Recently, five people were found dead in their rented camper in Tennessee. They were part of a motorcycle fundraiser for sick children. Authorities cited carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause.
In the early 80’s, I participated in a 7-day trail ride in Texas. This tradition is the start of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo, and re-enacts the old cattle drives. (The trail riders become the “cattle.”) When I returned from the ride I was part of, I learned a woman and her dog had died on another ride. She had gone to sleep with a propane heater in the back of her SUV. They never woke up.
Since RV’s are supplied by propane and the space inside is small, they are particularly vulnerable. Homeowners who have propane heaters, stoves and water heaters can also use this information.
Here are tips to help you recognize potential danger:
· Yellow flames instead of blue in any propane appliance indicate a lack of oxygen. Not all the propane gas is burning. This problem must be corrected immediately. · If you suddenly feel as though you’re coming down with something, you’re probably not. Get out of the rig and turn the propane off. When your head clears, open the windows and let the rig air out. Go to the nearest RV repair center and let them check it out.
Here are tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
· When renting any type of RV, buy an inexpensive carbon monoxide detector. You don’t have to attach it to the ceiling. Insert fresh batteries, and place near the stove or a few feet away from the propane furnace. I would do this before I left the lot with it. If the dealer is edgy about proving it’s safe, I’d go somewhere else. · Regularly have your propane and generator checked for leaks. · If your generator’s exhaust is damaged at all, don’t use it until it’s repaired. · Do not run your generator at night while you’re asleep. The wind could shift and send the exhaust into your rig. · Keep the roof vent open when running your generator, no matter what time of year it is. · Make sure there are good seals in the windows and doors, and no holes in the walls, ceiling or floors that exhaust could enter. · At rallies, to avoid generator exhaust from a neighbor’s vehicle, try to park in the “no generator” zone. · Whether you own or rent, use a carbon monoxide detector. They’re inexpensive (less than $50), and can save lives. · If you suspect a leak in a propane line, spray it with soapy water and watch carefully. If you see bubbles forming, you have a leak. Get it fixed before using the propane again.
If you detect carbon monoxide with the alarm, or see bubbles when you spray the propane connection(s), immediately turn the device off and open the windows. Do not turn on any lights. Turn the propane off outside the vehicle.
Call an authorized repair shop to take care of the problem. They have certified mechanics who can deal with the problem.
Of course, you could go with an “all-electric” RV, but that could prove expensive depending on the time of the year and electricity prices.
With carbon monoxide, safety is key.
Source: Rex Vogel, “RVs Pose Carbon Monoxide Dangers,” RV.net website, 26 September, 2011
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.