Stealth safety equipment?

[Stefrobrts]

Our RV service tech was appalled that I only had a CO detector in the trailer, and highly recommended that I get a smoke detector and an LP detector, since all my appliances ar LP only. Can't really argue with that. The only thing is I hate to have my little vintage trailer full of ugly white detectors with blinking green lights.

So I figure the CO detector (which currently sits in the magazine rack) and the smoke detector can be mounted on the ceiling near the light in front of the door. They will be battery operated so I don't have to pull a 12v wire for them.

But the LP detector needs to be at the floor, and the RV tech suggested cutting a hole in one of the cabinets to flush mount it. I hate to do that to my old trailer! Has anyone got a cool idea for mounting one so you have the safety without the ugly detector just sitting there in plain sight? Or should I just bite the bullet and get used to it? What have you other vintage owners done?

[smily]

Kinda hard to see those blinking lights from the funeral home.

But maybe you can put in the hallway, out of view from visitors and other potential critics.

Smily

[thenewkid64]

Stephanie,

the reason that they say to put the LP detector near the floor is because LP is heavier than air. If I am remembering right your furnace is under the kitchen counter, right? If so you could mount it inside the cabinet, but where the return air from the furnace flows. This would place it out of sight but allow the air in the trailer to come in contact with the detector element. It would also get it closer to a 12 volt feed.

Just for the record I have only a smoke detector. But am looking to replace it with 2 in 1 smoke co detector. The LP detectors are a bit pricey, but all it takes is one boom to make it seem cheap.

[Stefrobrts]

I understand the safety issue, Smily, I'm just looking to make it as un-noticable as possible. Believe me, there's not much 'hallway' in a 17 ft trailer

I don't mind the expense, just the looks. Actually inside the cabinet might work pretty good because the water heater, furnace, and stove plumbing are all right together there. If there's going to be an LP leak, it would be there, unless it was coming out of the fridge or stovetop. Then I guess it would be better facing out into the open part of the trailer.

I think a smoke alarm is the least necessary safety equipment in my trailer, because it's so small - if anything's on fire, it's probably you! (I'm just kidding, I'm putting one in!)

[Janets Husband]

That sounds like a good spot for the dectector. In my day job I maintain Propane detectors at our Radio sites "Propane powered EG's". The biggest problem with them is dirt/dust in the detector element. Try and pick a spot that is clean and dust won't be a factor.
What I also find funny about consumer level detectors is there are no calibration/test requirements. We have to calibrate our systems every 3 years. You can purchase cylinders of "cal gas" for testing and calibration if you should every question if your system works or not. Heck might not be a bad idea to test the systems every 5 years or so to see if it even works.

[john hd]

steph

i got one that is 120 volt, has about a 3 foot cord on it. you could just plug it in and place it on the floor when sleeping.

not much good for boondocking but better than nothing!

john

[Over59]

Leak at the fridge I would think would drain out the lower air in hole. I keep the stove lpg turned off under the top unless cooking. I don't trust the burner controlls or me to not bump against them in the middle of the night. It is tight with the bed out.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

I understand the safety issue, Smily, I'm just looking to make it as un-noticable as possible. Believe me, there's not much 'hallway' in a 17 ft trailer

I don't mind the expense, just the looks. Actually inside the cabinet might work pretty good because the water heater, furnace, and stove plumbing are all right together there. If there's going to be an LP leak, it would be there, unless it was coming out of the fridge or stovetop. Then I guess it would be better facing out into the open part of the trailer.

I think a smoke alarm is the least necessary safety equipment in my trailer, because it's so small - if anything's on fire, it's probably you! (I'm just kidding, I'm putting one in!)

Stephanie, the CO detector needs to be mounted about mid-height, as CO is lighter than propane. Do you have a closet that you can mount it in? Preferably one that has ventilation, so it can sense the CO. Smoke is usually hot, heat rises, so the smoke alarm should be in the top part of the trailer, but be forewarned it will scream bloody murder when you cook. Ask how I know...
Terry

[Sneakinup]

While we are on the subject of smoke, CO and LP detectors, are the combo smoke and CO detectors that are available at HD and Lowes sufficient to use in the trailer? I have heard that they are not RVIA rated, and that the constant movement of the trailer has a negative effect on them.

Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks!