The Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors for RVs

Last Updated on August 25, 2022

Ensuring the safety of your family while on the road is important, and one way to do this is by investing in a carbon monoxide detector for your RV. While parked, RVs can produce deadly carbon monoxide gas from their generators, and this gas can quickly build up to dangerous levels inside the RV if there is poor ventilation.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. Don’t let its invisibility fool you-it’s deadly. The gas can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even death. For RVers, it’s especially important to have a carbon monoxide detector because RVs are often parked in close proximity to other vehicles, and the gas can easily build up. In fact, carbon dioxide poisoning occurs more often in RVs than in any other type of vehicle.

What is a Carbon Monoxide Detector?

A carbon monoxide detector for RV is an important safety device that can help protect you and your family from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when there is a buildup of the gas in an enclosed space. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause coma and death.

Aside from its deadly effects, carbon monoxide is also difficult to detect because it is odorless and colorless. This makes it hard to know when there is a problem until it’s too late. This is why having a carbon monoxide detector in your RV is so important.

How Does a Carbon Monoxide Detector Work?

Since carbon dioxide can’t be easily detected by a human’s nose, a carbon monoxide detector is equipped with a sensor that can detect the presence of the gas. They are designed to monitor the air for the presence of carbon monoxide gas. This gas is produced whenever fuel is burned, so it’s present in RV engines and any other combustion engines.

This lifesaver will sound an alarm if the level of gas in the air reaches a certain level. This level is based on the amount of time it would take for symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning to appear. Initially, carbon monoxide detectors were initially used in industrial settings, but they are now common in homes and RVs.

There are two types of sensors that are used in carbon monoxide detectors:

MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor) Sensor:

This type of sensor uses a chip that is coated with a metal oxide. The chip produces an electric current when it comes into contact with carbon monoxide molecules. The current is then converted into a reading that is displayed on the detector.

Pellet Sensors:

This type of sensor uses a pellet that changes color when it comes into contact with carbon monoxide. The change in color is then used to determine the level of gas in the air. Often, these sensors are used in combination with MOS sensors.

What to Look for in a Good RV Carbon Monoxide Detector

Checking your tires, or getting your RV for a preventive maintenance checkup is important to make sure your RV is in top running condition. But this doesn’t stop here. Getting equipped with the right safety devices is just as important. Here are some things to look for when choosing a carbon monoxide detector for your RV:

Reliable Sensors

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping for a carbon monoxide detector. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that the device has reliable sensors. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas, so it’s important to have a detector that can accurately detect its presence. We can’t deny the fact that there have been some cases where carbon monoxide detectors have given false alarms. But this doesn’t mean that you should avoid them altogether. Just be sure to choose a reliable brand and model.

Size

When it comes to safety devices, size doesn’t always matter. But in the case of carbon monoxide detectors, it’s important to choose one that is the right size for your RV. While most of these devices won’t take up much of your RV’s space, some are larger than others. If you have a small RV, you might want to choose a smaller carbon monoxide detector.

Easy to Read Display

Another important feature to look for in a good carbon monoxide detector is an easy-to-read display. The display should be large and backlit so that you can easily see it, even in low-light conditions. Additionally, the display should show the current carbon monoxide level as well as the peak level over a period of time. This information will help you determine if there is a problem and how severe it is.

Loud Alarm

Getting alerted of a carbon monoxide leak is important, but it won’t do you any good if you can’t hear the alarm. That’s why it’s important to choose a carbon monoxide detector with a loud alarm. The alarm should be loud enough to wake you up if you’re asleep, or get your attention if you’re in another part of the RV. Ideally, the alarm should be at least 85 decibels.

Long Battery Life

There are two types of carbon monoxide detectors – those that run on batteries and those that plug into an outlet. If you choose a battery-powered detector, be sure to choose one with long battery life. RVs can be unpredictable places, so you never know when you might lose power. That’s why it’s important to choose a carbon monoxide detector with long battery life. Many of these devices come with batteries that will last for at least 5 years.

Low Battery Indicator

Before heading out on your next RV trip, be sure to check the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector. This is especially important if you choose a battery-powered detector. Many of these devices come with a low battery indicator, which will let you know when it’s time to replace the batteries. It’s worth noting that these detectors will still work even if the batteries are low. However, they might not be as accurate.

