LPG is naturally odorless, so a “rotten egg” scent is added to help you detect leaks. However, because LPG is heavier than air, it will pool at floor level, often below the “scent line” of someone standing or sleeping.

• Dedicated Gas Detectors: Unlike a smoke alarm, an LPG detector must be mounted low to the ground (usually within $10\text{–}30\text{ cm}$ of the floor) near gas appliances or the manifold.

• The “Sinking” Risk: If a leak occurs, the gas will fill the low points of the van first. This is why Australian caravans are required to have floor vents that must never be blocked by rugs, bags, or modifications.

• Visual Checks: Regularly inspect the “gas fuse” or pressure gauge on your regulator. If the needle drops significantly while all appliances are off, you have a leak in the system.

Carbon Monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels (like gas or charcoal). It has no smell, no taste, and no color. In a small caravan, CO levels can reach lethal concentrations very quickly if an appliance is faulty or ventilation is poor.

• CO Alarms: Every caravan with a gas appliance should have a dedicated CO alarm. Unlike gas detectors, these should be mounted at eye level or higher, as CO is slightly lighter than air and mixes easily with the air you breathe.

• The 7-Year Rule: Most CO sensors have a limited lifespan (usually 5 to 7 years) because the internal chemical sensor degrades. Check the “replace by” date on the side of the unit—if it’s expired, it’s just a plastic box on the wall.

In Australia, AS/NZS 5601.2 mandates specific permanent ventilation requirements for caravans. These are your passive safety net.

• Fixed Vents: You will notice vents in your door, floor, and ceiling that cannot be closed. Never tape these over, even in cold weather. They are sized specifically to provide enough oxygen for your stove and to allow leaked gas or CO to escape.

• Rangehood Use: Always run the exhaust fan or open a nearby window when cooking. A gas stove consumes oxygen and releases moisture and combustion byproducts into the small cabin.

The “Heating” Danger: Never use your gas stovetop or oven to heat the inside of the caravan. These appliances are designed for short-term cooking with ventilation. Running them for hours as a heater is a leading cause of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in RVs.

• Dual-Sensor Alarms: If you are short on space, look for a “Dual Gas/CO Alarm.” Ensure it is specifically rated for RV use, as household alarms may not handle the vibration and temperature swings of a caravan.

• The “Test” Button: Once a month, press the test button on your alarms. This checks the battery and the siren, but remember it doesn’t always test the sensor itself.

• Dust Management: Dust and spiders can trigger false alarms or block sensors. Use a vacuum or a can of compressed air to gently clean the sensor vents of your detectors once a season.

Detection is your second line of defense; prevention is the first.

• Professional Servicing: Have a licensed gas fitter perform a gas “pressure drop” test annually. They use a manometer to ensure the system is 100% airtight.

• Flame Color: Keep an eye on your appliance flames. A steady, crisp blue flame is healthy. A lazy yellow or orange flame indicates a lack of oxygen or a dirty burner, which is a major producer of Carbon Monoxide.

By combining passive ventilation with active electronic detection, you create a safety “envelope” around your travels. Investing in high-quality detectors ensures that you and your family can sleep soundly, knowing your van is being monitored for the invisible risks of the road.