Getting To Know About Carbon Monoxide Exposure In Your New RV
If you're new to owning an RV, there's one important safety concern that you should be aware of – carbon monoxide exposure. Your RV has several elements that produce carbon monoxide, but if you know what to watch for and what can happen if you're exposed, you'll be better prepared to avoid the danger.
What elements produce carbon monoxide?
- LP Gas Appliances – The appliances in your RV that are fueled by propane produce carbon monoxide. This includes the stove, water heater, and furnace.
- Exhaust – Both the engine and the generator produce carbon monoxide.
- Surrounding Vehicles and Generators – Any RVs or generators being used directly outside of the RV will produce carbon monoxide.
- Portable Gas Heaters – When portable gas heaters aren't used properly, they can fill an RV cabin very quickly with carbon monoxide.
How do you protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide exposure?
The first thing you should buy when you buy your RV is a carbon monoxide detector. Some RVs are equipped with them at the time of purchase, but others will require the purchase and installation of a unit. Look for a detector that operates on both battery and electricity. This way, if you lose power, the device will still work, but it won't rely solely on the batteries to function when you do have power.
Make sure that you're giving the exhaust the attention that it needs. If you hear any type of impact coming from the underside of the RV while you're driving, always stop and check to make sure the exhaust system wasn't damaged.
Hire professionals to maintain the LP appliances in the RV. You may think you know what you're doing, but the smallest mistake can cause all kinds of problems. Not only could you potentially cause carbon monoxide issues, but you could cause a problem that could start a fire or cause the entire RV to explode.
How can you identify carbon monoxide leaks?
The best method is having at least one carbon monoxide detector, but you can also pay attention to the flames on the stove. If the flame is yellow, the oxygen level in the RV is low – that means something is wrong and you need to open the windows and get your family out of the RV as quickly as possible. Turn off the propane and contact a service technician for immediate assistance.
Family time spent in a an RV can create great memories. Keep your family safe from carbon monoxide and help to maintain positive, happy memories and not the one's nobody wants to experience. To learn more about campers, contact a company like Crowder RV Center, Inc.
