The Best RV Carbon Monoxide Detector

Protecting your recreational vehicle from fire and your loved ones from carbon monoxide danger, the best RV carbon monoxide detector is a special device that you need for your camper, mobile home or recreational vehicle. It will help in keeping you, your loved ones safe from CO hazards caused by leaks and high levels of carbon monoxide in the air.

To help you get started in the selection process, keep reading in the next sections. It features the top 10 picks on the market along with their pros and cons so that you can make a better comparison later. You will also find a buying guide with the factors to check when comparing your options. If you’re ready, let us start.

Best RV Carbon Monoxide Detectors

1. MTI Industries 20-441-P-WT Safe T Alert 20 Series

If you’re shopping around for a camper carbon monoxide detector, you should take a look at this MTI Industries 20-441-P-WT Safe T Alert 20. This product is by MTI, one of the most trusted brands in this category. It’s serious in its commitment to provide quality and satisfying RV safety products to its customers.

I liked how this CO detector is made. It is with innovative features that can help keep our recreational vehicle and our loved ones safe. The propane gas detector works in a simple and straightforward manner that it can alarm us if something is wrong to avoid an even bigger issue of putting our family’s lives at risk.

It also has a compact built and is easy to install. You don’t have to worry about setting it up quickly in your recreational vehicle and getting enough protection from gas leaks. The gas alarm is built for the mobile and rugged environment of your mobile home or camper.

It is especially designed to offer protection to your investment. You can also use it for fifth wheels, folding campers and trucks. The Safe T Alert 20 Series also boasts its innovative alarm mute button, which silences your alarm if the RV is ventilated.

It also comes with a rapid recovery sensor that can reset when silenced. This sensor can also be reactivated if it senses dangerous propane levels. The 12v carbon monoxide detector is convenient to install that you don’t have to worry about dead batteries to replace again.

You might also want to know that this product meets strict standards of the NFPA or RVIA as well as listed to the UL 1484.

2. First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

The battery operated carbon monoxide detector for RV is another top choice among CO monoxide detectors on the market. If you want to achieve peace of mind that you can protect your family from smoke and carbon monoxide, you might want to check out the alarm system that is designed and built to offer that protection you need.

It can work continuously to monitor carbon monoxide levels in cases of power failures. I would like to note that this system is featuring an electrochemical sensing technology along with a photoelectric sensor. They work in detecting even larger fire particles. Using this system, you will prevent fire in your camper or recreational vehicle.

I would like to note that it also has indicator lights on its front panel, showing you any presence of poisonous carbon monoxide and smoke. And when it does detect danger, you can also look forward to its efficient operation of providing you that loud enough siren rated at 85 decibels, enough to let you hear warnings easily.

I am also recommending this unit because it installs quickly that you don’t need an electrician to do it. This model is battery-operated. It also features low battery signal mute that quiets the signal for up to eight hours.

In addition, this unit is not hard to use at all because it has silence and single test button. You can also replace the battery easily for its easy to access drawer. You can remove and replace the battery without removing it.

I would like to note that it comes with a 7-year limited warranty that can give you peace of mind in every purchase. And when it reaches end of life, you will hear a signal chirp, informing you of replacement for safety. Every unit is also tested to comply with the standards. It is listed to meet UL standards.

On the downside, there are malfunctioning issues after some time, but that can be due to end of life of the unit. It can signal that with a chirping sound to note that it needs replacement.

3. X-Sense Dual Detector

The X-Sense Dual Sensor Alarm is a high quality product that complies with authority standards including UL 217 & UL 2034 Standards, ensuring safety and performance. Shopping for such products is sensitive, so it needs careful consideration.

One must be precise because it should provide an effective alarm. It is crucial for the safety of your loved ones and recreational vehicle. This model is what you need for its precision and performance in offering an effective alarm.

I would also like to recommend the unit that is have a 10-year battery and sensor for long-term performance. It comes with an integrated lithium battery, giving it the power it needs while remaining eco-friendly. With this unit, you don’t have to replace the battery often.

And when it is done and needs replacement, you will hear an end of life signal. It is for the safety of everyone.

I would like to note that it comes with a practical LCD display that shows you real time concentration of carbon monoxide in your recreational vehicle. It can also indicate about any remaining battery life as well as the status of the alarm.

You can find its screen backlit blue if it detects any 30-999 ppm. It will also show you a LED indication with a flashing red light four times for every 5.8 seconds.

It is a highly sensitive alarm that is reliable and accurate, too. This model comes with a photoelectric smoke sensor along with an electrochemical CO sensor, which can work independently.

