Last Updated on December 12, 2024
Ensuring the safety of your RV is paramount, and one of the most critical aspects is regularly checking your CO and smoke detectors. The video below from a full-time RV living expert, will walk you through essential tips to keep your detectors in top shape.
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or just starting out, these tips are designed to help you maintain a safe environment on the road. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of RV safety and make sure those alarms are ready to protect you and your loved ones.
1. Understand the Shelf Life of Your Detectors
Did you know that your CO and LP detectors have a shelf life of only five years? It's crucial to check them regularly to ensure they are still effective. To find the date on your carbon monoxide and propane gas detector, you need to pull the detector out and look at the back of the unit. Ignore the first date, which is when it was placed on the shelf, and focus on the actual installation date.
If only our favorite snacks had a five-year shelf life; we’d never have to worry about expiration dates again!
2. Regular Testing is Essential
Testing your CO and smoke detectors isn’t just a one-time job. You should test them regularly to ensure they’re functioning correctly. A green light typically means everything is good, while a red flashing light indicates a problem. And let’s be honest, these alarms always seem to go off at 1 AM when you’re least expecting it!
3. Proper Placement and Battery Maintenance
Your smoke detector should be placed in a strategic location, like above the driver’s seat. It’s important to test it at the beginning and end of your trip. Unlike CO detectors, smoke detectors aren’t hardwired and require a battery change.
Typically, they use a 9-volt battery, and you should test the alarm weekly to ensure it’s working. Changing a smoke detector battery is like trying to find where your cat hid the TV remote—annoying but necessary for peace of mind.
4. Keep a Maintenance Log
It’s a good idea to keep a maintenance log for your CO and smoke detectors. Write down when you check and replace the batteries. This can be part of a larger maintenance spreadsheet to keep all your RV’s needs in one place.
If only we were as diligent with life maintenance as we are with our RV's—maybe our houseplants would stand a chance!
By following these tips, you can ensure that your RV is a safe haven on wheels. For more RV living quick tips, check out the full video:
