CO and propane detector placement

Why height and airflow decide detector placement

Small interiors trap gases quickly, and airflow patterns shape where detectors should live. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion and disperses evenly with indoor air, so height matters less than access to the air you breathe. In practice, central placement near sleeping areas and common spaces works best, with clear exposure to circulating air. Propane is heavier than air, so a leak will pool low and creep along the floor, which is why propane gas detectors belong near the bottom of the living area.

Think about air like water in a glass. Propane will sink and find the low spots near thresholds and steps. Carbon monoxide will blend throughout the glass and reach your nose if the detector sits at a similar height. Avoid dead air pockets such as tight corners, behind drapes, or inside cabinets unless the detector is designed for enclosed compartments.

Mistakes that cause false alarms

• Mounting a CO detector inches from a cooking appliance or heater can trigger nuisance alerts.
• Installing a propane detector too high misses low level pooling near doors and the floor.
• Placing any detector in a draft path from a fan or vent can dilute gases at the sensor.
• Ignoring manufacturer height and spacing guidance risks both missed alarms and false positives.

Placement map for vans and small campers

Use a layered approach. Start with at least one carbon monoxide detector in the central living area where people spend time. Add another near sleeping positions so an alarm can be heard immediately at night. If the van has separate zones, place a CO detector outside each sleeping area and near any fuel burning appliance. Keep CO detectors at breathing height if wall mounted, or on the ceiling if the manufacturer allows it, and maintain the clearance distances listed in the manual.

Propane detectors belong low. Aim for 6 to 12 inches above the floor or per device guidance, located near the galley or heater, and near cylinder storage if that area is vented to the interior. If the propane locker vents outside only, mount the interior detector by appliances and fittings that pass through the cabin. A second propane detector on the opposite side of the living space can catch pooling across thresholds or steps where gas can settle.

Add protection near transition points. By the sliding door, propane can puddle along the track and step well. In rear garages that share air with the cabin, place a propane detector at the lowest interior point and a CO detector if any engine idling, generator use, or combustion heating occurs nearby. Keep detectors away from direct splash zones, steam heavy corners, or places that can be blocked by gear.

Cooking outside and exhaust backdraft

Outdoor cooking close to an open door or window can push carbon monoxide inside through pressure differences. Park so exhaust and grill fumes drift away from openings. When using roof fans, remember that high extraction can create negative pressure, pulling exhaust back toward the van. Detectors in central pathways, not tucked away, give the best chance to see these transient spikes quickly.

Power, testing, and alarm behavior

Detectors come in battery powered, hardwired, or combo designs. For vans and compact campers, hardwired units with battery backup reduce the risk of dead alarms and simplify routine checks. Label the breaker or fuse that feeds the detectors so they never lose power during service. When mixing brands or models, review the alarm patterns and LED indicators so everyone onboard understands what each tone means.

Test monthly. Use the test button to verify alarm function and follow the manual for sensor end of life. Many carbon monoxide sensors age out around five to seven years, and many propane sensors around five to ten years, but the correct interval is always printed on the unit. Vacuum the grills gently to keep dust from clogging the inlet. Avoid chemical cleaners, solvents, or compressed air as they can damage the sensing element.

What to do when alarms sound

• If a propane alarm sounds, open doors, avoid switches that could spark, close the cylinder valve if safe, and leave the area. Ventilate before reentering.
• If a CO alarm sounds, shut off combustion sources, ventilate immediately, and move everyone to fresh air. If symptoms such as headache or nausea occur, call for medical help.
• In both cases, do not rely on a single reset. Find and fix the source, then retest with a properly powered detector.

Quick reference placement guidelines

• Carbon monoxide placement
  • In the central living area and near sleeping positions
  • At breathing height if wall mounted, or ceiling if allowed by the manual
  • At least several feet from fuel burning appliances and not in dead air corners
• Propane placement
  • Low on the wall near the floor, close to heaters, cooktops, and fittings
  • Near thresholds and step wells where propane can collect
  • A second unit across the cabin helps catch pooling on the opposite side
• General good practice
  • Follow manufacturer instructions for heights, distances, and replacement timelines
  • Keep detectors clear of vents, high velocity fan streams, and steam heavy zones
  • Test monthly and document the end of life date on each unit

Selecting locations for different layouts

Cargo conversions with open plans benefit from one centrally placed carbon monoxide detector, plus a low mounted propane detector near the galley and a second low detector by the sliding door. Passenger platforms with partitions may need an additional CO detector in each isolated sleeping area to ensure an alarm is audible and effective while doors are closed. If a diesel or propane heater is installed under a seat or in a bench, position detectors to sample air along that bench and near the return path of the cabin fan so any leak is detected quickly.

Raised floors and garages can create small trenches where propane can settle. A detector at the lowest interior point along that trench adds a safeguard, especially when the vehicle is parked on an incline. If the cylinder locker is vented to the interior for any reason, treat it as a source zone and place a detector just outside its opening while you design for proper exterior venting.

Environmental factors that change performance

Cold dense air can slow upward mixing, giving propane more staying power near the floor and keeping carbon monoxide gradients stratified for short periods. High altitude reduces oxygen, which can push appliances toward incomplete combustion. Both conditions argue for well placed detectors and strict adherence to testing routines. Vibration and dust from off pavement travel can also shorten sensor life, so visual inspections and cleaning should be part of your regular trip prep.

Integrating detection with your build plan

A smart layout treats CO and propane detection like seat belts for the cabin. Build around them. Plan wire runs that keep detectors powered even when other circuits are off, locate them on smooth surfaces that will not be covered by gear, and make sure labels and test buttons are visible. Tie the installation to a routine, test before every multi day trip, and log the alarm patterns so every traveler knows the signals.

How OZK Customs approaches safety in real builds

At OZK Customs, safety is designed in at the start, not added at the end. Our team places carbon monoxide and propane detectors at the right heights and in the right zones for the way you actually live in your van. We hardwire power with battery backup, route cables cleanly, and validate placement with airflow checks during handoff. If you want a full cabin designed around safe cooking, heating, and sleep, our process maps detector locations alongside ventilation, power, and storage so everything works together.

• Explore our Recreational vans to see how we build for real world travel: Recreational vans
• Ready for a ground up plan tuned to your routes and gear: Custom van build
• Looking for a finance friendly platform you can upfit: Mainstream vans

Final word on detector placement and upkeep

Treat detectors as essential cabin instruments. Place carbon monoxide alarms where you breathe and propane alarms where gas can pool. Keep them powered, test them regularly, and replace them at end of life. If your layout changes, reassess the locations so furniture or added gear does not block airflow to the sensors. The goal is simple, early detection when it matters most.

Your rig deserves expert safety planning. OZK Customs builds and integrates CO and propane detection as part of a complete, code minded interior. Tell us your travel style, cooking setup, and heater choice, and we will place, power, and verify the right detectors from day one. Let us design it so you can sleep easy and wake up ready for the next trail.