Keep Your RV from going up in SMOKE 🔥

RV Propane & Smoke Alarms have a EOL expectancy. If you don’t replace them you could DIE.
Does your RV smoke alarm go off when you cook inside? If so, here’s the solution to fix that problem.
There are 2 VERY important safety items that need to be replaced every 5 years.
• The Propane Gas Detector Alarm
• The Smoke Alarm - But I'm upgrading mine to a Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarm for double protection
Your propane gas alarm should be located somewhere in the kitchen/galley area and it will be mounted low. The reason for this is propane is heavier than air so if you have a propane leak the in this area, it will sink to ground level and that’s why the alarm is mounted low.
• If you have propane leak or say you left a stove knob slightly turned ON, the RV will kinda smell like a smelly grey tank.
• Now these alarms come in all types of shapes and sizes, but this is a very common one. If you have a different type or model and can’t find a exact replacement it’s no problem, you can replace it with a different type. Just make sure it meets the high standards necessary to stay safe.
I have 2 very popular models in my Amazon store in the Safety & Emergency Gear category.
• To test or mute the alarm simply press this button any time when the alarm is powered. Just be aware that this test button DOES NOT test the sensor. It only tests the alarm circuit and verifies it is being powered by 12V. If you want to actually test the sensor you can use propane or Butane to test it by releasing it near the sensor which is right here. It may take 10 seconds or so for the alarm to sound.
• All these propane gas alarms have a sensor and that sensor has an EOL service END OF LIFE and it needs to be replaced every 5 years.
• Also if you have pets that shed hair, pet hair can really mess with these units so clean them regularly with a vacuum or a damp cloth and don’t let your fur baby’s decide that this is their favorite place to snuggle or sleep. This is the one area that’s off limits to them if you want to stay safe.
Now let’s move on to upgrading a simple smoke alarm to a Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm and why you should do that.
I recommend changing out the Smoke Alarm every 5 years but in my case I’m upgrading my old smoke alarm to a Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. You’re probably wondering why I say replace it every 5 years. Smoke alarms and Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms also have a EOL service. They need to be replaced periodically. Different manufacturers specify when that should be done.
But for me, to be on the safe side, I change out all my alarms every 5 years because I use my propane alarm that we just replaced as the baseline. That alarm has the earliest EOL service date of all my alarms. It needs to be replaced every 5yrs. So when I replace the propane alarm I change out my other 2 alarms too even though these Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms have a EOL service of 7yrs. It just makes keeping track of these things a whole lot easier.
• You just never know when carbon monoxide will creep in and be a threat. Carbon monoxide can KILL YOU
Joanie & I were just notified by one our fans that we made the top 14 MUST-SEE KZbin CHANNELS ABOUT RVING
Here’s his Message to us:
Just saw you guys made top 14 must watch KZbin on camper smart hope this helps you to over 100k
campersmarts.com/14-must-see-...
Check out my PLAYLIST page here:
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Please...consider SUBSCRIBING to our Channel. It's FREE. It’s a great way to support us, our channel-and Martin-who is a “Purple Heart Veteran” 💜.
💗 OUR AMAZON STORE 💗
FOR THE PRODUCTS WE USE & RECOMMEND IN ALL OUR VIDEOS
www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet
💗 BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:
EVEN IF WHAT YOU NEED IS NOT IN OUR AMAZON STORE, YOU CAN STILL CLICK OUR STORE LINK, THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO OUR STORE, SHOP AND SEARCH ON AMAZON LIKE YOU NORMALLY WOULD, PUT YOUR ITEMS IN THE CART AND CHECK OUT. Using our Amazon Store to buy your RV gear, parts, maintenance items “AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU SHOP FOR ON AMAZON” is a great way to say "Thank You" Martin for making these videos and helping the RV community.
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DISCLAIMER:
We are in no way experts or professional mechanics. But being a journeyman millwright for years & being EX Military, has proven to be very helpful in my lifetime learning how to care for & maintain all sorts of machinery & equipment like: helicopters, airplanes, tanks, motorcycles & many types of other vehicles. That, along with 18 months preparing & upgrading our RV before we went full time, & now traveling for several years has gained us a lot of knowledge. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Work you perform or products you purchase based on any information we provide is at your own risk.

[@NackDSP]

I expect that when 57,700 people watch this, many will avoid dying in a fire or from smoke in the coming years. Martin for the win.

[@sqqqrly7750]

Instead of crimp connectors, it is even easier to use Wago lever connectors. X-Sense makes a smoke/CO detector with a 10 year Lithium battery.

[@RVstreet]

Thanks for the info 👍

[@fedhater1]

Love the Amazon store...

[@beelust4312]

Glad to see you, Dr Martin and always have you in my prayers 🙏 ❤️.

[@rickl6697]

Martin, our class A (2003 Newmar Dutch Star DP) has a switch on the panel to turn the propane detector on/off. Also, my understanding is that the 5 year life is "on" time. I just replaced our propane detector a year or maybe two ago and it was the original from 2003(date on back). (We bought it used in 2016 and it only had 45k miles on it.) The special end of life signal went off. Our smoke/CO detector did the same thing and set off an end of life signal. I check the propane detector from time to time with propane from a propane torch. Thanks for posting, you and your wife are in our prayers. Hang tough, sir. I haven't run across a talking smoke /CO detector, cool

[@Moultrie31768]

Thanks Martin, hope that you are doing well.

[@saintb6969]

Good to see you again Martin!

[@markbigler6871]

Hi Martin and Joanie. I’m constantly sending prayers. I hope they get received to u both and God himself. He will be right there beside u two. Love u guys!!💕

[@joseconcepcion3159]

Great to hear from you, you look good, and sound great Our prayers are with you

[@twylabowman3489]

Assuming this was recorded some time ago. But it’s still good to see you. Keeping you both in my prayers.

[@twoforonecreativelife]

Again, very helpful. We’ve been trying, and failing, to locate a parasitic drain on our (new to us) previously owned class c. Thing is, it’s draining our truck battery not the house battery 🙄. It never occurred to me about the antenna; I’ll give it a check. Thanks again 🙏🏻

[@sharaifowler1443]

Thank you for all of your content! I became a widow 3 months after we went full-time a little over a year ago. Your videos have saved me so many times. Thank you so much!

[@bobabooie6389]

Hope you're doing well

[@csmith9189]

👍❤ Another very important video! Thank you Martin! Blessings to you!

[@fanacdc]

Hey Martin happy to see you!

[@michaelpreviti9168]

Thanks Martin. Have replaced several over the years and still learned something😊

[@mikebrant192]

As always, comprehensive and correct! Thank you again.

[@donaldbrisboe3639]

Another great great job Martin. Going to change mine. Thanks Don

[@evewilliams2930]

Thanks!

[@RVstreet]

💕

[@ricktaylor6373]

Excellent as always

[@jespo27]

Just thinking about you and how much I have benefited from your videos. I hope you are doing better and are on a positive path to recovery. 🙏

[@jonkersner9292]

Hey there Martin hope you are well. The best to you and Joanie. These kind of videos are why I started to watch you. Thanks. Prayers

[@playinatlife5778]

Thanks for this video! I never knew about the 5 year rule. You always make the maintenance stuff look easy. Hope you're doing well.

[@lcole-hq9og]

Hey Martin…great video, as usual! I do want to point out that many older RV’s have a shut off solenoid that is attached to the detector. When I purchased our 96 class A, the old propane detector had never been replaced!! The exact replacement, with the yellow wire that attaches to the detector, was $240!! So, I bought a standard two wire detector, a switch, and in-line fuse. This allowed me to connect the solenoid wire to the switch (and I grounded it to the frame). Now, I can turn the propane on and off from inside the coach!!

[@RVstreet]

Good tip

[@michaelmurphy6434]

Changed all 3, propane, smoke and CO. Although the batteries are 10 year, I will go with the 5 year, to be SAFE. The ones I ordered thorough Amazon with only a month old when received. I did write the date of install on the unit and on my maintenance of worked performed sheet

[@matthewmortiere4620]

Thanks for the content Martin, hope you're doing well. Take care!

[@ronjarrell2907]

After other KZbin videos on 12 v electric and trying it for myself I'll only use wago connectors and not crimp connections. So much easier to ensure a great connection. It's faster less effort and better consistent results. Obviously there no difference if a person makes a perfect connection no matter what type of connection, crimp or wago or solder or butt or wire nut.

[@LookUpTheKalergiPlanWhitePeeps]

Hope you and Joanie are doing wonderful! Stay strong and thanks for everything that you two do.

[@bendemby924]

Thank you for all your tips, expressly items that get over looked. You are in my 🙏

[@rddowell5400]

Thanks! My husband and I watch your videos all the time. We have been so thankful for your suggestions. We have been prepared and saved lots of time and money because of your videos. Also, we wanted you to know that we’ve been praying for you.

[@janpiper3068]

Thanks for all your helpful information it has helped me understand the problems I could have if I'm not on my toes. I am sending prayers for a complete recovery and return to your good health.

[@donitaarender7839]

Thanks Martin for the Video. I changed my propane detector last year. And I replaced it with a carbon monoxide and propane combo detector. I didn't realize that the smoke detectors needed to be replaced as well. So thanks for letting me know. Continued prayers for your healing! Sending love, prayers and Hugs for you and Joni!

[@danielperra5976]

I am not sure that a combination CO / Propane works well. While Propane is heaver then air it tends to sink but CO is a little lighter than air and tens to rise.

[@askmslynnllc5363]

On anything that will likely be worked on within 10 years I use a reusable connector like spade connector. I also throw some electrical tape over connector to make sure it never comes lose.

[@keithmaddox2917]

Thanks again for the very helpful video. I am sure that’s 2 items that most people forget to check and replace

[@waynesmith2549]

Great information, Thanks. Praying for you guys

[@jimmywood7817]

Thanks again for the great advice 👍

[@andrewsharman4419]

Another really informative video. Thanks again to you both for helping RVers learn key things.

[@robertroth287]

Helpful and informative as always. Hope you are feeling better. Stay strong.

[@jeffbarnard3050]

Great to see you! You guys are my favorite. Praying for you all daily!

[@Spenttheirinheritance]

as always great info.

[@jackpalma3590]

Well first and foremost. My prayers and thoughts are with you both. If I could be with you both, a big big hug to you and your lovely wife. I do have a question I did not see or missed your recommendation for a smoke detector you installed. Do you have a link for the one you replaced? If so could you post the link? Thank you for your help, and another GREAT VIDEO.. Hope you are doing ok and praying for you. All our love to you both....

[@RVstreet]

Hi Jack, Just like everything I discuss in all my videos, the different parts are in my Amazon Store and the link is always in the description text under each video. In this case, these alarms are found in the "Safety / Emergency Gear" category. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet If you're having difficulty finding the description text, watch this video. It's very helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKHVcqZ-hJxgfJo

[@simms196]

Just replaced the battery in my smoke detector after pressing the test button, it failed. thank you

[@americanrascal53]

Another great video of must do RV Care items that are so often overlooked! Not only are these items and needs important in your sticks and bricks but given the risks in motorhomes the maintenance of these safety items are SOOOO important. Great info as always Martin! Hope you are on the mend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

[@richardgreen6022]

Thanks! Peace.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Yeah I always Get so much out of your education and knowledge, you make it possible for me to do everything I need to do and extremely professional! You and Joanie are such awesome people. Thank You, I appreciate you both

[@patriotpreppermama]

Health and well wishes to you! Stay strong

[@hannahshepherd9073]

Yep, always glad to learn something educational from you, you good looking man, your wife is one lucky woman !

[@karenmoldovan8146]

Hi Martin (and Joanie). Once again I learned a lot from your video and not only about the propane/smoke/CO detectors. Hope you are feeling fairly well and love to you both!

[@dikhurtz2406]

I’ve been Martinizing my rig. Getting ready to head from Arizona to Tennessee in a couple of weeks. I absolutely love these videos

[@martymalone4094]

Great video, Martin, information that I didn't know on detectors. I'll be sure to check mine because my coach is going on 5 years old. I also want to say I hope you are doing better and that my prayers are with you. From one veteran to another, keep fighting and don't give up.!

[@Herk988]

Wow, thanks for this super helpful video! We are ordering the propane alarm this week! Thanks again! Hope things are going better😊

[@jamespresuto8671]

Thanks, Martin. You do a great job on your videos. This is on my spring list for getting ready to camp. Thanks and God bless.

[@RVstreet]

Ya this is a great spring item to knock off the list. That's why I waited to released this video now. If your interested I have these alarms in my Amazon Store in the "Safety / Emergency Gear" category. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet

[@gordschultz1980]

Great video Martin and very timely. We just made our late winter trip and this reminded me to check all alarm batteries. I also checkout our propane detector and we have 2 years until we need to replace. Thanks for that! Hope you are doing well.

[@jenniferrabbwells898]

Perfect time, Martin. I was just thinking this week that I need to change these two items before we use the RV this year. I've not changed them before, so this is a very helpful video!

