If you own a campervan or are thinking of converting one, you’ve probably come across the question: Do I need a gas certificate for my campervan? It’s a fair question, especially if you’re fitting a gas hob, heater or fridge. In this article, we’ll explain when you need a gas certificate, who can issue one, and why it matters — all from a practical UK point of view.
What Is a Gas Certificate?
A gas certificate, sometimes called a Gas Safety Certificate or CP44 for touring vehicles, is a document confirming that your campervan’s gas system has been installed and tested by a qualified Gas Safe engineer. It shows the gas setup meets legal and safety standards.
Think of it as proof that your campervan’s gas appliances are not only fitted correctly but are safe to use — and that’s not something to take lightly when you’re cooking or heating in such a small space.
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Is a Gas Certificate a Legal Requirement?
Here’s where it gets a little more nuanced.
Private use: If you’re only using your campervan for personal holidays and getaways, you’re not legally required to have a gas certificate in most cases. That said, it’s still highly recommended — for your own safety and peace of mind. A leak in a confined space like a camper can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or worse.
Rental or business use: If you’re hiring out your campervan or using it for commercial purposes (including Airbnb-style rentals), then yes, by law you must have a valid gas safety certificate. This falls under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. You’ll need an annual inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Selling your campervan: Planning to sell your campervan? Many buyers will expect to see a gas certificate before handing over their money. It’s not legally mandatory, but it can make the sale quicker and easier, showing that your van is safe and professionally kitted out.
Who Can Issue a Gas Certificate?
Only engineers who are listed on the Gas Safe Register and qualified for LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) systems in vehicles can inspect and certify your campervan.
Always ask for ID and check credentials online at the official Gas Safe Register website before agreeing to any work. Mobile setups, campervans and motorhomes use different gas systems to homes, so you need someone who understands those systems inside and out.
What Does the Inspection Cover?
A standard gas safety check for a campervan usually includes:
- Checking all gas appliances (hob, oven, fridge, heater)
- Testing the pipework for leaks
- Making sure there’s adequate ventilation
- Verifying the flame picture (to spot poor combustion)
- Ensuring there’s a working carbon monoxide alarm
- Confirming the correct use of regulators and cylinders
Once the check is complete and everything passes, you’ll get a signed certificate — valid for 12 months.
What If I’m Doing a DIY Campervan Conversion?
DIY conversions are becoming more and more popular across the UK, but gas is one area where you shouldn’t cut corners. Even if you’ve done everything yourself, get it checked by a qualified professional.
Having a gas certificate not only makes your setup safer but also helps if you ever plan to insure, hire out, or sell your van. Some campervan insurance providers won’t cover fire damage from gas systems unless you can prove it was installed and tested by a Gas Safe engineer.
The Bottom Line
So, do you need a gas certificate for your campervan?
- For private use: Not legally required, but strongly advised
- For rentals or business: Yes, it’s a legal must
- For selling or insurance: Not mandatory, but highly beneficial
When it comes to gas, safety should always come first. Whether you’re going off-grid in Wales or wild camping in Scotland, having your gas system professionally checked means fewer worries and more time enjoying the open road.
FAQs
Yes, you can install the gas system yourself, but it’s not advised unless you’re trained and understand LPG systems in vehicles. Even if you do a DIY install, a qualified Gas Safe engineer must test and certify the system if you want peace of mind — especially if you plan to insure, rent out or sell your van.
Costs vary depending on the engineer and your setup, but a basic gas safety check usually falls between £85 and £255. If repairs or modifications are needed to bring the system up to standard, there could be additional charges. Always ask for a full quote upfront.
Most gas safety inspections for campervans take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of appliances and the layout. If it’s a first-time check or a newly converted van, it may take a little longer.
Yes. Gas bottles must be housed in a sealed, ventilated locker, separate from the main living area. The engineer will check that bottles are securely fastened, upright, and easy to isolate in case of emergency. Loose or poorly installed cylinders will fail the inspection.
If your campervan fails, the engineer will usually give you a list of issues to fix. Once those are sorted, you can arrange a re-test. No certificate is issued until everything meets the required standard. Some engineers may offer to do the repairs themselves, while others will expect you to arrange it separately.
Yes, in most cases. A working carbon monoxide alarm is an essential part of campervan gas safety and will usually be checked during inspection. It must be properly positioned and in date. Without it, your van could fail the safety check.
Portable stoves that aren’t plumbed into the van (like single-burner camping cookers) don’t usually require a certificate — but they still carry risk. Always use them with windows or doors open, never leave them unattended, and never sleep in the van with one running.
It can be. Some insurance providers require proof of a gas safety check before they’ll cover claims related to fire, explosion, or gas leaks. Always check the small print — not having a certificate could leave you uninsured in the worst-case scenario.
The certificate itself is the same in terms of safety standards. However, the layout and type of appliances might differ, so the inspection process may vary slightly. Whether it’s a factory-built motorhome or a custom van conversion, the engineer will apply the same checks to ensure it’s road-safe and compliant.
Further Reading
What is the validity of a commercial gas certificate for businesses?
Is a gas certificate compulsory for a commercial property?
Everything you need to know about getting an LPG certificate in London
Boiler Service Near Me: Essential guide to boiler maintenance
Does a commercial property need a gas safety certificate?
What you need to know about catering commercial gas certificate that covers catering
How much does an LPG certificate cost?
Commercial gas safety certificate
What you need to know about commercial gas safety certificate cost?
What certificate does a commercial landlord require for gas?
Commercial catering gas safety certificate law: What you need to know
How to Get the LPG Engineer – One That Issues LPG Gas Safety Certificates
Who is responsible for gas certificates in commercial properties?
