Smoke, CO, and Propane detectors

[GMT830]

Tested the propane detector tonight. It works, but I thought it took way to much to set it off. I was spraying propane vapor into the sensor hole, probably took ten seconds to alert. The stench was heavy long before it sounded. I suppose after 21 years it would probably be advisable to buy a new one.

Also, we don't have smoke or CO2 detectors. The way the camper is constructed I can run a wire from the rear bedroom closet all the way to the front of the camper quite easily. Seems like a worthwhile project.

Any recommendations for detectors? Can I get inter-connectable 12 volt units?

[Grillmeister]

GMT830 wrote:
Good information guys. Does anyone have interconnected alarms? Probably overkill on a 30' camper, but we sleep with a fan on (the sound helps us sleep). All that air movement could slow down response time for the bedroom unit.

Some of them come as a matched set now, if one goes off all of them go off.

[GMT830]

Good information guys. Does anyone have interconnected alarms? Probably overkill on a 30' camper, but we sleep with a fan on (the sound helps us sleep). All that air movement could slow down response time for the bedroom unit.

[IAMICHABOD]

loggenrock wrote:
I prefer the self-contained, battery operated detectors, as compared to hard-wired 12v ones - less drain on my single coach battery. Also, I would avoid a combination CO/smoke detector - can be hard to differentiate why it activated (I know, if it activates, get out, but WHY...).You can get 9v powered combo smoke detectors, both ionization and photoelectric in 1 case - these will activate for both slow smoldering and flash fires.

The Kidde KN-COSM-XTR-B has both of these features
QUOTE from spec sheet

The Kidde 900-0216 uses breakthrough technology to offer a fast
response to real fires, including smoldering and fast-flaming, as well
as protect you from carbon monoxide and dramatically reduce the
chance of nuisance alarms. In addition, the Intelligent Alarm contains
a voice warning that clearly states the present danger – smoke
or carbon monoxide – and announces “Fire! Fire!” or “Warning!
Carbon Monoxide!” The Intelligent Alarm combines the detection
capabilities of an ionization smoke sensor – which is more likely to
detect smaller, less visible fire particles, like those produced by flaming
fires – with that of an electrochemical sensor, which is used to
detect CO. Since carbon monoxide is present in all fires, having both
detection chambers work together in one alarm is a breakthrough
in the fire safety industry. When either sensor notices a potential
hazard, it will communicate with the other. Depending on what is
detected, the alarm will adjust its smoke sensitivity in order to better
discriminate between a real hazard and a false one. This constant
communication enhances the alarm’s overall performance in all fires,
and significantly reduces the potential for a nuisance alarm.
Alarm Warnings

[loggenrock]

I prefer the self-contained, battery operated detectors, as compared to hard-wired 12v ones - less drain on my single coach battery. Also, I would avoid a combination CO/smoke detector - can be hard to differentiate why it activated (I know, if it activates, get out, but WHY...). You can get 9v powered combo smoke detectors, both ionization and photoelectric in 1 case - these will activate for both slow smoldering and flash fires. I like a CO detector with an LCD display that shows ppm levels, too. Either way, add some detectors! ST

[64thunderbolt]

I have batt operated alarms and replace batt every yr.

[joebedford]

The manufacturers of these detectors generally recommend replacement after 5 years.

[IAMICHABOD]

What is needed is a dual chamber detector that will detect CO and smoke from a slow smoldering fire such as may start in a R/V because of electrical fires and fast burning smokeless fires.

After a lot of research.

This is what I found.
A Kidde KN-COSM-XTR-B
That seemed to be best suited for this kind of application.

Like This

They now can be bought at Home Depot,also At Amazon.

Amazon

I suggest you read all the info and make your decision on this but I replaced the ones in my Class C with this one.They are rated for 7 years
and most are only rated for 5,If your RV is older than 5 years old and they haven't been changed they are most likely no good. Mine needed to be replaced so this was a good deal for me.

Just a reminder,a first line of defense is always the best. Check those smoke detectors and replace them if needed,all have a date on them and how long they are good for. If they don't, toss them.

While it is important to know all of your emergency exits it is also
important to be warned early,especially if you are older or have mobility issues or have small children.

I hope that this helps,It is better to be safe than sorry and it is a small price to pay for security and peace of mind.