This model also requires no rewiring and is easy to set up on a ceiling or wall with its mounting bracket included. It also includes anchor plugs and screws.

The X-Sense Detector are efficient that it can detect slow and fast burning fires. It can send out a signal if there is a dangerous CO or smoke concentration in the air in order to minimize false alarms.

4. Kidde KN-COEG-3

Carbon monoxide and other gas are fatal mixture in the air that can cause health hazards and death at worst. These gases cannot be easily seen by the human’s naked eyes nor smell by our nose. Don’t be a victim by investing to one of the smartest gadgets that had ever been invented, which is called carbon monoxide detector. And Kidde can offer you the best Carbon Monoxide and Explosive Gas Detector in town.

Be it inside an RV, motorhome or in any residential space, a Kidde KN-COEG-3 will give the occupants more peace-of-mind. This gadget is easy to plug in any wall outlet. It is very useful in determining if there is any excessive presence of Carbon Monoxide, Propane and Methane in the air that people is breathing.

Once Kidde KN-COEG-3 detects that there is a gas threat in the location, it instantly releases a loud alarm that reaches 85-decibel to send an alert message to the nearby people. This audible sound will continue every 5 seconds until the gas leak has been addressed or lessened.

I would like to share also that it allows RV passengers to monitor the quality of air around through a built-in LED Digital Display. Here you can see accurately the level of Carbon Monoxide and other gases. It’s very convenient to use because it gives signal every 15 seconds if there is any changes in the quality of air. Plus you know it is functioning properly through a blinking dot and test alarm.

5. Forensics Detectors FD Carbon Monoxide Detector

Many times Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors have proven their prowess being lifesavers. That is why it is always better to bring efficient CO detectors whether you are on a road trip or permanently living inside an RV or motorhome. A CO detector that rises among others is the Forensics Detectors FD RV co2 detector.

Compared to other brands, Forensics Detectors FD Carbon Monoxide Detector is a simplified yet very reliable gadget that comes in a cheaper price. It may have a lower cost but the quality is as competitive as those expensive detectors as it carries the finest sensor technology from no other than the unbeatable manufacturers in Japan.

The Forensics Detectors FD Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector creates a 9ppm audible alarm when it detects unhealthy level of CO in the air. In addition, it sends signal via red Led and a buzzer that reaches up to 70 decibels to cause panic to the people around.

This CO detector can serve a good protection for the family while spending a bonding time at home or in vehicle. If there is a gas leak or unusual CO emission, it gives immediate alarms in every 60 seconds compare to regular CO detectors.

I find it economical that Forensics Detectors FD Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector is long lasting and power saving. It can last from eight to 12 months of non-stop operation using same set of batteries.

Another advantage that this item has is that it is made tough using aluminum alloy. It is still light weighted and portable even if it possess a metal finish. If it fails you for any reason, don’t hesitate to reach Forensics Detectors as they offer a 1 year warranty for this item.

6. BQQZHZ Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon Monoxide, propane, methane and excessive smoke can cause accidents and can really be detrimental to human welfare. What is more alarming is that these gas are odorless and invisible to the eyes so it can be too late before you know it’s already creeping all over your lungs. The best solution is to have good CO detector just like BQQZHZ Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector.

With this BQQZHZ Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, the occupants can stay and sleep well inside a motorhome without the worries of not waking up the next day due to gas leaks. It is expert in sensing harmful CO and smoke and sending alarms to people so they can stay alert.

This detector uses a special photoelectric sensor and electrochemical sensor to determine if the level of CO is still safe for everyone or there is a rising smoke from any appliances. It is also quite economical to get two functions from a single purchase since it can detect not just gas leaks but also smoke.

Aside from that, the best that this gadget does is it produces a hysterical alarm once it sense gas and smoke threat in the surroundings. It warns the people around through a loud 85 decibels alarm.

I would like to emphasize also that this device needs a 9V battery to operate and a cell is already included in the package. That can save you from buying a separate battery. Not just that, it is also economical for not requiring you a professional electrician just to install it since it is very convenient to set-up.

7. Kidde 21026403 Carbon Monoxide Detector

Having a carbon monoxide detector for your RV is an essential safety system. It helps protect your loved ones from the risks of fire and explosion that may be caused by carbon monoxide leakage. A top of the line and reliable carbon monoxide detector is one manufactured by Kidde.

The Kidde 21026403 detector uses ionization sensing technology. It is both a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector in one unit saving you both the money and effort in installation a different unit for each function.

