The gas testing requirement for recreational vehicles has been suspended since the beginning of 2020 and was due to come back into force on January 1, 2023 under new circumstances. The reason given by the Federal Ministry of Transport (BVMI) for the suspension at the time was that there was a lack of calibrated measuring instruments for an official test and therefore an accurate measurement result could not be guaranteed. The BMVI has now completely abolished the gas test requirement for motorhomes to pass the main inspection (also known colloquially as “TÜV”) from April 1, 2022. In our podcast with Andreas Irmer, owner of autarker.de and gas expert, we talked about the current regulations and possible effects. You can find a summary of all the changes for 2022 in the text below.
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How was the gas testing obligation regulated until now?
Every leisure vehicle, whether motorhome, caravan or campervan, that has an LPG system on board has so far left the manufacturer’s factory with an inspection book and an inspection sticker. This documented that the gas system was leak-proof and in perfect technical working order. After all, the fuel from the gas cylinder or tank supplies important appliances in the interior, i.e. stove and oven, refrigerator, heating and hot water boiler. To ensure that the gas system continues to function during operation and does not pose any danger, it is the owner’s duty to have the system checked every two years and to have the results entered or confirmed in the inspection logbook. This could be carried out in certified dealerships and other specialist workshops as well as by testing organizations such as TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS, etc. The German Liquid Gas Association (DVFG) was responsible for the previous regulation, but as Andreas Irmer says in the interview, the task of gas testing was never officially declared by the legislator. This is also the reason for the different opinions of the individual testing organizations. Until the end of 2019, a motorhome that was presented to a testing organization for a general inspection had to have a current inspection sticker as proof that it had passed the gas test. The absence of this proof was considered a serious defect and the HU sticker was refused. The procedure for caravans was somewhat more generous. Here, the lack of a gas test at least did not result in the vehicle failing the HU.
What happens now?
The BMVI is currently discussing in its committees what the gas test could look like in the future. But one thing is already fairly certain: the network of places where gas tests can be carried out will no longer be as tightly woven as it is now. This is because a solution with regularly calibrated measuring devices will probably result in immense costs for gas testers. Smaller workshops with irregular gas testing orders will probably no longer be able to cope with this. At the same time, we can probably also look forward to rising fees associated with the new metrological solutions.
Should I still have a gas test carried out?
Even though the gas test requirement for passing the general inspection is definitely off the table as of April 1 of this year, you should still have the gas test carried out every two years in your own interest to protect yourself and your passengers. After all, liquid gas can pose a danger to life and limb in the event of technical defects. In addition, many campsite operators have so far required you to present the test book when checking in. It can be assumed that proof of a valid gas test will also be required in the future. In addition, your insurance company may have problems in the event of a claim if no gas test has been carried out. You can register for the gas test in accordance with DVGW Code of Practice G 607 as usual with the usual bodies, i.e. TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ or KÜS, as well as with certified manufacturers and specialist workshops. The advantage with garages is that you can have any damage repaired on the spot and do not have to present your vehicle again. This also saves unnecessary costs in the end.
How can I prepare my vehicle for the gas test?
To prepare your motorhome or caravan for the gas test, you should simply try out your gas appliances before the appointment and check that everything is working properly: Light all the hobs on your stove and, if necessary, the oven and leave them burning for a few minutes. Then repeat this process for the heating and, if necessary, the boiler and also run the fridge on gas. It is also a good idea to check the brackets, seals and ventilation openings (especially in the gas box). Is everything in place, are the pressure reducer and hoses less than 10 years old, can you see any obvious damage? If everything is OK here and the appliances are running perfectly, nothing stands in the way of a gas test. As independent testing institutions will also be able to carry out the inspection from April this year, you should check and compare prices with the providers in your area – because there are definitely differences here. The German Liquid Gas Association (DVFG) provides the locations of certified specialist companies on its website.
Experts in the podcast on “Gas testing – new regulations 2022”
In our podcast, Nele and Sebastian have the expert Andreas from autarker.de as a guest, with whom they discuss the topic of“Gas testing – new regulations 2022” in detail. Find out the most important information. Have a listen:
