Smoke Detectors in Pop ups?
me
Does anyone run a smoke/carbon detector in their camper?
I was just wondering if I should have put one in mine, as I just bought
all new ones in my house. Hmmm, should I have picked up one more?
Ed Ferguson
course, as a firefighter, I would say that!).
Rather than trying to mount mine to the ceiling, I put
about 3X3" piece of Velcro on the back of the smoke
detector and the other side to the ceiling and I just stick
it up there when I set up.
Ed
edf...@mindspring.com
http://www.mindspring.com/~edferg
Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com/?z The Internet's Discussion Network
The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
me
> I VERY highly recommend putting one in your camper (of
> course, as a firefighter, I would say that!).
>
up to your very highly recommended position. ;)
> Rather than trying to mount mine to the ceiling, I put
> about 3X3" piece of Velcro on the back of the smoke
> detector and the other side to the ceiling and I just stick
> it up there when I set up.
> Ed
> edf...@mindspring.com
> http://www.mindspring.com/~edferg
Now this is what the newsgroup world should be about... Thanks for the
comment, AND tip!
Great!
Thanks
Doug B.
I think they are $20.00 to $30.00
I got the smoke/carbon unit a wal-mart.
Doug B.
1998(Y2K) Coleman Rio
1995(Y2K) Chevy Suburban
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
Jim and Linda King
is still sitting in the box in the dining room!
We were afraid that every time we have a campfire, neighbors have a campfire,
etc., the thing will be blaring its head off.
Do you just use it while you sleep? Or does it not go off as easily as I am
afraid of?
Linda King
1999 Coleman Bayside
1994 Chevy Astro
Ed Ferguson
Hold out your hand so I can slap it! Get that little old
smoke detector in your camper.
I've not had any false alarms out of mine. It does AOK. They
are quite reliable.
I don't have a furnace in my camper, but I'm tending to
suggest that maybe a CO (carbon monoxide) monitor would be
a smart idea for campers with a furnace.
Oh, and to "Me": glad to help. And, I agree. THIS is exactly
why I love this newsgroup...people helping people. None of
us have all the anwers, but among all of us, the answer
surely exists. I could care less about brand bashing, or any
of the other garbage. And, I'm glad I could help.
See ya'll!
Ed
* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
Skip P
Ed Ferguson wrote in message <9324367...@www.remarq.com>...
>Linda:
>
>Hold out your hand so I can slap it! Get that little old
>smoke detector in your camper.
>I don't have a furnace in my camper, but I'm tending to
>suggest that maybe a CO (carbon monoxide) monitor would be
>a smart idea for campers with a furnace.
Not sure if it's required but all the new campers I've looked at lately are
so equiped. If not, I agree, they should be.
>Oh, and to "Me": glad to help. And, I agree. THIS is exactly
>why I love this newsgroup...people helping people. None of
>us have all the anwers, but among all of us, the answer
>surely exists. I could care less about brand bashing, or any
>of the other garbage. And, I'm glad I could help.
Well written, Ed! Please tell me what kind of CO detector you use so I can
bash it though <vbg>
One question though, if CO is heavier than air shouldn't the monitor be
mounted closer to the floor?
Skip Pudney
See our Outdoor and Nature web site at
http://www.ipass.net/~rob01/index.html
KamperKids
gotten one for my two week old Westlake) and had no problems with the camp
fire setting it off. I do wonder if it should be installed closer to the
floor instead of the ceiling for the carb portion. Any comments?
--
Charles, Leann, Joshua & Jessica
2000 Coleman Westlake
__________
/__________\__
|__|__|______|__|-----+
O
**Remove NOSPAM from e-mail address**
Jim and Linda King <luvto...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:19990719190916...@ng-fy1.aol.com...
Ed Ferguson
Thanks!
>Please tell me what kind of CO detector you use so I can
>bash it though
Yeah, that's the ticket! My CO monitor is better than yours
is! Actually, I think Consumer Reports rated the Nighthawk
at the best one now.
>One question though, if CO is heavier than air shouldn't
>the monitor be mounted closer to the floor?
Welp, actually, the specific gravity of CO is 0.9672, or
lighter than air. But, you can see that it is pretty darn
close to that of air (which is 1). In other words, it will
tend to rise, but slowly.
