Propane and Carbon Monoxide detectors sounding off

jimtoo · 05-17-2006, 11:28 AM

I would like to know if anyone else has had this problem. Our new Bighorn (6 months from manufacture date) had the Propane gas and Carbon monoxide detectors both going off the other afternoon. This is the first day that the unit has been exposed to really high temps, pluged in and A/c not running. So it was hot inside. The dealer had just replaced the cook stove, but no leaks can be found there. Is it possible for the new smell on a hot day to set off both sensors. The odor inside was not pure propane, it was maybe slight propane and something else. Any ideas anyone?

Thanks
Jim and Bette

jimtoo · 05-17-2006, 11:28 AM

I would like to know if anyone else has had this problem. Our new Bighorn (6 months from manufacture date) had the Propane gas and Carbon monoxide detectors both going off the other afternoon. This is the first day that the unit has been exposed to really high temps, pluged in and A/c not running. So it was hot inside. The dealer had just replaced the cook stove, but no leaks can be found there. Is it possible for the new smell on a hot day to set off both sensors. The odor inside was not pure propane, it was maybe slight propane and something else. Any ideas anyone?

Thanks
Jim and Bette

NeilV · 05-17-2006, 11:41 AM

Jim,

You will find statements simular to this in the manuals for most detectors:

"The presence of other organic vapors, such as paint fumes, solvents or hair spray can trigger a false alarm."

See full context at link below:

http://www.es-web.com/operate3.html

Regards,

**Gary RVRoamer** · 05-17-2006, 04:34 PM

Quite likely the fumes from the glues and the oils used to keep any simulated leather type fabrics supple would set of the propane detector. They are pretty indiscriminate and will react to all types of hydro-carbons. Many aerosol sprays, for example, will set them off.

The CO detector is pretty specific and it usually take real carbon monoxide to trip it.

Low voltage to the detectors will sometimes send them into spasms too.

jimtoo · 05-19-2006, 02:10 PM

Just picked up my Bighorn 3055RL today from the dealer. They report that they have soaped all the connections, done all the preasure test and preasure bleed off test and could find no leaks. So we will check it out for a couple of days being closed and in the heat. I hope everything is good to go. Because if I wake up dead some morning, I will be highly ****** off. More later.

jimtoo · 05-22-2006, 04:15 PM

We picked up our Bighorn from the dealer and brought it home on Friday, no leaks found by the techs. Well on Saturday morning I went to the 5er to start loading for an extended trip and, guess what? The propane detector was sounding off again. So being the do it myself person that I am (retired parts and service manager of auto and truck dealership, with lots of tech schools and hands on work), I got out the old soap and water and started checking for leaks. In less than 20 minutes I found that the pressure regulator in the range top was leaking (blowing bubbles). So another trip to dealer with just the range top this time to change out the regulator. Home again, installed, retested for leaks and guess what? Now my propane detector does not sound off and I don't smell propane any more.

Also wanted to say thanks to Heartland for installing a good quality CCI Controls Propane detector. It does work.

Just wanted to update and say thanks for suggestions.

TXiceman · 05-22-2006, 04:43 PM

I don't trust any RV tech to properly leak check a propane system in my trailer. It is not hard to do, but does take a bit of time. They never spend the time.

Ken

**Gary RVRoamer** · 05-23-2006, 06:54 AM

Good catch!!!

But you originaly said your CO detector was also sounding. Now why was that? Propane can't set it off.

I would be far more worried about CO than LPG - CO is the silent killer, even when you are awake.

jimtoo · 05-23-2006, 07:31 PM

Your correct about the CO detector, and both were going off the first time. Thats what I don't understand, why both would be sounding off. It has not gone off again even with the propane leak and everything is fine now that the leak has been repaired. Believe me,,,,I have checked everything now, and feel completely safe in using the trailer now.

ruppr · 02-27-2007, 07:26 PM

Hey Jimtoo, (Freddy

)
Just something to keep in the back of your mind, I had the same problem. Several times they also both went off in the middle of the night. (That's a rude awaking)
Finally found out that although I was normally plug into shore power, I had lost a cell in one of my batteries and the detectors were reacting to that. Changed out to a new bank and they haven't sounded off again.

Just for info----

Best,