sleeping with generator on

Sitting in a field of RV's all running a generator at something like a NASCAR event sounds more dangerous than sitting out in a field all by yourself.

I'm not sure how carbon monoxide gets in the RV, the generator sits below floor level and the exhaust system directs the exhaust gas out away from the coach. Carbon monoxide is the same density as air so it won't migrate up or down by itself--there has to be some kind of convection current to move it around. I guess it could be more dangerous in a gas coach if the generator is located beneath the bedroom instead of the opposite end of the coach like a diesel pusher.

As long as your generator exhaust is in good condition there should be no danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.

I sleep with my genny on now and then when AC is not available. It is mounted either on the front of my truck or the rear of the 5th wheel. I never leave a window open or vent on roof open. May I ask what is that for. Why do they say seal all openings and then say leave a window or roof vent open. Me no understand. I use two CO detectors. The roof vent open is that so we don't die from our own CO?

Unbelievable. Make sure you have the CO alarm and crack a window or two. Now go to sleep.

Admittedly it is a very negligible risk, but it is too much risk for me to take with my life. Equipment including sensors, alarms and generators can malfunction at anytime.

Interestingly enough FMCA warns against sleeping with genset running

FMCA website Motorhome Basics has same list posted above

I'm not saying it is extremely risky to sleep in RV with genset running.But there is a risk and precaution should be taken.
People Die every year from sleeping in their RV's with genset running.
Yes with some precaution these deaths would not have happened.
Even though they are avoidable RV genset deaths continue to happen.
Many/most appear to involve someone sleeping

I can find an infinite # of RV genset deaths by searching the net.
Just one example

I did not make this list up just something I easily found via google.
Though many appear to be in denial, Sleeping with genset on is a real issue.

RV Safety Tips from CarbonMonoxideKills.com
Use a carbon monoxide warning detector
Inspect your RV's chassis and generator exhaust system regularly
Inspect the RV for openings in the floor and sidewalls (seal any holes with silicone adhesive or have it repaired before using your generator again)
Inspect windows, door seals, and weather strips for effective seal
Yellow flames in propane-burning appliances (coach heaters, stoves, ovens, water heaters, etc.) indicate a lack of oxygen--determine the cause and correct it immediately
Do not operate your generator if the exhaust system is damaged in any way
Park your RV so that the exhaust can easily dissipate away from the vehicle--do not park next to high grass or weeds, buildings, or other obstructions
Be aware that shifting winds can cause exhaust to blow away from the coach at one moment, but under the coach in the next moment
When stopping for long periods of time, be aware of other vehicles around you that may have engines, refrigerators, or generators running
Do not sleep with the generator operating
Leave a roof vent open any time the generator is running (even during winter)
If you do not feel well, do not be fooled into thinking it is because you have been driving too long, you ate too much, or you are suffering from motion sickness--shut off the generator and step outside for fresh air
Have your built-in vacuum cleaner inspected to ensure that it does not exhaust on the underside of your RV
Consider parking in a "no generator" zone at RV rallies

Yes but usually turn off because it is close to bedroom and noise is issue.

Dutch_12078 wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:
Now we will have above members coming back and saying that 500 deaths for whole USA in neglectable risk.

With no indication of the CO source in those 500 unsubstantiated incidents mentioned, we have no way of calculating the risk factor from running onboard generators.

Exactly. I would actually like to look at the data that the writer is referring to associated with these "500" deaths. No doubt Co2 is poisonous and can cause death, but I really would like to look over the data.

I wonder how many of those CO deaths were due to propane heaters running inside the coach (likely most) and how many were due to generator exhaust (likely few) and how many were due to some other CO source.
Not knowing the answer to any of these makes the statement that "as many as 500 people die each year" a completely random statement that may or may not have anything at all to do with "proper" generator operation.

Kayteg1 wrote:
Now we will have above members coming back and saying that 500 deaths for whole USA in neglectable risk.

With no indication of the CO source in those 500 unsubstantiated incidents mentioned, we have no way of calculating the risk factor from running onboard generators.