So much for our physical science class for today!
There will be a pop quiz at the end of th day. (grin) Can
you tell I'm a mentor/tutor (volunteer) for high school
students??
Doug B.
>Snip<
> Do you just use it while you sleep? Or does it not go off as easily
as I am
> afraid of?
>
> Linda King
> 1999 Coleman Bayside
> 1994 Chevy Astro
>
Linda,
We leave ours on all the time, no problems with it going off
we got it mainly for the Carbon dioxide detection when using the
gas heater.
Doug B.
Doug B. <doug...@my-deja.com> wrote:
>
> >Snip<
> > Do you just use it while you sleep? Or does it not go off as
easily
> as I am
> > afraid of?
> >
> > Linda King
> > 1999 Coleman Bayside
> > 1994 Chevy Astro
> >
>
> Linda,
>
> We leave ours on all the time, no problems with it going off
> we got it mainly for the Carbon dioxide detection when using the
>
> Doug B.
> 1998(Y2K) Coleman Rio
>
> 1995(Y2K) Chevy Suburban
>
> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Share what you know. Learn what you don't.
>
--
EMccre3890
The Aero Cub is new and just wanted to make sure all worked. The Smoke
Detector worked. My nose also worked. LOL Eddie
Westcott Household
back of the dinette at the floor level.
charlene in Baltimore
KamperKids wrote:
>
> Linda, I installed a smoke/carb detector in my old Viking (haven't yet
> gotten one for my two week old Westlake) and had no problems with the camp
> fire setting it off. I do wonder if it should be installed closer to the
> floor instead of the ceiling for the carb portion. Any comments?
>
> --
> Charles, Leann, Joshua & Jessica
> 2000 Coleman Westlake
> __________
> /__________\__
> |__|__|______|__|-----+
> O
>
> **Remove NOSPAM from e-mail address**
> Jim and Linda King <luvto...@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:19990719190916...@ng-fy1.aol.com...
> > We just bought a smoke alarm for our Bayside. Ed - you won't like this,
> but it
> > is still sitting in the box in the dining room!
> >
> > We were afraid that every time we have a campfire, neighbors have a
> campfire,
> > etc., the thing will be blaring its head off.
> >
Jack Anderson
That's probably a propane gas leak detector. It is mounted at floor level
because propane is heavier than air. Take a close look at it sometime and
you should see it labeled as a propane unit.
Smoke detectors are much better off up high, where they will quickly detect
smoke and hot gases that tend to rise to the highest point. Mounting it
where the AC air flow hits it will reduce its effectiveness.
I don't have a smoke detector in my unit, but it certainly seems like a good
investment.
Jack
--
1998 Coleman Grandview SP
1998 Ford/Starcraft Conversion Van
Popup Webring- http://members.xoom.com/jra1/popring.html
Our Grandview SP On The Web- http://members.xoom.com/jra1/gvsp.html
Mid Atlantic Popup Camper Enthusiasts-
http://www.egroups.com/group/popups/info.html
Westcott Household <west...@home.com> wrote in message
news:379482BE...@home.com...
Westcott Household
were talking about the propane leak detector! AAAUUGH!
charlene
Good O Ron
Wrote:
>
>Does anyone run a smoke/carbon detector in their camper?
First thing I installed in my pop-up was a smoke detector.
Funny smoke detector facts -
Fact #1 - Installing new mantles on your propane lantern is easier to do
sitting at your dinnette table -- But! -- burning off the mantles inside your
camper "WILL" set off your smoke detector.
Fact #2 - Everyone in the campground will look at you funny is you accidently
set off your smoke detector in your pop up (thin walls).
Fact #3 - Your next door neighbor may wonder what that strange beeping noise is
coming out of your camper in January if you forget to remove your smoke
detector battery when you winterize your trailer.
Donis Jeffs
We have a smoke detector in the Bantam. You have to take the battery out
when frying bacon or sausage though. We learned this the hard way on the
first trip.
Donis
> Does anyone run a smoke/carbon detector in their camper?
>
Jim and Linda King
>when frying bacon or sausage though. We learned this the hard way on the
>first trip.
