False activation of the crash sensor in motorhomes and caravans: causes, solutions and practical tips

What to do if the gas supply in your motorhome or caravan is suddenly interrupted while driving? Despite patented and sensitively calibrated technology, a triggered crash sensor may be the cause. We explain why false activations can occur, how to avoid them, and which gas pressure control systems from GOK are particularly robust and reliable.

Imagine this: You’re travelling with your motorhome or caravan and suddenly the gas supply shuts off. No accident, no visible damage – and yet the crash sensor is triggered. An annoying issue that often occurs due to poor road conditions or improper installation. In this article, you’ll learn what causes a false activation, how to prevent problems, and why modern gas pressure control systems like the Caramatic models from GOK offer the ideal solution for your safety and comfort.

What is a crash sensor in motorhomes and caravans?

A crash sensor is a safety-critical component integrated into gas pressure control systems in motorhomes and caravans. Its main function: in the event of an accident and resulting leakage, it immediately shuts off the gas supply, thus preventing the uncontrolled release of unburned LPG. The sensor responds particularly in the case of an impact or sudden heavy deceleration, activating the gas shut-off.

In systems such as the GOK Caramatic SafeDrive, SafeDrive PLUS, as well as the DriveOne and DriveTwo models, activation occurs via a mechanical pendulum mechanism. If there is a strong deceleration or acceleration as a result of a jolt or impact, the pendulum is deflected and the gas flow is blocked. Crash sensors therefore make a significant contribution to safety while driving and are indispensable when gas appliances like the refrigerator or heater are to be operated during travel.

For gas systems to be used while driving, a crash sensor is legally required. Only through the use of such a safety system is it permitted to operate the LPG system in a motorhome or caravan while on the move.

Typical Causes of False Activation of the Crash Sensor

Despite sophisticated and finely tuned technology, a crash sensor can occasionally be unintentionally triggered while driving. In motorhomes and caravans equipped with gas pressure control systems such as the Caramatic SafeDrive, SafeDrive PLUS, DriveOne and DriveTwo, the following factors may be responsible for interrupting the gas supply:

• Severe vibrations: Potholes, speed bumps or driving over kerbs can affect the pendulum mechanism and cause unintentional activation.
• Installation: If the gas pressure regulator is not installed according to the installation manual or without adequate vibration protection (e.g. missing fixation of the fixed gas line), the risk of false activation increases.
• Gas cylinder fastening: Are the gas cylinder(s) properly and securely fastened?
• Impact on gas cylinder or pressure regulator: Are there items in the gas cylinder box that may hit the gas cylinder or pressure regulator while driving, such as a hand crank for the corner steadies?
• Sensor sensitivity setting: Some older systems or production years react more sensitively to movement, which can result in unintended activations.
• Sudden braking: Hard braking has a similar effect to a collision and can theoretically trigger the crash sensor.

However, with correct installation, careful driving and the selection of modern systems, unwanted activations can be significantly reduced.

Consequences of False Activation: What Happens in a Motorhome or Caravan?

If the crash sensor is triggered without an actual accident, the gas supply in the vehicle is automatically interrupted. This means in practice:

• Shutdown of the gas system: Appliances such as the absorption refrigerator or the gas heater stop working.
• Loss of comfort: Especially on long journeys, failing refrigerators or heating systems can cause considerable inconvenience.
• Increased risk if unnoticed: If the shutdown is not recognised in time, the temperature in the fridge rises – bad news for perishable food. Likewise, it’s unpleasant when the rear of the vehicle cools down instead of staying cosy and warm while parked at a campsite.

