Replacing and Separating the LP and CO detectors

[twinster2]

Last summer, my combination LP/CO detector would randomly go off in the middle of the night. I decided that since the unit was older that 5 years, I should replace it. After looking at similar combination models, I decided that it would be best to replace it with just the LP only version at a cost of around $44 since we rarely use the camper gas heater. Since the combined detector costs $70-80 dollars that was significant savings. Anyway, while i was walking thru our local home improvement store, I noticed that Kidd has a battery powered CO detector with a 10 year warranty for $13. It runs off of AA batteries, and can be located any in the camper near the floor. I decided to buy it and will added it to the camper, probably under the dinette.

 

[profdant139]

Good idea! Also, even if you do not use the heater, a CO detector can be useful -- any source of combustion (even the fridge flame or the water heater) can generate CO.

One other thought -- do you have a dog? There are verified reports of LP alarms going off in the night because the dog was asleep in front of the detector. Apparently, this is a particular problem with older, larger dogs. (You get the idea, I'm sure . . . . )

 

[twinster2]

As a matter of fact, I do have a dog and the alarm would go off when he was normally sleeping in front of it. You might be on to something. Even so, the monitor said it should have been replaced in 2012, so it is only 4 years beyond its expiry date.

 

[M Wilkie]

Good idea! Also, even if you do not use the heater, a CO detector can be useful -- any source of combustion (even the fridge flame or the water heater) can generate CO.

One other thought -- do you have a dog? There are verified reports of LP alarms going off in the night because the dog was asleep in front of the detector. Apparently, this is a particular problem with older, larger dogs. (You get the idea, I'm sure . . . . )

Absolutely true. Any expulsion of gas near the detector can cause it. I too have read stories of mystery detector set-offs being caused by dogs.

 

[APD]

Lysol spray will set 'em off as well as other aerosol sprays. Propane makes an excellent propellant.

 

[John_C]

I never thought of the dog setting these things off, but if you think about it, it sure would...

Hmmm, you just gotta do what the Boss did, teach the cat (or Dog) to sleep on the foot of the bed... Not my choice but, happy wife......

 

[M Wilkie]

When we take three dogs we give them the dinette to sleep on. But Mitzy always ends up on our bed anyway...just like at home. With only one dog they sleep on the bed. Less hassle.

 

[roy-FUN]

I have two acting up now. Already replaced one about 2 years ago. I hate these things. They are not cheap to replace best I found online for combo ones is $77 each.

 

[John_C]

Hmmm, to my knowledge, mine have never been replaced...

So, thanks for this thread; I'll act on caution and replace both of mine when I get my trailer out of the shop and before I use it...

 

[Dakota 1120]

I have two acting up now. Already replaced one about 2 years ago. I hate these things. They are not cheap to replace best I found online for combo ones is $77 each.

I replaced the front one last summer and noticed in August the rear one was acting up. AFter I stored it for the winter, found the detectors on sale on the net for about $70 and have it to install in the spring.

My unit was made Feb and picked it up in March 2012. Kinda disappointed the detectors went bad so soon.

 

[runner421]

My 2 cents

Well - the CO/LP detector has its ups & downs. But, to replace it with a CO only alarm? Understand what you're risking. Your portable living space traveling down the highway at speeds of 65mph. You park it for the night. You have LP - whether you use the heater or not, lines run through/under the camper for the range/oven, the refrigerator, the water heater and maybe even the BBQ grill line?
During the drive, a hose sprung a slow leak. I'd like my alarm to go off and let me know. The alternative is firing up the range to cook and having an explosion.
We've got two dogs - and the darn alarm is notorious for false alarms, especially when it's cold and we don't have windows open or the AC running. LP is a heavy gas, it pools/collects at floor level. That's why the LP/CO alarm is at floor level.
During those false alarms, I cursed my interrupted sleep. But-as inconvenienced as I was, I counted to 10 and realized it's designed to save our lives too.
Okay - I'm done.

 

[M Wilkie]

Well - the CO/LP detector has its ups & downs. But, to replace it with a CO only alarm? Understand what you're risking. Your portable living space traveling down the highway at speeds of 65mph. You park it for the night. You have LP - whether you use the heater or not, lines run through/under the camper for the range/oven, the refrigerator, the water heater and maybe even the BBQ grill line?
During the drive, a hose sprung a slow leak. I'd like my alarm to go off and let me know. The alternative is firing up the range to cook and having an explosion.
We've got two dogs - and the darn alarm is notorious for false alarms, especially when it's cold and we don't have windows open or the AC running. LP is a heavy gas, it pools/collects at floor level. That's why the LP/CO alarm is at floor level.
During those false alarms, I cursed my interrupted sleep. But-as inconvenienced as I was, I counted to 10 and realized it's designed to save our lives too.
Okay - I'm done.

Good post. But also we have started to turn the propane totally off when traveling. Better to have it secured somewhat in the tanks than running all over under the camper in case of an accident.

 

[Dakota 1120]

Although they cost around $70-$80 each, it IS cheap insurance for prevention of an explosion disaster and/or loss of life.

We all know insurance is something purchased with the hope it will never be needed!

We always travel with the propane on so the refrigerator will function to keep cold items cold and frozen items frozen during out travels and fire it up the day before leaving as it takes some 8- 10 ? hours for it to attain 'refrigerator' temperature.

We have no pets (our preference) so that is not an issue.

 

[APD]

The fuel door on our van is very close to the rear and therefore close to the trailer. I usually run with the propane off due to the flame/fire hazard when refueling.
I can run the fridge while towing with a little prior fuel stop planning but most times I just leave it off.

We've never had a false alarm on the propane detector unless we were cleaning.

 

[M Wilkie]

Yes, if we cool down the fridge/freezer before a trip it holds the cold very well if not opened. Five Hours with ice packs in both compartments. No real worries with the food in any case. We tend to worry too much in America about that. I do respect proper food handling like chicken and salads made with eggs.
Turning it off also saves on propane.

 

[Kansas newbie]

Replacing and separating ...

DH will hookup to shore power at home and turn on fridge a day or two before leaving on trip, and then while traveling to destination will run it on battery until we get to campground to hookup there and unhook a from battery. Haven't had any issues with food spoiling, etc. works for us as long as battery starts out with full charge!

 

[Dakota 1120]

My frig runs on propane or 110/120V electricity ~ not 12 volt.

 

[M Wilkie]

DH will hookup to shore power at home and turn on fridge a day or two before leaving on trip, and then while traveling to destination will run it on battery until we get to campground to hookup there and unhook a from battery. Haven't had any issues with food spoiling, etc. works for us as long as battery starts out with full charge!

I don't believe ours will run off the battery. Only uses shore power or propane. But your battery could be getting charged from your tow vehicle unles he disconnects it?
But what do I know? You must have a 3-way fridge?

 

[Dakota 1120]

Not to change the subject, but it's 6:05 AM here and the 'time stamp' on the post I just made minutes ago shows 11:55 AM. ????

 

[M Wilkie]

The times look fine to me other than yours saying 7:06 instead of 6:06. Hmmm...