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In This Episode
Every RV forum and every Facebook RV group has their trusted RV Gurus. Bob Peloquin is one such RV Guru on the RV Newbies Facebook Group and also in the T@B Camping Trailers Group. Loved for making subjects understandable for the RVing masses, Bob is an absolute delight to have on the Podcast. Also, we talk about the safety devices your RV has, how to understand them, maintain them, and how to enjoy safe camping!
Helpful Links for this Episode:
- Princess Craft RV (Website)
- RV Small Talk Facebook Page
- RV Newbies (Facebook Group)
- T@B Camping Trailers (Facebook Group)
- Texas Tiny Trailer Rally (Website)
- Texas Truck Camper Rally (Website)
RV Safety Equipment
Every RV has equipment on board specifically designed to keep you safe. Understanding these features is the best way to keep you and your family out of danger while traveling!
Fire Extinguisher
- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that 20,000 RV fires occur annually.
- At least one fire extinguisher is required for every recreational vehicle.
- If you are replacing it, be sure the fire extinguisher is rated for Class A, B and C fires, like this one. A is for wood, paper, etc. B is for grease fires, and C is for electrical fires.
Types of fires: https://fireprevention.utexas.edu/firesafety/abcs-fire-extinguishers
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
It’s that time of year again when we fire up the furnace and bring out the portable heaters to help stay warm. Along with the furnace and portable heaters comes the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths each year
- If your RV doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector you need to purchase a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector designed for use in RVs.
- A stand-alone carbon monoxide detector can be placed anywhere in the RV since carbon monoxide spreads evenly throughout the space.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning feels like the flu, only without the fever. Along with feeling dizzy, nauseous, tired and achy, it makes you feel disoriented and confused. With the inability to think clearly the first instinct is to lay down and rest. Bad idea. Get some fresh air then determine if your symptoms could be caused by carbon monoxide!
- Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV, and replace the batteries regularly!
Smoke Detector
- Be sure your RV has a Smoke Detector located in the bedroom, and for larger units, also in the living area and bathroom.
- Test it regularly!
- A smoke detector equipped with a dual photoelectric and ionization smoke sensor, like the one linked above, will detect smoldering and quick-burning fires.
- In tests, ionization alarms will typically respond about 30 to 90 seconds faster to “fast-flame” fires. In smoldering fires, the photoelectric alarms respond an average of 15 to 50 minutes faster.
- Approximately 35% of all RV fires are caused by electrical shorts and faulty wiring requiring a photoelectric sensor for the fastest detection.
- We found this CO/Smoke detector that has both photoelectric and ionization sensors, to save you batteries and space!
The most common smoke detector in our trailers is:
Confusion comes in when it says it has dual ionization sensing chambers. If you’re looking for both types of protection (ionization and photoelectric) this isn’t it. On the back of the package (in fine print) it says “Smoke particles of varying number and size are produced in all fires. For maximum protection, use both types of sensing technologies. Replace alarm 10 years after installation.”
Detectors have a 7-10 year maximum lifespan before they need to be replaced, depending on the type of device.
LP Detector
- LP Detectors are required in all RVs with propane on board.
- LP is heavier than air, so it sinks to the ground. That is why all LP detectors are located at floor level.
- Unlike other detectors, the LP detector is wired into the electrical system of the RV. If the onboard battery gets low, the detector (like all types of detectors!) will chirp to alert you. Since you can’t easily remove or replace the alkaline batteries in the back, it’s more annoying than other detectors!
- You can find them in white or black to match your RV
*** The manufacturer installed LP detector should be installed in such a way that it is operational even when the trailer is plugged into a power source like shore power BUT doesn’t have a battery installed.
Combination detectors.
Combination detectors have become common. The LP / CO detectors are common, as well as CO / Smoke detectors. This saves on space and batteries!
Egress window
- Have you opened it recently? Do you even remember where it is?
- Escape routes are just as important in an RV as they are in your home.
- Every RV has a window or hatch opening that is labeled “exit”. The handles and exit signs will be red so they are easily identified. Often they open differently than the standard window, so be sure everyone knows how they work!
- If your exit window is far from the ground (as in a 5th wheel or motor home) have an escape ladder nearby! They are compact and can be easily stored near the escape window.
The wrap-up?
- Check detectors every trip!
- Replace detectors at least every 10 years
- Review escape routes and warning signs with everyone camping!
Photo Contest Winner for Ep. 35! – James Crossman!
Send your photo to rvsmalltalk@gmail.com for a chance to be featured and get an RV Small Talk t-shirt!
Dear RV SmallTalk,
Sometimes, no matter how much you love your children and grandchildren, a couple may need to run off to recharge their batteries. So after Christmas, the day after the last child left town, we headed to the Texas Gulf Coast to disappear off the grid to greet 2020 on the beach. New Year’s Eve looked beautiful, and days of stormy weather began New Year’s Day.
We arrived at one of our favorite spots and it was deserted. A freshwater bayou exits the marsh and enters the Gulf here near Crystal Beach, TX, so there is a view in every direction. We planned to stay a week with me working from the Dream Hunter, our 2019 T@B 320S Boondock Edge, during the week and then I would take off for New Year’s Eve and Day. We unpacked our solar panels and generator and set up camp for a week of living at the beach.
We did have a surprise on New Year’s eve when a neighboring Jeep Club came for a bonfire and party. Another Jeep pulling a T@B 320S Outback arrived, and Kevin Burke showed me all sorts of new ways to use his rear rack with an axe, shovel, boat hooks, and molle storage bags. We had a bonfire, another Jeep brought a karaoke rig, and our local kids and grandson came by for the fireworks and party on the beach. We had a great time!
By noon, everyone had left, since the weather was to turn bad. Naturally, as we go into a few days of thunderstorms and heavy overcast with no solar, our generator decided to quit working. Our best discovery here was that we could use the Jeep’s battery and jumper cables while it idles to top off the 320, for lights, fan router, and laptops.
We finished the week with some nice weather and headed home to look forward to 2020 with many more adventures planned. Thank you, Princess Craft, for all you have helped us to experience back when you first introduced us to our Dream Hunter.
Thanks, James and Andrea Crossman
email your photo submission and story to rvsmalltalk@gmail.com
