top of page

Technical Help 2

COMBI Boilers

In static holiday caravans and residential park homes central heating combi boilers are commonly fitted. The main manufacturer are MORCO which here at Stephen Ward Caravan & Boats are warranty agents on the island but Worcester Bosch, Ariston and other manufacturers are found, but we do any caravan boiler repair.

The two types of boilers are normal combustion for older models and the new forced air combustion which combine a condensing system. All are room-sealed taking air directly from outside and releasing the fumes to outside via the same flue system.

Boiler lighting sequences in all models are the same:

  • Demand either open a hot tap or turn the thermostat up.​
  • Fan comes on.
  • Air pressure switch recognises the fan is running.
  • Computer starts ignition sequence ie sparks.
  • Gas then flows to burner.
  • Gas is lit.
  • Computer sensors gas is lit via a sensor.
  • Boiler runs until demand is stopped.

Any breakdown in this sequence can stop your boiler working and multiple sensors within the boiler can also be at fault.

Regular inspections of your appliances can help with preventing breakdowns. 

Radiators are filled with a mixture of anti-freeze and inhibitor which prevent rust and black sludge build up which can

stop the boiler from heating properly. This inhibitor needs to be topped up every 5 years.

AS FROM APRIL 2014 all newly commissioned condensing room-sealed combi boilers must have a reading from a flue gas analyser.

BOATS,Yachts and other vessels.

There are a few standard rules which have applied to boats since 1977 regarding gas installations.

  • Gas cylinders must be stored in a dedicated locker ( No other items)
  • Gas cylinders must be held tight to prevent movement.
  • Only 1m(max) of high pressure orange hose is allowed within the locker between the cylinder and inlet pipe only ( No Orange High pressure hoses to the appliances)
  • The locker must be vapour tight to the boat integrity and be 30 mins fireproof.
  • A 19mm drain hole must be fitted at the lowest point to the locker.
  • Locker must be labelled as a gas locker.
  • Copper pipe to be used as the supply pipe to appliances.
  • Isolation taps to be fitted as close as possible near to appliances.
  • A gimballed cooker has to have an armoured flexi-hose.
  • All new cookers must have flame supervision devices.
  • Only room sealed hot water and heating appliances can be fitted.
  • Gas Fridges and Open flued hot water heaters are not permitted.

As an LPG Boat Engineer I recommend that all boats with any LPG gas system be checked annually and that any alterations to the gas systems be first inspected to meet current regulations. Due to the many numerous designs and configurations each boat is dealt with on an individual basis.

Rules regarding MCA coded boats for gas installations are covered.

Please contact us for a professional consultation and report on your boat.

Wheels,Brakes,Stabilising Hitches and Chassis.

Most touring caravans have Al-Ko chassis,braking systems and stabilising hitches, but their are BPW,Knott etc. Regular inspection of your wheels and tyres should be done before any journey and the correct inflation of your tyre(Refer to caravan handbook) for the correct load is essential. Whilst towing your weight distribution inside the caravan should be as even as possible to allow the car and caravan to tow evenly and not dip downwards between the car and caravan.The brakes should be inspected regularly on an annual service and should only be adjusted by a competent person. The new type of wheel drum called a Euro axle has enclosed fixed bearings inside the drum. These drums are attached the the axle hub by a large one-use only tapered nut that should be marked every time a new one is fitted. NEVER RE-USE AN OLD ONE. The older type of drums have a castle nut and split pin. When braking the caravan should run onto the car and thus pushing in the damper that then in turn pulls on the caravan brakes. Their should be no noise or squeaks, the caravan should not slide or pull unevenly to the left or right and should not lock up the wheels. Special attention should be made on long journeys to check that the brakes are fully off and that no excessive heat is observed or hot smoke from the drums.Noise from a stabilising hitch means that the pads are worn or more often dirty. The tow ball on the towing vehicle must be paint and grease free when using these hitches and make sure the tow ball cover is also clean.

TYRES

It is recommended that tyres are inspected regularly and the wheel nuts checked. Any damage,cuts, or balled tread the tyres must be changed. If the tyre walls have any cracking or crack lines then they must be changed. To determine the tyre age: all tyres have a printed 4 digit number on them,usually circled, so 0852 example would be Year 08 and manufactured in week 52. Due to the fact that caravan tyres are not in constant use the tread may be perfect but the damage can occur inside the tyre due to long term inactivity the tyre sitting in the same place all the time. UV light will degrade tyres so protecting them with a cover is recommended. Tyres that are five years or older should be changed. Seek specialist advice from a tyre fitter and supplier.We recommend Wootton Tyres 01983 885070.

We do a full brake,wheel,tyre and chassis inspection on an annual full caravan service.

Any brake problems contact us for advise and inspection.

Call Stephen Ward Caravan and Boats now to help with any problems!

We repair and service:
  • Central Heating Boilers
  • Water Heaters
  • Cookers
  • Ovens
  • Hobs
  • Fires
  • Warm Air Boat Heating(Propex.Truma)
  • Caravan Hot Water Units (Truma,Carver,Propex,Alde)
  • Caravan Motor Movers (Powertouch,Truma,Reich etc)
  • Caravan Power Management (Sargent,Nordelectronica)
  • Brakes Servicing
  • Hitch and damper problems.
  • Structural repairs.
  • Emergency repairs.
bottom of page