One of the notable features that I like about the Kidde carbon monoxide detector is its voice alarm. This detector announces the kind of hazard it detects whether “Fire” or “Carbon Monoxide Warning”. This is convenient so that you can act fast and according to the hazard detected to keep you and your family safe.

This Kidde detector also has a Hush Feature that temporarily silences nuisance alarm to save you from random annoying alarms going off.

This detector is battery-powered so it works even during a power outage. Another thing that I like about this detector is its easy access front-loading battery door. The Kidde detector also announces if it is low in battery. Once the battery died, you can easily replace them with two AA batteries without the need of disconnecting it from its bracket. Its battery door will not close until the batteries are properly installed.

This product is easy to install. It has a text/reset button that you can use to test your detector. The quality of this product is guaranteed. It has a 10-year life and with its 5-year limited warranty, you can confidently purchase this detector.

As for its downside, some users complain about their detector going off randomly.

8. Atwood 32703 Carbon Monoxide Detector

Keeping our family and home safe is one of our top priorities. Fire and explosion at home are some of the hazards we try to avoid. If you are looking for a carbon monoxide detector to install for your home as a safety system to avoid such incidents, one of the best detectors I suggest that you should try is the Atwood RV carbon monoxide detector.

The Atwood carbon monoxide detector is CSA certified. For customer satisfaction and confidence, this product has been tested and proven to meet the standards for safety and performance.

The Atwood detector is manufactured with the best technology having your family and home’s safety in mind. This detector, with its fuel-cell sensor, works to alert you sooner to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your RV so you can react fast to avoid unwanted incidents such as a fire.

I also prefer the Atwood carbon monoxide detector to other models because it is relatively not so sensitive to trigger false alarms in order to avoid alarms throughout the day.

The Atwood carbon monoxide detector is easy to install. For your convenience, this detector also has a test/reset button that you can use to test the sound of your alarm and to reset your detector once the alarm goes off.

Another thing that I found convenient about the Atwood carbon monoxide detector is its three indicator lights that help you to know the condition of your detector. The green blink means the detector is working normally, the red flashing light is the active alarm and the red blink indicates low battery. It also has a digital readout that displays CO levels.

The Atwood carbon monoxide detector is battery-powered for your convenient use even during events of a power outage. There are three AA batteries are included in the package.

9. MTI Industries Safe T Alert Carbon Monoxide Alarm

If you are looking for a carbon monoxide detector for your RV to ensure the safety of your family, one of the detectors in the market is the MTI Industries Safe T Alert carbon monoxide alarm. It detects dangerous gas levels to keep your family safe from fire or explosion.

The quality of the MTI Industries detector is guaranteed. It is a well-made product and passes the quality and safety standards. It is durable and manufactured to suit campers and RVs. It is designed to last you for a long time without needing frequent replacements. The simple but beautiful appearance and design of this detector add a nice touch for your camper.

One of the features of the MTI Industries detector that I like is its three indicator lights. These indicator lights make it easy for you to monitor the condition of your detector. The green light means it is working normally, the flashing red indicates a low alarm and the solid red is for high alarm.

The MTI Industries carbon monoxide detector also has a test/reset button that allows you to check your alarm, and then reset it once testing is done. With advanced technology, the detector also includes an “Alarm Mute” button that work by silencing the alarm and avoiding false alarms.

You don’t have to worry about messy installation. This detector by MTI Industries is easy to use and setup. You can do the installation yourself and finish it in a few minutes. A manual is also given to guide you in the proper usage of the detector.

The MTI INDUSTRIES propane gas detector is easy to install that you can complete it within minutes. It also has clear instructions are given on the back of the product and you are also provided a manual.

10. Kidde 21010047 Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide detector is a useful and convenient device to have. If you are looking for one for your camper, one that I highly recommend is the Kidde 21010047 carbon monoxide detector. I prefer this unit to the other models in the market for the following reasons.

The Kidde 21010047 carbon monoxide detector is manufactured with high and strict safety standards. It is made of quality materials and with advanced technology to give you a reliable safety system at home. It is easy to use and install. It will automatically work once attached to the mounting bracket.

The digital display of the Kidde 21010047carbon monoxide detector makes it easy for you to see and know of the level of carbon monoxide that your unit detects and it updates every 15 seconds for maximum safety precaution.

This detector also includes LED indicator lights to make it easier for you to monitor the state of your carbon monoxide detector. The green light indicates that your unit is operating normally; the red is for alarm and amber for error.

