Propane Detector vs Alternative Detection Tool

[kennull]

I have a 2018 Escape 21 purchased new.

It is stored inside with propane tanks turned off.
I repeatedly find in in alarm mode when I unlock the storage location.
This has happened with several different new propane detectors over time.
So much that I have put a switch on the positive wire to prevent the repeated alarming when the trailer is stored.

During a recent 4 day outing on multiple occasions, I turned the power on to the propane detector to find it alarming immediately after powering up. This is with windows open for ventilation and roof fan on; and with the Air Conditioner on with all windows closed. We used the oven and stovetop during the outing, and ran the refrigerator on propane driving to the outing. No propane explosions occurred and no propane was detected by my nose.

I was thinking the propane detector was defective and always alarming.

Wanting to have another way to check for propane in the trailer, I recently purchased a Natural Gas Detector, TopTes PT205 Gas Leak Detector with Audible & Visual Alarm, Propane Leak Detector with %LEL Value of Methane, Butane, and Combustible Gas for Home, RV (Includes Batteryx2)-Orange via Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C74372PQ...sin_title&th=1

After following the instructions on the alternative detector to power it up and let it calibrate, which I did outside and not in the trailer, I took it into the trailer to find it alarming no matter where I hold it in the trailer. Removing it from the trailer made the alarming go away. I then took the alternative detector to the 3 burner stove and oven, in the dinette area, in the bathroom, over the bed, under the bed, outside to the rear of the refrigerator along the propane lines connecting the refrigerator, the propane lines at the water heater, and the propane lines at the propane tanks and valves, and at the battery venting grill at the rear of the trailer. It only alarms inside the trailer, and none at the other locations mentioned outside the trailer near propane connections.

I have heard that a propane detector can be set off by textile off gassing. Given the trailer is 6 years old I would suspect it is finished off gassing. I resealed the battery box with new adhesive foam thinking this was the problem last year.

I now have a propane detector (less than a year old) alarming always unless power is removed, and an alternative detector (less than a week old) telling me I have a propane leak inside my trailer, but not near any propane lines connected directly to the outside of my trailer.

The alternative detector will alarm when I vent a propane fire starter near it.

Maybe I need a second alternative propane detection tool.

I am hoping someone else has encountered the same thing I am encountering.

Thanks in advance for reading this very long problem description and replying if you have any similar experiences or potential solutions.

[Ron in BC]

Sounds really annoying.

Pros have gas sniffers. They have a narrow intake end. If the trailer was really ventilated then closed up and a gas detector more able to pinpoint gas leaks was used it might be able to pinpoint the source, if any.

Have you tried turning off the propane tanks and then running the stove until it dies and seeing if the problem still exists?

Ron

[kennull]

It is indeed annoying.

My $25.00 alternative detector is likely not a pro tool.

I have not tried turning off the propane tanks and then running the stove until it dies and seeing if the problem still exists?

I will add this to my try this list...
Thanks for your reply Ron in BC.

[Donna D.]

Sounds like the propane detector has expired. They only last about five years and your trailer is six years old.

[kennull]

My trailer is 6 years old.

The current propane detector is under 1 year old.

Thanks for your reply, Donna D.