bottle, this means: 11 kg : 0.63 kg/day = 17.5 days
With a daily consumption of 0.63 kg of gas per day, an 11 kg gas bottle lasts 17.5 days.
In this example, we would like to take a closer look at the consumption of gas on one day in the winter . Here, too, we assume that we have one day free with our vehicle:
- Cooking: 1 h/day = 150 g gas/h
- Refrigerator: 24 h/day = 20 g gas/h
- Heating: 24h/day = 300g gas/h
In our case, this means: 150 g + (24 h*20 g) + (24 h*300 g) = 7830 g/day
7830 g : 1000 g/kg = 7.83kg/day
For an 11kg gas bottle, this means: 11 kg : 7.83 kg/day = 1.4 days
In this example, an 11 kg gas bottle lasts for just over 1 day on a winter's day.
Tip: You can also calculate the consumption via the connected load. To do this, refer to the power of the appliance (kW) on the respective type plate. You must then divide the connected load by the calorific value of the gas used (propane: 12.87 kWh/kg, butane: 12.70 kWh/kg).
Example: 3.5 kW connection appliance and propane gas
3.5 kW : 12.87 kWh/kg = 0.27 kg/h = 270 g/h
You can use these invoices to calculate your gas consumption. Of course, there is nothing to stop you from using your own experience or the experience of other campers to estimate consumption.
Be prepared for anything with a second gas bottle
How high your gas consumption is is therefore very individual. If you like travelling in cold and frosty temperatures in winter, your gas can be used up much more quickly than when travelling in summer.
By carrying a second full gas bottle with you, you can react flexibly to gas consumption and have more time to refill your gas supply.
Summary: Gas consumption in a motorhome depends on many factors
It is impossible to say in general terms how long a cylinder of gas will last before the appliances can no longer be adequately supplied. However, with a little calculation you can find out your individual requirements in no time at all.
You can find our explanatory videos on handling gas bottles in your motorhome here: Simple. Clever. Explained. - Gas in the motorhome