To add to your convenience, the Kidde 21010047 carbon monoxide detector also has a test/reset button you can use to test your detector and to also reset and silence it after the alarm goes off.

Another notable feature of the Kidde 21010047 carbon monoxide detector is its peak level memory. This displays the highest carbon monoxide concentration it detected since the last reset.

The Kidde 21010047 carbon monoxide detector is also battery-powered, but unlike other models, this detector has a 10-year sealed-in lithium battery. This unit can last you up to 10 years and saves you the hassle of frequently replacing batteries. It chirps to indicate the end of life.

Why You Should Trust Us

SmartRVing.net is your one-stop source for information and buying guides when choosing the right recreational vehicle appliances, tools, accessories and systems. We’re a team of real RVers that come together to share what we know to the world about different recreational vehicle products and systems.

Through the years, our team has experienced using different mobile home products that include microwave ovens, refrigerators and others appliances well as systems for sanitation and safety, among others. With our firsthand experience in using RV systems and products, we’ve tried and tested different features and qualities that make each choice a good pick.

Just like in choosing other RV products, it is important to determine what to look for when finding an RV co detector. From our experience in using CO detectors, we’ve figured out the qualities that should be in these products.

From there, we’re able to pick the top CO detectors from trusted brands and made a review of those products. We’ve compared and determined their special qualities, pros and cons.

Using this buying guide, we do hope that you will be able to pick up the correct 12 volt carbon monoxide detector for your needs.

What Is An RV Carbon Monoxide Detector And How Does It Work

Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it is deadly. The problem is that it is hard to detect it without using a detector. You need this sensor to alarm you of unsafe CO levels that will otherwise harm you and your loved ones.

With it, you can avoid carbon monoxide poisoning that has symptoms that include nausea, intense headache, fatigue, vomiting, weakness and dizziness.

And when the levels reaches 150 parts per million, unconsciousness and disorientation can occur. Carbon monoxide is one of the leading causes of poisoning in the United States.

A CO detector will help in detecting carbon monoxide levels in your recreational vehicle. It is a device that works like a smoke alarm that sounds a loud alarm when it detects CO. Some detector set off a siren when it detects dangerous levels of CO. On the other hand, there are also alarms that you can connect to your home security system or phone.

Nevertheless, CO detectors for the mobile home are one of the essential investments to make in order to protect your RV and loved ones. This special device can save lives, so it is really a necessity to have one in your recreational vehicle.

Types Of RV Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The RV co alarm will sound an alarm it detects a certain level of carbon monoxide present in the air for some time. However, you should know that there are different types of alerts that it can give off depending on what you bought. In addition to that, CO detectors are also available as a battery-operated one.

But then, you have to make sure that you replace the battery if it becomes low. These alarms will send off an audible alarm when its batteries need replacement. As the power diminishes, the alarm becomes louder in some models.

You can also find sealed battery detectors. When its battery is running out, an alarm will chirp, telling you to replace it. You can find models that have tamper proof batteries, which have 10 years of lifetime before they need replacement. You might want to check it out if you don’t want to replace the battery of the unit every few years.

On the other hand, there are also battery-operated models that have a wiring connection working as a backup. You can also find CO detectors that come with vocal warnings.

Also, you can find detectors that combine visual and audio alarms. For the visual alarm, it will indicate the CO levels with a numerical value to let you know if there is a problem right before a danger arises.

On the other hand, there are patch CO detectors, which are the cheapest of all. You can find these in homes. It works not with an audible alarm but with a color change if the CO levels are dangerous.

There are also smart CO detectors that send you a message on your phone in addition to sounding an alarm when it detects danger.

Benefits Of Using An RV Co Detector

CO is a poisonous gas, and being exposed to it long can put you in danger of choking or death. This gas is invisible and odorless and can be given off by appliances. That is why you might want to get one for your recreational vehicle if you want to keep your loved ones protected.

Early warning

It is one of the main benefits of using a CO alarm, protecting your loved ones. This device works by sending off an alarm if there is CO leaking into the mobile home. It can send off a loud sound that you can hear and give everyone enough time to get out. Many RV owners install these on the opposite ends of their vehicle.

Leak detection

It is also wise to install the monitor next to heat-producing items that include propane or gas powered hot water heater. You should also place these alarms near areas where you think that the poisonous gas will come from to give you enough time to open the vehicle windows quickly.

High level of CO detection

Many of these devices can help you detect any high levels of the poisonous gas in your mobile home. It will be good if you would choose an alarm that has electrochemical sensing technology that will give enough protection for your loved ones. With a precise alarm, you and your loved ones will have the chance to respond to any problem faster.

Temperature stability

Innovative models will prevent sending off false alarms. They are stable against any humidity or changing temperatures, preventing internal circuitry failure. With it, you can also ensure that it will respond to CO and not to ammonia and other common household chemicals or gases.

How We Picked

As there are many models and types of a RV carbon monoxide alarm, you should be able to figure out what to look for and how to compare them. Keep reading in the following for how to choose a carbon monoxide detector.

Electrochemical sensor

It will be wise to find a model with this feature. As said earlier, it is stable against temperature changes and humidity. This device can also resist reacting to common chemicals and gases like ammonia. With this feature, you can make sure that you can prevent false readings. It should also have a CO sensing technology that can add to the precision of the unit.

Accuracy

When choosing a CO detector, you should also look for a model that has the accuracy that you need. An indicator of its accuracy is its UL listing as one of the indicators that the alarm you have chosen can work precisely.

Battery-operated

For the RV and for those living in areas where power interruptions are a problem, it would help to pick a battery-operated model. It will also be good to find one that comes with a clear and bright backlit display. You can also find battery-operated devices that can work 24 hours even if there is no power supply.

End-of-life warning

It is one of the features that you also have to look for when finding a CO detector. It works by alarming you if it needs replacement for continued safety and reliability.

UL Listed

Another thing that you can check when finding a CO detector is its compliance with standards like those of Underwriters Laboratories. You can find this compliance seal on the packaging of the product.

Digital display

It will help to find a unit that has a digital display where to read information of the CO level in your RV or home. It can also update its readings every 15 seconds.

Price

When comparing your choices, you should also be able to think on how much you are willing to spend for this purchase. With an idea on the price to spend, you can save your time because you will be able to narrow down the different options available a

Peak level memory

In addition to the above, you might also want to consider the feature that works by recording the highest CO level present. With knowledge on the level of CO in your RV, you can also help medical providers find out the correct treatment if an emergency arises.

Voice warning

It works by alarming us if there is any threat in our homes, and it is aside from the alarm beep that the unit will release. You can also find this feature in a combination CO and smoke alarm.

Battery backup

With an integrated battery backup, it is easy to plug into an electrical socket. Such an alarm will have included 9V battery that offers it protection in the event of power outages.

There you have some of the things that you should look into when comparing the different CO alarms on the market. Consider these factors so that you can make an informed decision later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the most popular RV co detector brands?

A: A few of the best brands for RV smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are those that we have featured in the reviews earlier. They are Atwood, X-Sense and First Alert and the rest of the brands in this buying guide.

If you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy smoke detector brand, you might want to consider any of the brands that are committed to help their customers achieve peace of mind in their purchase.

Q: How to install & use?

A: There is no complicated process involved because these products are mostly battery-operated, especially those for RV use. They do not require hard wiring because they are battery operated, too. Many also come with the screws and mounting bracket needed to install it.

Q: How to maintain & care/ clean?

A: In order to care for and maintain your camping carbon monoxide detector, you should follow the specific steps as outlined by the manufacturer of the product you bought.

But in general, you do just have to wipe down the exterior of the detector using soft and dry cloth to remove and dust or debris. If there are portions that need some more scrubbing, you can use a slightly damp cloth to clear it. But then, do not ever moisten the sensor or it will be damaged.

Next, you can vacuum the detector with focus around its sensor. Do not touch the sensor with the attachment of the vacuum. It might be damaged. Using a canned air, you can spray around the sensor to remove any remaining dust but without damaging the sensor. Do the same twice a year.

Q: Where to buy?

A: You can buy these smoke detectors in many supplies stores and from the websites of the manufacturer of the items featured here. Also, you can find them in online marketplaces like Amazon.com, EBay and other popular and trusted websites.

Conclusion

With this buying guide, we do hope that you will be able to pick the best RV carbon monoxide detector that works for your needs and requirements. Again, compare and weigh your options well by looking into the function and features of the CO detector that you’re buying. In this way, you will have a more satisfying purchase because you’re making an informed choice. Buy the right CO detector today!

Arthur

Except when sleeping, Arthur cannot keep camping out his mind. He loves RVing that he spends most of his time in his recreational vehicle and on the road. Arthur knows that this might change once he got married to the love of his life, Amanda. But the two have no problem, as Amanda also loves camping. In fact, the both of them are excited to have kids that would also love RVing.