[@janpiper3068]

Thanks for your helpful videos and your info on all kinds of problems, you have saved a lot of 💰 money for the people who want to properly maintain their RV. I want to thank you for being there for us, and I want you too know that we are Praying for a complete recovery for you.

[@richardcarter927]

Enjoy your content. Just bought our rv last fall and have been equipping it this winter and will start traveling this spring. Wish I would have found your channel before we spent so much on Amazon, but we will be using your link going forward. Sorry to hear about your health issues. Keep the faith and best wishes and prayers.

[@RVstreet]

thx Richard so much

[@paddymax8653]

Wondered what happened to Rutger hauer😂

[@EvanMoon]

If you have a large RV, you might think about mounting 2 CO^2 alarms

[@hectorquintanilla5520]

Martin great videos great chanel!. Newbie to rv'ing, wished I had found chanel sooner. Thank you for your service. I hope everything goes great with your treatment. So Ironic we live in same area. Keep videos coming. Maybe buy you a coffee.thank you

[@benoitfontaine899]

Glad to see you Martin. I always learn something new listings to your videos, thanks! I recently changed all the rv alarms, they were all outdated... We accidentally left a stove knob slightly turned on and the sewer smell lasted until the next day before we realized it was gas and not the sinks! I bought fire alarm with 10 year lithium batteries and a carbon + propane detector that came with defferent size wall plates to cover the hole if necessary. Take care!

[@RVstreet]

I'm broken hearted to say Martin has passed away💔

[@krisg3984]

I didn’t know they had End of Life ,,,, 😮 duh ! Just goes to show we just put these things out of mind

[@steverobinson1598]

How you guys doing? Still in Texas? I'm going to spend the summer in Show Low, Arizona. Get to mushroom hunt the White Mountains there. Hope all goes well with you my friend. As always, I got your back. Steve Robinson

[@LifeMyWay007]

Hope things are coming along well. I remember you said before you are saving up videos for "RV Season" to start, maybe this is a good 'filler video' for full-timers. Can you do a video on getting maintenance done the most economically - for both Low Income (RV life to have low cost of living) and Disabled (so you can not physically do it yourself)?

[@RVstreet]

Start with this list. It doesn't get any cheaper than doing it yourself or help from a friend. kzbin.info/aero/PLkQXtMp9xodR-PDUkTg936iZAeMuOqwnj

[@molivil]

I was a bit surprised that you and others have to fan the smoke detector every so often. Many smoke detectors have a function to silence them for 5-10 minutes when the test button is depressed quickly. Maybe your new detector has that function as well? Anyways, great video thank you. And hope for the best health as always.

[@starhopper457]

RIP Martin, and... when did I learn that I can twist connectors 90 degrees and use the crimper to remove them, rather than just cut the wires? With this vid at around 7:01... wish I learned that earlier! Thanks my friend!

[@RVstreet]

I'm glad Martin is still helping people ♥️

[@travelingwithfrida]

Do you have a link for the co2/smoke detector you installed? I could not find it in your store. Love it's features.

[@RVstreet]

You must of missed them. They're there. Check again. These alarms are found in the "Safety / Emergency Gear" category. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet

[@travelingwithfrida]

@@RVstreet Thanks, found them. 😀

[@danielperra5976]

I did not know about the 5-year rule for RV smoke and propane detectors. If I had been asked, I would have gone with 10 years like it is for my home CO / Smoke alarms which I just replaced about a year ago. You mentioned that you have a second C0 / Smoke detector in the bedroom area. Now for a question, my home Smoke / Co detectors are hard wire interconnected, if one alerts, they all alert. My coach only has the one near the cooking area but if I wanted to install a second one, do you know if wireless interconnected detectors are available?

[@AiBilly]

Nice to see a new video. Question : I need a new propane detector for my RV. A couple of sellers say on their description that the detector is good for 7 years "After" it has been powered on. Your or your viewers thoughts .

[@RVstreet]

These have a 5-year operational life as a guide to insure safety.

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

Just wondering if the alarms are not in use (unplugged), say for 6 months out if the year, would they still need to be replaced as though they were in constant use during that same time?

[@RVstreet]

Yes. EOL is determined by age not use.

[@Herk988]

Can’t seem to find the link for the carbon monoxide/fire alarm in your Amazon store? Can you provide the link so we can order? Thanks!

[@RVstreet]

There in the "Safety / Emergency Gear" category. www.amazon.com/shop/rvstreet

[@Herk988]

Oh ok, thanks!