Community Forums

twinboat · 01-30-2019, 02:22 PM

This sounds like a case of an unvented gas appliance being installed in an RV. That may be against RVIA regulations.

Gas refrigerators, furnaces and water heaters are considered un-attended appliances and need to be vented to the outside. Any gas leaks and combustion gases will be outside the living spaces.

Stoves and ovens are exempt because they are considered attended appliances.

mobilemike · 01-31-2019, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

That's true, but so is the National Electrical Code and the National Fire Protection Association. Technically, the NEC is NFPA 70. All such codes gain force of law when they are adopted by a government agency, e.g. as part of a state or regional building code.

The RVIA is the ANSI standards authority for RVs and all the US states have adopted some version of the RVIA codes as their standard for RV construction. The states have also adopted some version of the NEC and other NFPA standards for various purposes. Mostly such standards apply to new construction, or, in the case of mobile units, new units brought into the state and sold there. Major remodeling of fixed site buildings usually falls under the building codes, but rarely (if ever) is the remodeling of a mobile unit subject to them. You would have to examine each states laws to be sure how they may apply, but as a practical matter there is no permiting or inspection for upgrades to mobile units. As MobileMike says, that is left to the civil courts for after-the-fact resolution of disputes.

Nicely put. I agree 100%

twogypsies · 01-31-2019, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

This sounds like a case of an unvented gas appliance being installed in an RV. That may be against RVIA regulations.

I don't believe RVIA has anything to do with anything aftermarket you put in your RV. Thousands and thousands of RVers use a catalytic heater safely. We used one for 16+ years.

twinboat · 01-31-2019, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

I don't believe RVIA has anything to do with anything aftermarket you put in your RV. Thousands and thousands of RVers use a catalytic heater safely. We used one for 16+ years.

Sure, you can do what ever you want, but a shop has a responsibility to follow industry standards.

No different then removing anti pollution equipment from a vehicle. A shop can be found liable, with huge fines.
You can't even buy a 5 Star Tune in California.

Ever wonder why RV manufactures don't install catalytic heaters ?

twogypsies · 01-31-2019, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Sure, you can do what ever you want, but a shop has a responsibility to follow industry standards.

No different then removing anti pollution equipment from a vehicle. A shop can be found liable, with huge fines.
You can't even buy a 5 Star Tune in California.

Ever wonder why RV manufactures don't install catalytic heaters ?

Taking out factory installed required anti pollution equipment is different than installing a heater. Why don't RV manufactures throw in an electric heater?

Gary RVRoamer · 02-01-2019, 08:58 AM

Right, RVIA regs don't apply directly to repairs or aftermarket installs.

Civil law presumes that any professional shop or installer is knowledgeable enough to provide for safe operation and follow recognized industry standards (not legal standards) for the product. If installing some piece of equipment, he is also expected to follow the product manufacturer's safety instructions. If a problem results, he can be sued and held liable for his failure to do so. In essence, the burden of proof is on the installer to show that his work is safe and competent.

Alan_Hepburn · 02-01-2019, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Why don't RV manufactures throw in an electric heater?

You mean like the electric fireplaces that are available in almost every manufacturer's offerings these days? Or maybe the heat pumps offered in many units?

twinboat · 02-01-2019, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

Taking out factory installed required anti pollution equipment is different than installing a heater. Why don't RV manufactures throw in an electric heater?

They do. Electric fire places, heat strips in the roof top AC, and heat pump systems. All fixed appliances.

They don't " throw in " portable electric heaters because they could easily be misused and cause a fire.