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Topic: Smoke detectors in the ceiling? (Read 1340 times) previous topic - next topic

Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

My 1996 U320 has one inoperable smoke detector in the main living area. I'd like to replace that one and add another in the bedroom. I prefer to use the combo Smoke/CO detectors.

Question: Is there any special way to screw these into the ceiling? Do I pre-drill a hole?

I do realize that I need a very shallow hole and screw otherwise I'll be patching a hole in the roof!  :))
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #1 –
On my 1999 320, the smoke detector is still made and so I just bought a new one (same brand and size) and it twists into the base that is in the ceiling.
Thus no drilling.
For the bedroom I bought another that is not mounted, but is on a shelf.
I have an additional Co2 detecter that plugs into electrical outlets.
Eric & Nancy
1999 36 Ft. U320 WTFE
2016 GMC Terrain

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #2 –
Just a comment - smoke, CO, and LP detectors all have a finite lifespan.  Typically 7 to 10 years.

If your coach is a 2008 or older and you have not replaced all of these or have no record of them being replaced within the past 7-10 years, check the backs of date of manufacture.  If out of date, replace.  If no date, replace.

The smoke detector is a pretty common battery operated one.  The CO and LP detectors should be available from most large RV supply/parts places.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #3 –
I have the Smoke/CO detectors (Home Depot). My question is more of how to attach them to the ceiling. I am not really familiar with the ceiling structure.

Mine is a 1996 so replacement is in order. I am focused on the ceiling mount ones. The built in ones (LP and CO) I'll have to address very soon also.
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #4 –
Do you have a fabric ceiling?  I do and just use a little Velcro hook stuck to the back of the smoke detector.  You can stick it anywhere on the ceiling.  Or use both pieces of Velcro and stick it to a cabinet end or bottom.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #5 –
I just used 3/4" screws and put the new one in same spot as the one I replaced.
1998 U320 40'
2005 GMC Yukon
MC# 17609

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #6 –
What is above the carpet on the ceiling?  Wood? Fiberglass?  Styrofoam?

I'd like three smoke detectors. One in the main cabin where the original one was. One in the bath area since there is an Atwood Hydroflame furnce in the center under the closet floor.  The third one is in the bedroom. That way I have all three compartments covered.

I think I have an oddball coach since I have an AquaHot that covers the front area. The Hydroflame furnace covers the bedroom. I am not sure why that is but supposedly this was some kind of demo coach used by Foretravel of TN. My understanding was that the U320 had the AquaHot and the U295 had the Hydroflame furnaces. I have both.
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #7 –
Due you have an Atwood hydroflame furnace or a hydroflame thermostat in the bathroom area? The thermostat is to turn on the heating zone of the aqua hot to the bathroom area and zone 2 is for the rear bedroom
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #8 –
If you mount the detectors on the ceiling, they should not be closer than four inches from a wall. Wall mounts should be between four and twelve inches from the ceiling. Best not in a corner.

CO detectors are inexpensive. Digital are good and found on ebay. These are like ours and about $11 delivered: LCD Digital Backlight Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Tester CO Sensor Alarm G_E

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #9 –
If you put smoke detector in bathroom and take hot showers, you might have the one in the bathroom false around 2-3 in the morning.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #10 –
Quote
Due you have an Atwood hydroflame furnace or a hydroflame thermostat in the bathroom area? The thermostat is to turn on the heating zone of the aqua hot to the bathroom area and zone 2 is for the rear bedroom

Thanks. That helps answer several questions that I had. It is a Hydroflame thermostat. The noise in the bath closet must be the blower for the rear Aqua Hot since I could not find an Atwood Hydroflame furnace anywhere! That eliminates the need for a smoke detector in the bath area (which would likely false alarm with a hot shower!).  Whew. This is one complicated beast!

Back to my original question. Can I just use a 3/4" screw and mount the detectors on the ceiling? Is it wood or fiberglass above the carpet? If it is fiberglass, should I pre-drill a hole?  (I am also tempted by the Velco idea. I am just worried about them shaking loose during travel.)
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #11 –
If you use the industrial strength Velcro, they should stick with no problem.  I use 2" wide by about 2" long.  There are many other trim pieces on the coach held with Velcro. 

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #12 –
Wonder if Velcro would work on grandchildren, too????

Just kidding, kinda.

Carter-

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Texas Guy –
Wonder if Velcro would work on grandchildren, too????

Just kidding, kinda.
Carter-
That would give a whole new meaning to "time out".  ;D

Home Depot does sell 4" x 2" Velcro patches. Now I just need to find the time to get into Home Depot. We have three days until we close on the house and start full timing. Of course we have to drop it off at Tennessee RV for some service items first. One thing at a time!
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #14 –
Just to close the loop, I did end up getting 2" x 4" Velro patches at Home Depot that were the perfect size for the smoke/CO detectors. Thanks Rich! 
Fred H.
1996 Foretravel U320 4000 Build #4993 (Previous motorhomes 1985 Airstream 345, 1977 Argosy 20)
Sevierville, TN
ViewRVs.com

Re: Smoke detectors in the ceiling?

Reply #15 –
Quote from: ViewRVs –

Question: Is there any special way to screw these into the ceiling? Do I pre-drill a hole?

The ceiling has a thin layer of plywood about 1/8 inch thick under the liner.  There is foam between that and the fiberglass on the roof.  The whole sandwich is about 2" thick.  There is an aluminum frame so you might hit that.  Yes predrill the holes and do not over torque the screws.  You may get some of the liner wrapped around the drill bit, go slow and stop and remove if that happens.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt