CO/Propane Detector Issue

[Buc]

I didn’t want to post this in the brand specific corner of the forum because this probably isn’t specific to my brand of travel trailer.

Our 2022 Rockwood Roo 183 has a hardwired carbon monoxide/propane detector (RVSafe RVCOLP-2) that sounds any time I run the heater.

I took it to the dealership I bought the trailer from. They found no leaks and said they were unable to replicate the issue. I’m just dewinterizing now, and surprise surprise, I was able to get the alarm to trigger within a couple of minutes.

I feel like I’m losing my mind. Opening the roof vent(s) and turning the fan on helps for a while, but eventually the alarm will sound.

I’ve ordered plug-in detectors to see if they agree that there’s an issue. We’ve only had the trailer for eight months now, and purchased it new. Is there any potential that this issue is caused by off gassing from new materials?

Is there anything I’m missing that can cause this sort of thing beyond a defective unit?

 

[AbdRahim]

Is it past its expiration date. They must be replaced every 5 years. The one that came on my coach was defective. Beeped randomly with no leaks. Manufacturer replaced it and all has been good since.

 

[Buc]

Is it past its expiration date. They must be replaced every 5 years. The one that came on my coach was defective. Beeped randomly with no leaks. Manufacturer replaced it and all has been good since.

The trailer was built early last year (updated original post to include model year).

 

[AbdRahim]

As I said, the one in my brand new rig was defective. Replaced it and all is now good. Call the manufacturer of the device.

 

[Rosy]

These detectors aren't very reliable. My wife's parents have a 2015 Forest River and their detector goes off if they don't leave a window open all the time, even when they're not using any propane appliances.

I've had a couple of the plug in ones in my house just randomly go bad, too. They're not very good devices in general.

 

[Buc]

These detectors aren't very reliable. My wife's parents have a 2015 Forest River and their detector goes off if they don't leave a window open all the time, even when they're not using any propane appliances.

I've had a couple of the plug in ones in my house just randomly go bad, too. They're not very good devices in general.

What’s the solution that’s worked for them? I’m sort of uncomfortable with the idea of not having a detector with a family of six sleeping in a trailer. If it was just me, I’d bring a warmer sleep system and not run the heat at night.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Not sure if you have tested and reset this detector? there is some built in testing programmed into these devices.
for example How To Reset a Carbon Monoxide Detector & Perform Testing

 

[Rosy]

What’s the solution that’s worked for them? I’m sort of uncomfortable with the idea of not having a detector with a family of six sleeping in a trailer. If it was just me, I’d bring a warmer sleep system and not run the heat at night.

My parents in law just leave a window open all the time and run an electric space heater if they're cold.

 

[Buc]

So, a second plug in gas detector is also giving an alarm. Seems like I’m going to need to bring this back to the dealer and use electric space heaters for camping next weekend.

 

[Joe Hogan]

So, a second plug in gas detector is also giving an alarm. Seems like I’m going to need to bring this back to the dealer and use electric space heaters for camping next weekend.

Potentially you have excess CO. if you open all the windows and doors, does it stop the alarms? If so, there must be a CO source.

 

[Buc]

Potentially you have excess CO. if you open all the windows and doors, does it stop the alarms? If so, there must be a CO source.

But it’s giving propane/gas alarm. The second CO detector did not sound an alarm.

 

[Buc]

I also tested the alarm by holding a lighter to it with gas running and got the same alarm.

 

[AbdRahim]

They have handheld vpropane sniffer. You might want to try one and see if there is really a propane leak somewhere

 

[Buc]

I’m completely frustrated by this. Every time I run the furnace with the door closed, the alarm goes off. Two techs now have declared there’s no leak and they have not had the alarm go off. It’s not the dogs sleeping on the floor, since I’ve had the alarm go off with and without them in the trailer.

Again, this trailer was built about a year and a half ago.

What else can cause this? Is there something I’m doing wrong in turning the system on?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I’m completely frustrated by this. Every time I run the furnace with the door closed, the alarm goes off. Two techs now have declared there’s no leak and they have not had the alarm go off. It’s not the dogs sleeping on the floor, since I’ve had the alarm go off with and without them in the trailer.

Again, this trailer was built about a year and a half ago.

What else can cause this? Is there something I’m doing wrong in turning the system on?

To many beans???

 

[Buc]

To many beans???

I’d laugh harder if this wasn’t costing so much money.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I’d laugh harder if this wasn’t costing so much money.

I'm sorry! I'm from a different generation. I know many my age that have fallen for the fear porn, but I haven't. In the years I have owned RVs (7 RVs total), only one had a co detector, that never during my ownership had power. That RV also is the only one with a smoke detector also with battery removed.

I don't sleep with any device on that may cause a fire. I don't leave the stove unattended. I typically have a vent or window cracked open. I don't smoke or live impared in any way. I don't use a generator (think CO). I don't have beds for more than 2, so there is no depletion of oxygen at night.

I just wonder how many more deaths happen suddenly, now days, than happen because of co poisoning, or fire...

I can tell, you love your kids, as you should, but sit back and take a deep breath, maybe meditate. Life is good! Don't obsess, it's going to be just fine.

 

[Buc]

Right, but if I’m running the furnace at night, that’s something that can cause a fire. I’m just mystified as to how I’m getting alarms, but the service techs aren’t. This part makes absolutely no sense to me.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Right, but if I’m running the furnace at night, that’s something that can cause a fire. I’m just mystified as to how I’m getting alarms, but the service techs aren’t. This part makes absolutely no sense to me.

The less oxygen in the air the more CO produced by an open flame. I would. Suggest cracking a vent and window. Try it and see, it won't hurt anything, right?

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Are you sure the heat exchanger is good? Honestly don't expect a tech to baby sit your rig, they won't!!!