By Gary Bunzer
Often in my live seminars, I state the following, “If there was a single subject all participants within the entire RVing spectrum would agree, from trade organizations, to design engineers, RV manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, RV service technicians to RV owners, that subject would center on the importance of RVing safety." Personal safety being paramount followed closely by product or equipment safety. It stands to reason, that the first rule of successful RVing might just be; Never compromise the safety factor!
Webster further opines; “safe=ty \\ 1: the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury or loss. To protect against failure, breakage or accident.”
I think we can all agree that, either consciously or subconsciously, overtly or covertly, safety is crucial and quite proportional to the level of RVing enjoyment we encounter.
Literally every major system on the typical RV requires a conscientious safety sensibility including the propane system, the electrical systems, even the plumbing systems (think ground contamination and the spread of bacteria when evacuating holding tanks!). Many redundant safety features are integral to most of the devices and appliances we utilize when we travel. Many RVers would be quite unaware of most of them, but all RVers should be aware of certain other safety related devices and their necessity for periodic attention. What follows is certainly not a complete list of all the safety gadgets and accoutrements found within the RVing realm, but those presented here are crucial for continued personal and product RVing safety.
Propane System
Additionally, there are three vital tests to be performed at least annually, (more often in some cases). The propane regulator lock-up test, a delivery line pressure test and a timed, pressure drop test are paramount to RVing safety. Any Certified or Master Certified RV technician can perform these three tests.
Propane Gas Detector
Propane gas detectors can be periodically tested by opening the valve on an inexpensive butane cigarette lighter near the sensor port on the detector. Do not ignite the flame on the lighter, but simply open the lighter’s valve releasing some of the butane. The alarm should sound within a couple seconds. Test the detector at least twice per year in this manner. The detector pictured here happens to be a combination propane and carbon monoxide (CO) detector.
Carbon Monoxide Detector (CO)
Smoke Alarm
Most all smoke alarms today use an ionization chamber and a source of ionizing radiation to detect smoke. This type of smoke detector is relatively inexpensive and much better at detecting the smaller amounts of smoke produced by fires common to RVs. They too, have an effective lifespan and should be replaced periodically. Like all other RV listed components, smoke detectors should abide by UL 217.
The ionization chamber, by the way, incorporates airflow slots that are prone to gathering dust. As part of an annual maintenance program for the electronic safety devices, it is recommended to remove the outside cap of the smoke alarm and carefully wipe away any dust inhibiting air into and through the ionization chamber cover. Do not remove the cover of the chamber; just carefully remove all remnants of dust.
Sensor-Equipped Detector Maintenance
All the devices listed above contain some form of electronic circuitry and a sensor of some type. I won’t bore you with those details here, but the basic maintenance required by these devices is relatively simple for all RVers to perform. All battery-powered devices should have new batteries installed at the beginning and in the middle of each camping season.
Additionally, it is advisable to carry spare batteries during lengthy RVing excursions; just in case. All the detectors mentioned above will come equipped with a test function, typically a simple push of a test button will let the user know the horn is still in operating condition. Test each of the devices prior to and once each week during every RV excursion.
Periodically, it will be necessary to wipe down the face of all detectors with a dry cloth. Dust accumulation and blocked sensor ports can minimize a sensor’s effectiveness and further reduce its useful life. Never paint an electronic detector or use cleaning agents, waxes or polish on them. Simply keep them free from dust and other airborne contaminants.
Likewise, most the safety devices mentioned above come stamped or otherwise labeled with an estimated or suggested replacement date. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s suggested replacement date. It’s simply not worth the risk of a device malfunctioning in order to gain a few more months’ use. Consider it cheap insurance!
Fire Extinguishers
All RVers should become familiar with the different types of fires and fire extinguishers available. The most common type associated with RVs is a B:C type; a dry powder extinguisher containing sodium bicarbonate. All motorized RVs are required to have at least one 10B:C extinguisher while towable RVs require one 5B:C extinguisher at a minimum. As mentioned above, most safety experts recommend a minimum of three extinguishers in or on all recreation vehicles. The number associated with the type indicates how many square feet that extinguisher can effectively cover. So a single 10B:C extinguisher can be used over an area of 10 square feet against a type B or type C fire.
All fire extinguishers require periodic inspections to be sure they are fully charged and in proper working condition. If any doubt exists, always have them inspected by a professional fire safety company. B:C extinguishers can and do leak pressure over time.
Non-Contact Proximity Tester
If stray voltage is detected on the metallic parts of any RV, immediately disconnect from shore power and call a Certified or Master Certified RV technician and contact the campground administrator or maintenance staff. Do not plug the RV in until the fault is located and repaired. Relatively inexpensive, non-contact proximity test devices should be found in every RVers tool kit.
Non-Technical Safety Equipment