Propane Safety
This FAQ explains how your RV’s propane and carbon monoxide detectors work, alarm sounds, and how to ventilate safely. It also covers common false‑alarm causes and essential safety steps for fueling, propane storage, and yard requirements.
Yes. The propane detector is hardwired and will sound a rapid, steady alarm if a leak is detected. This alarm is different from the intermittent low‑battery warning. In this case, please exit the RV immediately, turn off the propane at the exterior tank, and ventilate the RV by opening doors and windows. Do not use propane again until the RV has been inspected.
If the smell was strong, ventilation may take up to 30 minutes. Keep the coach door open and avoid using electrical switches until the alarm resets and the odor is gone.
No. Avoid using any electrical switches, including lights, appliances, or ignition sources, until the RV has fully ventilated and the alarm has reset. Starting electrical equipment can create ignition risk.
Once the RV has aired out and the alarm has stopped, re‑enter cautiously and check the most common sources first. Ensure all stove knobs are fully turned OFF, as they are the leading cause of propane odor inside the RV. Turn off all propane appliances, including the furnace, water heater, and fridge (TCA), and continue ventilating by opening windows and doors. Do not turn the propane supply back on until you are confident the issue is resolved. If the alarm sounds again or the odor returns, contact CanaDream On Road Care for troubleshooting or to arrange a technician.
Yes. If you disconnect the RV’s battery or leave the vehicle for an extended period, you should turn off the exterior propane bottle at its source.
Yes. Every RV includes a hardwired carbon monoxide detector that continuously monitors for unsafe CO levels and provides an audible alarm and flashing lights if detected. All RVs are equipped with RV‑specific smoke detectors designed to handle road vibration and detect common RV fire types.
If you smell a strong “rotten egg” odor or the propane alarm begins sounding with continuous beeps and a solid red light, treat it as a potential propane leak. Leave the RV immediately through the coach door and keep the door open to allow fresh air to circulate. Avoid using electrical switches, flames, smoking materials, or anything that could create a spark. Once outside, shut off the propane supply at the tank and wait for the RV to fully ventilate — this may take up to 30 minutes if the odor was strong.
Do not re‑enter until the smell has cleared and the alarm has returned to normal. After it is safe to go back inside, check that all stove knobs are fully turned OFF, as this is the most common cause of propane odor. If the alarm continues or the smell returns, contact CanaDream On Road Care for assistance or to arrange an RV technician.
Do not re‑enter until the smell has cleared and the alarm has returned to normal. After it is safe to go back inside, check that all stove knobs are fully turned OFF, as this is the most common cause of propane odor. If the alarm continues or the smell returns, contact CanaDream On Road Care for assistance or to arrange an RV technician.
A CO alarm is a serious safety warning. If the detector emits four rapid chirps with a flashing red light, evacuate the RV immediately and leave the coach door open to ventilate the interior. Shut off the propane supply at the tank, but keep the battery disconnect ON so the alarm continues to operate. Do not re‑enter the RV until the alarm resets and the air has cleared. If the CO alarm activates again within 24 hours, repeat the evacuation steps and contact CanaDream On Road Care. A technician will be arranged to inspect the unit and ensure it is safe to continue your trip.
No. The propane/CO detector requires battery power to operate. Keep the battery disconnect ON so the alarm can function properly.
The propane/CO detector uses different light and sound patterns to indicate what’s happening.
A continuous alarm with a solid red LED means propane is present, while four rapid chirps with a flashing red LED indicate carbon monoxide.
A single chirp each minute accompanied by both LEDs flashing usually means the coach battery voltage is low — this is a common cause of false alarms.
Charging the house batteries typically resolves the issue. If you’re unsure, check the coach battery reading on the monitor panel and note whether you smell propane.
A low battery combined with no odor usually points to a power issue rather than a gas leak.
A continuous alarm with a solid red LED means propane is present, while four rapid chirps with a flashing red LED indicate carbon monoxide.
A single chirp each minute accompanied by both LEDs flashing usually means the coach battery voltage is low — this is a common cause of false alarms.
Charging the house batteries typically resolves the issue. If you’re unsure, check the coach battery reading on the monitor panel and note whether you smell propane.
A low battery combined with no odor usually points to a power issue rather than a gas leak.
If the CO alarm activates again within 24 hours, repeat the evacuation steps and contact CanaDream On Road Care. A technician will be arranged to inspect the unit and ensure it is safe to continue your trip.
Moisture, dust, cleaning sprays, perfumes, silicone products, and strong odors near the furnace vent can affect alarm performance. Low coach battery voltage can also cause chirping or malfunction. In addition, avoid placing shoes, bags, boxes, or other items directly against the detectors—blocked airflow or physical contact can trigger false alarms and may prevent the sensors from detecting actual propane or CO gas.
Before adding fuel or refilling the propane tank, make sure the RV is fully secured.
Turn the engine OFF, apply the parking brake, switch the battery disconnect to the OFF position, and close the propane shut‑off valve.
Once fueling is complete, return the battery disconnect switch to ON and reopen the propane shut‑off valve.
These steps help prevent accidental ignition sources and ensure safe operation during and after refueling.
Turn the engine OFF, apply the parking brake, switch the battery disconnect to the OFF position, and close the propane shut‑off valve.
Once fueling is complete, return the battery disconnect switch to ON and reopen the propane shut‑off valve.
These steps help prevent accidental ignition sources and ensure safe operation during and after refueling.
Yes, but all propane cylinders must be turned OFF at the main shut‑off valve. Where practical, the propane pigtail or supply hose must also be disconnected.
Yes. Effective January 19, 2026, propane supply pigtails or hoses must be disconnected where feasible while your RV is parked on a CanaDream storage lot.
Dangerous goods such as gasoline, flammable liquids (other than fuel in the RV’s tank), explosives, chemicals, wet oily rags, unsealed food, illegal goods, or propane tanks left open are not permitted.
These updates are part of CanaDream’s enhanced yard safety requirements to ensure the safety of all Guests, Crew, and stored vehicles. Turning off propane and disconnecting hoses reduces the risk of leaks or accidental ignition.
Chirping doesn’t always mean danger — often it’s the detector telling you something about its power or condition.
A slow chirp every minute with both LEDs flashing indicates low battery voltage, and charging the coach batteries should restore normal operation. A double chirp each minute with flashing LEDs can indicate high voltage in the electrical system. If the red LED double‑flashes with a chirp each minute, the detector has reached end‑of‑life and needs replacement.
If the alarm behaves unusually even after charging the battery and ventilating the RV, contact CanaDream On Road Care for guidance.
A slow chirp every minute with both LEDs flashing indicates low battery voltage, and charging the coach batteries should restore normal operation. A double chirp each minute with flashing LEDs can indicate high voltage in the electrical system. If the red LED double‑flashes with a chirp each minute, the detector has reached end‑of‑life and needs replacement.
If the alarm behaves unusually even after charging the battery and ventilating the RV, contact CanaDream On Road Care for guidance.
