I have a 2012 Jayco Pinnacle with the factory gas 5500 watt generator and occasionally when we run the genny we get the alarm going off in the coach. This is intermittent and I can't figure it out. I have checked for any loose fittings at the exhaust system.Would wind conditions have a factor? Any help would be appreciated.

Sounds like the exhaust from the generator is getting in the trailer. Are windows or vents open ? If so the wind may blow the exhaust in. You could try getting a piece of conduit or flexible conduit that will fit over the exhaust pipe to extend the exhaust away from the 5th wheel to see if the alarm still goes off. I used a 10 foot long piece of flexible conduit to run the exhaust away from our 5th wheel so we didn't smell it when sitting under the patio awning.If routing the exhaust didn't work you might want to check the generator box/storage compartment for any possible leaks into the 5th wheel interior.

I can't really help,but you DO need to find out what is causing it!People die from exhaust fumes!

I think you meant the CO (carbon monixde) detector goes off. This means you have an exhaust leak. It might have been factory installed but it is not a factory generator, so the exhaust pipe might have bends, welds or joints that are leaking. Any mobile RV tech should be able to find and fix it. Wind wouldn't effect it unless the exhaust has been raised to roof level and your fresh air intake is up there - CO is heavier than air. I suspect your CO monitor is near the floor (it should be by code). If it's near a slide out, floor wall joint, etc. they should look at the exhaust near there. I wouldn't expect you will find it so call an expert.Sorry, went back and looked at the molecular weight and CO is actually lighter than nitrogen or oxygen so it may rise. But have soemone check it out before you suffer.

As noted above, you've got a carbon MONoxide detector, and it's going off when you run the generator because the generator makes carbon monoxide and it's getting into the rig.This is the gas that kills people, and generators have become an important source. And if you have any doubt as to its ability to "rise" into the rig, keep in mind that five people died a couple of years ago when their portable's fumes rose into the rig they were sleeping in. Link.In that case, the CO detector was disabled...thank your lucky stars that yours is working! Please don't take any chances- have this thoroughly checked out/repaired before using the genny again.

I can set mine off just by pointing my tailgate mounted 2KW Honda generator at my trailer. I found this out by accident one time and I now am very conscious where the generator is pointed to. Alot of campers are pretty close to each other in the camp grounds so I make sure the generator exhaust is not pointing at any of them when running...I also have trouble resetting my alarms once they get set off. I guess it takes a few minutes for the fumes to totally escape from the sensors.Another thing I do in my OFF-ROAD camper is I have two sets of sensors setup... If both are going off I am pretty sure it is an actual emergency instead of the seemly false alarms alot of these sensors seem to do. Be thankful for the alarm going off...Roy Ken

Carbon-di-oxide alarm goes off when running generator

14 Replies

BC__CANUCK
Explorer
Aug 01, 2013
Thanks to all. I will make an appointment to have it looked at.
WhitehouseLV
Explorer III
Aug 01, 2013
Get a Genturi. Ours did same thing at times. Got a Genturi & never had a problem since

More reading about it
steadfastrock
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
Check to see if your access door on the generator is properly sealed. I had our propane detector alarm when I didn't properly close the access door on our Onan 5500 propane generator. The cooling fan was sucking in the exhaust and blowing it out underneath the coach. (It doesn't cool well that way either).
roam1
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
Go buy another CO alarm and see if it still does it.
I had a pesky one that always went off and when I bought a replacement, the problem went away.

And I'm still posting years later!
broark01
Explorer II
Jul 31, 2013
Wind is a consideration, also if you have the windows open or closed and the vent fans going. I would recommend that if you are running a generator that you close the windows in the 5th that are closest to the generator including the door.
Fresno_Tundra_D
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
Allworth wrote:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) makes bubbles.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) makes dead people.

Both of these gases can kill people but carbon monoxide(CO) does it much quicker!
Allworth
Explorer II
Jul 31, 2013
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) makes bubbles.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) makes dead people.
Swamp_Man
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
Co is nothing to play with. Take the rig in and have it examined/repaired as need. Search death by generator and see all the people who have done very stupid things after hurricanes with generators. I have seen several while I was in LE.
joelc
Nomad
Jul 31, 2013
Don't fool with CO2. It is a killer. You either have a leak, faulty unit, low battery. Either get it checked by a authorized rep or replace it. Also, check your compartment for any areas where you could have intrusion to the living quarters. I believe technicians might have a meter for this.

DON'T LET IT SIT. GET IT FIXED IF YOU ENJOY CAMPING IN THE FUTURE.
RoyB
Explorer II
Jul 31, 2013
I can set mine off just by pointing my tailgate mounted 2KW Honda generator at my trailer. I found this out by accident one time and I now am very conscious where the generator is pointed to. Alot of campers are pretty close to each other in the camp grounds so I make sure the generator exhaust is not pointing at any of them when running...

I also have trouble resetting my alarms once they get set off. I guess it takes a few minutes for the fumes to totally escape from the sensors.

Another thing I do in my OFF-ROAD camper is I have two sets of sensors setup... If both are going off I am pretty sure it is an actual emergency instead of the seemly false alarms alot of these sensors seem to do.

Be thankful for the alarm going off...
Roy Ken