Camper: can LPG be an alternative to diesel?

Fuel gasPortor

LPG is sometimes used in campers as a substitute for propane. What about replacing the diesel? Several problems arise: the installation reduces the payload and, above all, LPG can only be adapted on a petrol engine.

The first alternative energy in the world, LPG is a mixture of butane and propane stored in liquid form. About 40% of it is produced from oil refining (where it was previously considered waste, burned at the top of flares) and about 60% from natural gas processing. BioLPG, produced by fermentation of plant waste, is beginning to develop but represents only a very small part (about 5%) of production: in 2018, however, it accounted for 10% of the volume distributed in the Avia network in France.

Petrol engines

LPG can be offered as a new equipped vehicle or as a replacement installation, but only on petrol engines. The diesel / LPG bi-fuel, which is possible but technically more complex, is not standardised and the economic interest is less, since LPG is mixed with diesel (20 to 30% LPG) while it can be completely substituted for petrol.?

Advantage

In addition to smoother operation, less mechanical wear and spaced maintenance, LPG is less polluting than petrol or diesel: virtually no particulate matter, no NOx and CO2 reduced by 20 to 25%. LPG taxation is advantageous. It is taxed one third of conventional fuels, at a lower pump price of about 40%. The certificate of registration is at half rate or free of charge in most French regions. LPG makes it possible to double the vehicle's range in addition to petrol, and the distribution network (about 20% of stations in France) is well developed abroad. The regulation provides for the possibility, on the same LPG tank, to supply the engine and the domestic equipment of the camper.

Disadvantage

The addition of an additional tank puts a heavy burden on the payload even if the impact is less than with GNV cylinders. An empty 60-litre tank of LPG weighs approximately 35kg (a total overweight of 59kg with LPG, for a maximum filling ratio of 80% of the container). The major drawback is that the basic engine must be gasoline, in good condition (intake and exhaust tightness) and ideally low mileage (less than 80,000km is recommended for a second installation). All these conditions restrict the adaptation to our campers.

Our opinion

Well developed in our European neighbours, the LPG remains discreet in France. Governments are increasing their incentives for electric power and hybrid. There is no lack of interest, however, provided that a petrol engine is available, which would be perfectly feasible on light vehicles such as vans or compact profiles.

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