Our Top 4 Recommendations for RV Carbon Dioxide Detectors

Part of living the RV lifestyle includes using appliances and devices that use propane. While propane is a very safe fuel, there is always the potential for a leak. This is one of the plausible sources of carbon dioxide in your RV. To help you keep your family safe, we’ve compiled a list of our top four recommendations for RV carbon dioxide detectors.

 

1) Honeywell Wireless CO Detector (5800)

The Honeywell Wireless CO Detector is a battery-operated device that can be placed anywhere in your RV. It features an easy-to-read digital display and gives you both visual and audible alerts when carbon monoxide is detected. This detector also has a self-diagnostic feature that continuously monitors performance and alerts you if there are any problems.

With a LED status indicator, the Honeywell Wireless CO Detector is always working to keep you safe. If carbon monoxide is detected, the LED will flash and an 85-decibel alarm will sound. This detector also features a voice that announces “carbon monoxide” so you can take action even if you’re not in the same room as the device.

Additionally, it also comes with an end-of-life timer allowing you to know when it’s time to replace the batteries and detector. Its electrochemical sensing technology is very accurate and reliable, making it a great choice for an RV carbon monoxide detector.

 

2) ALERT PRO Carbon Dioxide Detector

Stylish, slim, and easy to use, the ALERT PRO Carbon Dioxide Detector is a great choice for RVs. Another battery-operated CO detector that can be easily placed in your RV. With an LCD display, it continuously monitors carbon dioxide levels and will sound an alarm when it reaches a dangerous level.

This product has been proven to have superior accuracy and is reliable in a variety of environments. Additionally, it comes with an end-of-life voice warning, so you know when to replace the batteries or detector. With a 5-year limited warranty, the ALERT PRO Carbon Dioxide Detector is the ultimate choice for those who are looking for a carbon dioxide detector that is easy to install, accurate, and reliable.

 

3) Google Nest Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Detector

If you’re looking for a high-quality carbon monoxide detector that also doubles as a smoke alarm, the Google Nest Protect is a great option. This battery-operated detector can be linked to your phone so you always know what’s going on at home, and it will even send you an alert if the batteries are running low. Many homeowners and RVers are thrilled by its friendly voice that lets you know when there’s a problem.

It can be linked to an app called Nest, which gives you detailed alerts and history so you can see when there was an issue and for how long. You can also use the app to hush the alarm if it’s a false alarm (like when you’re cooking dinner). This way, you don’t have to deal with the loud, annoying beeping.

Its sleek design is a nice touch, too. What makes this sensor different from others in the market is that it makes use of a split spectrum sensor. This means that it can quickly detect both fast and slow-burning fires. It informs you of where the source of the fire is, so you can take action right away.

The Google Nest Protect also has a feature called Pathlight. When it’s dark and the motion detector is triggered, it will light up so you can see where you’re going. This is a great safety feature, especially if you have young children or pets in your RV. One downside of the Google Nest Protect is that it’s one of the more expensive carbon monoxide detectors on the market. But many people feel that it’s worth the investment for its features and quality.

 

4) WolfShield Carbon Monoxide Detector

Accuracy is one of the first things that you’d want to have in an RV carbon dioxide detector, and this WolfShield model doesn’t disappoint. It uses an electrochemical sensor that is known for its accuracy in detecting carbon dioxide. Equipped with an 85 dB alarm and 10 years of lithium battery life, this detector is sure to keep you and your family safe. It’s wireless and easy to install.

With an easy-to-read LED display, this detector also shows the current and peak carbon dioxide levels over a period of time. You can also silence the alarm by pressing the test/reset button. Since it’s battery-operated, there’s no need to worry about the long wires that usually get in the way. The package comes with the right anchor plugs and screws that are required to easily install in your RV – anyplace, anytime.

Approved by the BSI (British Standards Insitute), this alarm is one of the most reliable RV carbon dioxide detectors that you’ll find on the market.

 

Final Thoughts

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real threat, and it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family. We hope that this guide has helped you understand the different types of carbon monoxide detectors and how to choose the right one for your RV.