Archive for the ‘Safety’ Category

Modern RVs come equipped with a carbon monoxide detector to detect unsafe levels of carbon monoxide. If the alarm sounds take the following steps:

• If you are driving, open all the windows until the driver can come to a safe place to stop.
• Once you are able to stop, shut off the engine, and the generator if running, and exit the vehicle.
• Allow the vehicle to ventilate, then search for the source of the carbon monoxide, such as generator exhaust.
• Do not re-enter the vehicle until you have determined that it is safe to do so.

When running the generator, it is best to keep the windows nearest to the generator exhaust closed, to prevent excess carbon monoxide from entering the cabin.

Like the smoke detector, the carbon monoxide detector will “chirp” when the 9-volt battery is low.

When you need to replace the battery, follow these steps:

• Remove the alarm by twisting the case in a counter-clockwise motion.
• Remove and discard the used battery.
• Install the new battery.
• Check to make sure that the battery is seated properly. You can test the alarm while it is off the mounting bracket by pushing the test button
• Reinstall the alarm by twisting the case in a clockwise motion.
• Re-test the alarm.

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All RVs should have have a propane gas leak detector. It is typically located about 3 inches above the floor, usually near the side door or in the kitchen area. While you should regularly check your RV LPG system for proper operation, if a leak should occur and LPG enters the inside of the RV, the alarm will sound. LPG is heavier than air and will concentrate in a layer on the floor until it reaches the LPG detector.

If the alarm should sound, push the black switch down into the OFF position, open the windows and doors and exit the RV. Close the valve on the propane cylinder and allow the cabin to air out.

When you feel it safe to re-enter, try to find out what is wrong. If all seems okay, put the switch on the leak detector back into the ON position. The alarm may sound for 30-60 seconds but if the gas is gone the alarm will stop and a green light will begin blinking. Now you can use the LPG system again.

The LPG detector is powered by the coach/auxiliary battery. The detector will operate to detect gas and
sound an alarm until the auxiliary battery is drained as low as 9 volts. (The LOW battery light indicates 10.4 volts.)

On some RVs, the LPG detector is both an alarm and an automatic main cutoff for LPG. When the alarm sounds, the LPG supply to the vehicle is shut off. When the coach battery has less than 9 volts charge, the gas will be turned off. The only way to reset the detector and restore the gas service is to bring your auxiliary battery back up to at least 11 volts.

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