Escapees March/April 2016

Staff

“If you are certain that there is nothing operating that could be a C O source, then the detector is faulty.”

Carbon Monoxide Detector Q. I have a 2012 Salem Villa Park model on blocks, and it is never moved. The 12-volt carbon monox- ide detector is fine all day but starts to go off in the middle of the night. Some say it may detect low-battery voltage also. The trailer is plugged into a 30-amp circuit all the time. Could it be a defective detector or something else? Alan A. If you are plugged into power, I doubt the detector is reacting to a low-voltage condition. Are you operating any appliance or heater at night that could be a source of carbon monoxide such as a furnace, propane wa- ter heater, etc? If you are certain that there is nothing operating that could be a CO source, then the detector is faulty. You may want to purchase a battery-powered CO detector (available at Walmart, Lowe’s, etc.) and place it in the rig and, if it also goes off, immediately have the trailer’s propane appliances checked out by a profession- al. If the new detector does not alarm, it is likely that your original one is defective.

two. Start it, retract the levelers, drive it for a short dis- tance, and then put it back on the site. This may sound like a bit of a hassle, but it will pay off in the long run as it will keep all of the RV systems limbered up and functional. Just starting the engine is helpful, but it is better to actu- ally drive the rig long enough for it to come up to normal operating temperature. As far as the slides go, it isn’t detrimental to the slide to leave it extended all the time, but many RVers retract them when they will be leaving the RV for days or weeks. The slides form a much better weather seal when retracted and it also offers better resistance to the entrance of pests, like mice, bugs and snakes. Be sure to turn off the water at the pedestal when you leave, and make sure that the rig is protected in case of any freezing weather. Tanks in Storage Q. I am a full-time RVer, but I must store my travel trailer for nine weeks. What is the best way to store the tanks, especially the black-water tank? Should they be fully filled with clean water and treatment or empty? Heidi A . I always À ush the tanks thoroughly and leave them empty with the dump and drain valves closed. When you return, you’ll want to sanitize the fresh-water tank before you use it for drinking and cooking. If you won’t have it plugged in to AC power, be sure to disconnect the house batteries to keep them from being depleted by the little electrical loads that occur with all coaches. Regardless of your power situation, be sure to empty the refrigerator and prop the door open. Then, shut your propane off at the tank. In freezing weather, you should winterize the fresh-water system before leaving it. Your RV owner’s manual should have a section in it about prepping for stor- age. If not, a quick Internet search can provide additional information about storing your RV.

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