Okay, that eliminates me from installing ours on the ceiling. (Can't reach it
easily to take batteries out for a false alarm!)
John & Nancy
I have one in my TT. Went out on my first family trip last weekend. I
"burnt" hamburgers on the grill about 15 feet away from the TT. Smoke
detector went off. Kids just fanned the detector with a plate (just like
they do at home) and it quit. I'd rather put up with a few false alarms
than sleeping without one.
john
AA1SQ
Pete L.
Skip P <Ski...@email.msn.com> wrote in message
news:ezDso8l0#GA.238@cpmsnbbsa05...
> One question though, if CO is heavier than air shouldn't the monitor be
> mounted closer to the floor?
Dangerous fumes 101
1. Smoke rises (then quickly fills area, toxic)
2. Propane sinks low (heavier than air, highly explosive, has pungent
odor)
3. Carbon Monoxide rises (lighter than air, toxic, no odor)
Mount your detectors accordingly. Check the directions for the manufacturers
specifications.
Safe camping
Pete L.
Ed Ferguson
the CO question...I'm the one who explained that CO rises since its specific
weight is lighter than air, therefore rises. But, your rule-of-thumb is good.
Ed
Greg N.
Buy one of the smoke detectors sold as "Kitchen" units. They have a
button that silences the alarm for a few minutes until the cooking fumes
have dissappated. First Alert has made them.
Greg N.
Camping in Wisconsin
Doug B.
>Snip>
> Okay, that eliminates me from installing ours on the ceiling. (Can't
reach it
> easily to take batteries out for a false alarm!)
>
> Linda King
> 1999 Coleman Bayside
> 1994 Chevy Astro
>
Linda,
We leave ours in a drawer and take it out when we go to bed
Jody Dee
pop-ups??..Guess I need a smole detector now??
me
> >Well written, Ed!
>
> Thanks!
>
> >Please tell me what kind of CO detector you use so I can
> >bash it though
>
> Yeah, that's the ticket! My CO monitor is better than yours
> is! Actually, I think Consumer Reports rated the Nighthawk
> at the best one now.
cough cough...
there was a recall on Nighthawk's mfg'd between Nov. 8th, '98 to March
9th. 1999 I believe it was.
There was also a recall on the Lifesavers June 1 1997 to Jan 31 98 I
believe. (I'm _really_ not sure of this one, but it's on the notes I
have re: CO detectors)
I do agree with the Nighthawks being rated as one of the better ones.
> >One question though, if CO is heavier than air shouldn't
> >the monitor be mounted closer to the floor?
>
I had one mounted right at the head of the pull out on our side, but it
seems the camp beans were setting this thing off waaaaaaaaaaay to often.
:) So it's now back up on the ceiling.
> So much for our physical science class for today!
> There will be a pop-up quiz at the end of th day. (grin) Can
> you tell I'm a mentor/tutor (volunteer) for high school
> students??
>
> Ed
What's with this pop up quiz thing? Geee, can't get your mind off
camping ey... ;)
(good humor mode on while pushing the Ed it button) ;)
Jim and Linda King
>button that silences the alarm for a few minutes until the cooking fumes
>have dissappated. First Alert has made them.
Good idea-I've never heard of them before!
Thanks for all the ideas from everyone on this subject.
Hey Ed-I solemnly promise that before our next camping trip on August 2 I will
have the smoke alarm in the popup, battery installed!
Mark J Strawcutter
>when frying bacon or sausage though. We learned this the hard way on the
>first trip.
Avoid frying inside - keeps the smoke detector from tripping and more
importantly keeps the inside of the camper from getting greasy/smelly.
Mark J Strawcutter
Indiana PA
'97 Coleman Key West
Mark J Strawcutter
>pop-ups??..Guess I need a smole detector now??
The starcraft web site only lists an LP detector as standard and
no CO detector listed under options.
Perhaps it's something your dealer added?
Dave
We Forgive you !! Now... how was the vacation and was the Camper Invited
??
--
Dave "98 Coleman RIO" Bernard
Westcott Household <west...@home.com> wrote in message
news:37948785...@home.com...
