LPG leak detector

[Disneysue925]

Hello All,

As newbies getting ready to FINALLY go on our first adventure we are trying to get our ducks in a row.

We are ultra safety conscious and we have new smoke and CO detectors, but don't have--to the best of our knowledge--an LPG leak detector. We tried, twice, today to buy one. The first RV dealer we checked with told us that while they are available they need 12 volt power and can't be battery powered. It would need to be hardwired and would continually draw power. The second dealer told us that we already have one in our trailer in the control panel.

We have a 1980 Excella. Do we have one? Do we need one?

Our current plan is for my husband to take The Accidental Airstream on a weeks-possibly months-- long journey with 3 of our cats. I'm sure many of you feel that's crazy to travel with the cats, but that's another topic.

I know that LPG is heavy and that, aside from the risk of blowing up our trailer, the cats--being closest to the ground--would be most at risk.

Please share your expertise and knowledge. We want everyone ( 2 and 4 legged) to come home safely!

Thank you!

Sue, Ran and the cats (Sadie, Lola and Angel)

[RamblinManGa]

Hi from GA. . . my 05 AS has a built in, hard wired LP gas detector. It's middle of trailer, near floor. If yours doesn't, they're available from RV parts folks (I just got a replacement for mine when it went South) It's good to be safe out there regards,Craig

[Nuvite-F]

Our 1980 Caravelle didn't come with an LP gas detector. I doubt they put one in the control panel, because our "systems monitor panel", as it is called, is on the front end of the curb side overhead bin, next to the door, and the LP gas detector should be mounted near the floor. You will have to hard wire it into the 12 V.

Your smeller is pretty sensitive and as long as you don't smell any gas I wouldn't hesitate going on a few trips before installing the LP gas detector. Airstreamers got along without them for a long time. I would put one in before too long, though.
.

[Disneysue925]

Hi Craig,

Thanks for your reply. We're not sure what we are looking for. What does it look like? We removed all of the carpet and haven't seen anything that seems out of place--or looks "mechanical". Just carpet and padding and, thankfully, no floor damage.

Perhaps we don't know what to look for--or where to look for it??? We removed hundreds of staples and tack strips from the floor, but never saw anything that looks like a "detector". We had carpet from the front "gaucho" up to, and including, the bathtub front. All gone, but no unidentified things found.

Thanks!
Sue and Ran

[Jim Foster]

If you are looking for a portable unit, these are very good. This would allow you to check all areas and connections, inside and out.

http://www.amazon.com/Instruments-TI...pr_product_top

[Nuvite-F]

Originally Posted by Disneysue925

We're not sure what we are looking for. What does it look like?

Looks about like a carbon monoxide detector. A box a couple of inches square with a green LED that flashes now and then to tell you that it's working, a "TEST" button, and that sort of thing. Probably mounted on the end or side of a cabinet. (And you probably don't have one.)

Here's a link to one: http://www.rvpartscenter.com/Product...DID=37&CID=298

[Disneysue925]

Originally Posted by Nuvite-F

Our 1980 Caravelle didn't come with an LP gas detector. I doubt they put one in the control panel, because our "systems monitor panel", as it is called, is on the front end of the curb side overhead bin, next to the door, and the LP gas detector should be mounted near the floor. You will have to hard wire it into the 12 V.

Your smeller is pretty sensitive and as long as you don't smell any gas I wouldn't hesitate going on a few trips before installing the LP gas detector. Airstreamers got along without them for a long time. I would put one in before too long, though.
.

Thanks!

If I were going on the trip it probably wouldn't be a problem. I have an annoyingly sensitive sense of smell. My beloved, on the other hand, has NO sense of smell. Sinus problems, etc. He doesn't smell anything. We can't count on him to save himself, the cats or the trailer without an audible alarm.

So, It seems we're down to the best way to protect us/them from harm.

Suggestions?
Sue

[Disneysue925]

Originally Posted by Nuvite-F

Looks about like a carbon monoxide detector. A box a couple of inches square with a green LED that flashes now and then to tell you that it's working, a "TEST" button, and that sort of thing. Probably mounted on the end or side of a cabinet. (And you probably don't have one.)

Here's a link to one: RV Parts Center - Save on RV Parts, RV Supplies, RV Accessories

Looks like what we need! Haven't found any thing that looks like that in the "Accidental Airstream". Any hints on how to wire it?

Abjectly inexperienced,
Sue and Ran