Escapees January-February 2023

weight and safety

LP Gas Detectors By JIM KOCA #86367, Escapees RVers Boot Camp Instructor

When was the last time you checked your LP gas detector? Did you know that it has an expiration date and will need to be replaced? A ccording to the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), all recreational vehicles that have an LP gas appliance and an electrical system must have an LP gas detector installed.

Potential sources for LP gas leaks include the stove top burners, oven, furnace, refrigerator, water heater, defective regulator, defective LP gas connections and other propane-powered appliances. The LP gas detector is designed to alert the occupants when an LP gas leak is detected. LP gas is heavier than air and will settle near the fl oor; therefore, the detector will be located close to the fl oor. It will be wired into the 12-volt elec trical system. When inspecting RVs, I have found some detectors were disconnected. This is a life safety issue and it should be remedied as soon as possible. The gas detector should be checked monthly by follow ing the manufacturers recommended procedures found in the manual for the detector. If no manual came with your RV, you can generally fi nd the manuals available online, on the manufacturers’ website. The expiration date for the detector is fi ve years of its production date. The expiration date for mine was located on the back of the detector, which required me to remove it from the wall. This replacement date will indicate the date in which the LP gas detector may no longer adequately detect a propane leak. For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, the LP gas detector should be checked monthly and replaced after fi ve years of use.

“For your safety and the safety of your loved ones, the LP gas detector should be checked monthly and replaced after fi ve years of use.”

THE SMARTWEIGH PROGRAM PROVIDES ACCURATE INDIVIDUAL WHEEL WEIGHTS FOR YOUR RV, toad and tow vehicle, and it will help you to trim the pounds if needed. Complete weight analysis starting at just $60. Weighing appointments are available Mon—Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Livingston, Texas Rainbow’s End. Other times may be available. Call 936-327-8873 for information on SmartWeigh. Weighing is available at Escapade! www.escapees.com/smartweigh

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ESCAPEES Magazine January/February 2023