Jonathan Race
RV's (see my signature line below to figure out why!). What I *do not*
recommend, however, is the use of a combination unit. My reasoning is
that smoke (being heated) generally travels up, and LP (being heavier
than air) generally travels down. Therefore, use two separate units -
the smoke detector mounted on the ceiling and the LP detector mounted
near the floor. If you used a combination unit and mounted it on the
ceiling to detect smoke early, then it may not detect LP as quick - and
vice versa.
As for the annoyance factor (false smoke alarms while cooking or with a
campfire nearby), buy one that uses a 9v battery that can be easily
removed. Take it out when you feel you don't need it and when your
camper isn't in use, and put it in when you're sleeping. You shouldn't
need a smoke detector when cooking because if you set the place on fire,
you should be the first one to know!
All the newer pop-ups and RV's that I've seen come with a CO/LP
detector already installed near the floor, but few had smoke detectors.
$7.00 at Wal-Mart fixed that problem for us, however.
Good luck - Jonathan
me wrote:
>
> Hey gang.
>
> Does anyone run a smoke/carbon detector in their camper?
>
> I was just wondering if I should have put one in mine, as I just bought
> all new ones in my house. Hmmm, should I have picked up one more?
--
Acta Non Verba - Deeds Not Words
Jonathan Race, Firefighter/Paramedic II
Orange County (FL) Fire-Rescue Division
A-Shift, Station 41 - "The Shark Tank"
(http://home.mpinet.net/backdraft)
Please follow directions in my return address, or
Reply to: jrace at bitstorm dot net
Ed Ferguson
convention in Baltimore...I'm glad (actually kinda shocked)
to see this thread up to about 30+ messages! WOW! And, I'm
glad to see everyone, especially Linda (grin), getting your
smoke detectors installed!
Now that I'm back from vacation, I need to go camping so I
can recover!!
Jim and Linda King
but ours that we bought seems mighty heavy for velcro to hold upside-down.
Also, it's tough for me to reach up there!
Any other suggestions, other than just setting it on the countertop?
Mark J Strawcutter
Ours has a separate mounting plate/base. In our old camper the base
was attached to the ceiling. Push/twist and the detector was mounted.
Push/twist and down it came.
With our current camper I discovered I can use the strap that holds the
door in travel position to hold the base. Then attach detector to base.
It hangs there as about a 45deg angle but I don't think that affects
performance.
I'm paranoid about attachng anything to the roof that Coleman might
blame the roof sag on.
Jim and Linda King
>door in travel position to hold the base. Then attach detector to base.
>It hangs there as about a 45deg angle but I don't think that affects
>performance.
Now there's an interesting suggestion! Mark, how did you attach the base plate
to the strap? I don't think you could use the mounting screws that came with
the smoke alarm.
Thanks.
Mark J Strawcutter
>to the strap? I don't think you could use the mounting screws that came with
>the smoke alarm.
Base has big hole in the middle. Loop strap thru hole and snap up in
storage position.
This is not the "normal" 2-piece detector - where "base" holds battery
and electronics and cover snaps on.
It's actually 3 pieces - the base is basically a flat mounting plate and
designed to be mounted to ceiling. The detector itself has the two parts
described above which as a unit twist-locks onto the mounting plate.
JBisceglia
mine.....an extra second or two might just do the trick if you have to get
out....p/s just let everyone know i love this news group, happy camping to
all........
Braxton Bisceglia
98 Jayco heritage cascade
95 pathfinder.......:)
Westcott Household
45 tons of trash they had to pull our because the rain storm washed so
much in? (Sigh) Sight seeing isn't what it used to be.... Hope you
enjoyed your weekend.
Charlene in Bawlmer
me
luvto...@aol.com says...
> I think it was Ed that suggested velcro-ing the smoke detector to the ceiling,
> but ours that we bought seems mighty heavy for velcro to hold upside-down.
> Also, it's tough for me to reach up there!
>
>
I stopped at our local True Value Hardware store and guess what I found,
yup, 2" wide Velcro.
Needless to say, I picked up enough for the First Alert, and the needed
tent side Velcro spots that seem to be coming undone in our 1987
Shenandoah. I guess if their (coleman's) Velcro lasted this long, maybe
the new stuff should work for the next 10 or so.
me
<">deletethis<jrace"@bitstorm.net> says...