To ensure that the crash sensor reliably fulfils its safety-critical function while also preventing unintended activations, the following points should be observed:

• Professional installation: When installing the gas pressure regulator, ensure the crash sensor is fitted in a vibration-protected and as vertical a position as possible. This allows the pendulum mechanism to function optimally. Always refer to the installation and operating instructions for the respective product, which can also be found on the GOK website under the product listings.
• What does “vibration-protected” mean? The Caramatic DriveOne and DriveTwo models, for instance, are screwed to the wall of the gas cylinder box. If this wall is highly susceptible to vibrations during driving, it can help to additionally connect the pipework to the wall – for example, using a pipe clamp.
• Adjust your driving style: Bumpy tracks, high kerbs and poor road conditions should, where possible, be driven over slowly, carefully and cautiously – or avoided altogether.
• Use modern systems: Newer gas pressure control systems such as the Caramatic SafeDrive, SafeDrive PLUS, or DriveOne and DriveTwo from GOK are optimally calibrated and more resistant to typical road vibrations. Before GOK began using the pendulum mechanism as crash sensor technology in 2021, systems with crash sensors relied on a different operating principle. Thanks to this innovation, modern systems are no longer as susceptible.

By following these guidelines, many false activations can be avoided – significantly improving both safety and comfort during your travels.

Solutions in the Event of a False Activation: Crash Sensor Reset and Restart

If the crash sensor is unintentionally triggered despite all precautions, restarting the system is usually straightforward. Here’s what to do:

• Perform a reset: The crash sensor is equipped with a clearly visible, colour-coded reset button. Press this button firmly and fully to restore the gas flow.
• Check functionality: Then check the operation of the connected gas appliances. If, for example, the refrigerator starts up as usual, the reset was successful.
• Ensure safety: Make sure that the activation was not due to a genuinely safety-relevant incident (e.g. an accident).

If the gas system remains non-functional after resetting, or if false activations occur repeatedly, a specialist company should be consulted. It may be advisable to inspect the installation more closely or to replace the regulator.

GOK Caramatic SafeDrive, SafeDrive PLUS, DriveOne and DriveTwo: Robust Systems for Life on the Road

The GOK Caramatic series comprises various gas pressure control systems with integrated crash sensors, specifically designed to meet the demands of recreational vehicles:

• Caramatic SafeDrive: Single-cylinder system with integrated crash sensor; gas pressure control system mounted directly on the gas cylinder
• Caramatic SafeDrive PLUS: Two-cylinder system with automatic switchover between gas cylinders and integrated crash sensor; two pressure regulators are mounted directly on the gas cylinders
• Caramatic DriveOne: Single-cylinder system with integrated crash sensor; gas pressure control system mounted on the wall of the gas cylinder box
• Caramatic DriveTwo: Two-cylinder system with automatic switchover between gas cylinders and integrated crash sensor; gas pressure control system mounted on the wall of the gas cylinder box, with two high-pressure hoses for connection to the gas cylinders

All models rely on the proven pendulum mechanism for reliably interrupting the gas supply in the event of an accident or heavy impact. Thanks to ongoing development, these systems are robust against vibrations caused by driving – without compromising their ability to trigger correctly “in case of emergency”.

FAQ: Common Questions About False Activation of the Crash Sensor

Why does the crash sensor in my motorhome trigger even though there hasn’t been an accident?
– Severe vibrations such as potholes, improper installation or more sensitive older systems can cause a false activation.
– Items stored in the gas cylinder box may strike the gas cylinder or gas pressure control system.
– The crash sensor was not properly activated according to the instructions – for example, the reset button may not have been pressed firmly or long enough.

How can I prevent a false activation of the crash sensor?
Through vibration-protected installation, the use of modern systems such as the GOK Caramatic models, and an adjusted, careful driving style.

What should I do if the crash sensor has been triggered?
Firmly and fully press the reset button on the crash sensor. Then check whether the gas appliances are working again. If in doubt, a specialist company should be consulted.

Is it permitted to operate the gas system while driving without a crash sensor?
No. A crash sensor is legally required for operating gas systems while driving.

Are GOK Caramatic systems less prone to false activations?
Yes. Thanks to pendulum technology from model year 2021 onwards and continuous development, the modern Caramatic systems are more resistant to typical road vibrations.

Conclusion: Safe Travels with the Right Crash Sensor

False activations of the crash sensor can impair the gas supply in motorhomes or caravans and noticeably affect travel comfort. By ensuring proper installation, using modern gas pressure control systems such as the Caramatic models from GOK, and adopting a careful driving style, the risk can be significantly reduced. This ensures your journey remains safe and pleasant – and the technology functions reliably when it matters most.