> I recommend using smoke detectors and carbon monoxide/LP detectors in
> RV's (see my signature line below to figure out why!). What I *do not*
> recommend, however, is the use of a combination unit. My reasoning is
> that smoke (being heated) generally travels up, and LP (being heavier
> than air) generally travels down. Therefore, use two separate units -
> the smoke detector mounted on the ceiling and the LP detector mounted
> near the floor. If you used a combination unit and mounted it on the
> ceiling to detect smoke early, then it may not detect LP as quick - and
> vice versa.
> As for the annoyance factor (false smoke alarms while cooking or with a
> campfire nearby), buy one that uses a 9v battery that can be easily
> removed. Take it out when you feel you don't need it and when your
> camper isn't in use, and put it in when you're sleeping. You shouldn't
> need a smoke detector when cooking because if you set the place on fire,
> you should be the first one to know!
> All the newer pop-ups and RV's that I've seen come with a CO/LP
> detector already installed near the floor, but few had smoke detectors.
> $7.00 at Wal-Mart fixed that problem for us, however.
>
> Good luck - Jonathan
>
> me wrote:
> >
> > Hey gang.
> >
> > Does anyone run a smoke/carbon detector in their camper?
> >
> > I was just wondering if I should have put one in mine, as I just bought
> > all new ones in my house. Hmmm, should I have picked up one more?
>
>
sporting a new look inside. It's by First Alert. :)
I wish the weather would have been a bit cooler at night so that my peace
of mind could have gotten some sleep. The heat index was pushing 115
this weekend. Talk about muggy.
Regards
Ed Ferguson
Yep, I saw all that trash, and was shocked. Actually, I didn't get to the Inner
Harbor, but we went over part of the water when taking the Light Rail from the
airport Comfort Inn to the Convention Center. I saw the story on the news. What a
job to have to clean. While I'm a volunteer firefighter, I work for Delta and flew
up for the convention. I had to ride the cockpit jumpseat since the plane was
FULL. I'm glad I have jumpseat authority! Getting home was worse due to severe
weather in Atlanta! We ended up flying out of DCA airport.
The trip was great...mostly. The Light Rail was an experience. Mostly, it was a
great experience and convenient. Unfortunately, the first day it was pouring down
rain, the coupon machines wouldn't take my money, some obnoxious woman behind me
was yelling at me, and two MTA workers were standing there refusing to help. They
finally said to just get on the train and they'd radio it in. And, wouldn't you
know it!! The police came on for the radom check...figures with my luck.
Fortunately, he did get the word and didn't say anything (having fire department
clothing on probably helped too!).
But, on the plus side, the Light Rail was fairly convenient, and very reasonably
priced. I wish we had gotten over to the Inner Harbor. I was there last year and
we visited it. This year, we were just too tired. We took classes all morning, and
went on the convention floor in the afternoon to see new products and talk with
vendors and manufacturers. Everyone was great (both residents and visitors) and we
had a great time. We're already talking about our next trip to your great city.
Anyway...sorry for the rambling...I have strayed from the pop-up camper topics
(guess I'll hear from the bandwidth police!). Speaking of being a firefighter, did
everyone see my Dalmatian, Belle, on my Camping web page at
http://www.mindspring.com/~edferg under the Indian Springs trip? (how's that for
getting back on the topic??)
Take care!
Ed
Jim and Linda King
>storage position.
Okay, Mark, now I've got it! It sounds like your alarm is similar to ours. A
skinny metal mounting plate, and then the battery is in the smoke alarm, which
twists onto the skinny plate. I think we'll try your idea!
bwoi...@my-deja.com
(Coleman)
In article <MPG.11fd1bb53...@news.earthlink.net>,
justjim01...@earthlink.net (me) wrote:
> Hey gang.
>
> Does anyone run a smoke/carbon detector in their camper?
>
> I was just wondering if I should have put one in mine, as I just
bought
> all new ones in my house. Hmmm, should I have picked up one more?
>
>
Jim and Linda King
Really? I haven't seen the Colemans come with anything except a propane leak
detector mounted near the floor somewhere. What year and model do you have?