Do a generator exhaust system safety check

Within the last few days, the news carried the story of a couple camping out at a speedway in Tennessee. When friends didn't see the couple one morning, they went looking for them – eventually entering their RV and finding both "unresponsive." Sadly, "unresponsive" turned to death for the man. Authorities report that the rig's generator exhaust pipe was broken, and carbon monoxide made its way back into the rig with tragic results.

RV generators produce plenty of carbon monoxide, and properly carried off and released into the open atmosphere, it's not a problem. But if it doesn't get away from the rig, that's when problems begin. Keeping yourself safe requires at least a two-fold approach. ALWAYS have a working, up-to-date carbon monoxide alarm in your rig, and make sure your generator exhaust system is regularly inspected. Inspecting the system is something you can likely do yourself. Here's how:

First, consider what causes system failure. Nearly all parts of the system, especially that which is below and outside your rig, are subject to rust, cracking, and corrosion. Movement in the rig can vibrate things loose, and that can occur anywhere.

In doing an inspection, put your own safety first. If you can't get under the rig to see the system clearly, you'll need to do a little jacking up. Use the appropriate jacking points, and be sure jack stands secure the rig. Wear eye protection and gloves. You've probably already figured out that exhaust parts can get hot, so do your inspection when the whole works are cool.

Here's what to look for: Cracks and holes, come of which can be caused by road damage. Chase the exhaust system from the generator clear out to the tip of the tail pipe. Any connecting point between pipes, mufflers, and the generator's exhaust manifold is a point where vibrations can loosen and allow exhaust escape. Check to make sure all clamps are good and tight.

Look out for discoloration which could indicate an exhaust leak or corrosion. Keep your eye open for "black" spots, areas where carbon in the exhaust has leaked out and left a telltale trace. Closely examine the muffler seams, they should be tight, not cracked or bulging.

Use a hammer and gently tap on the pipes and muffler. You should hear a good solid metallic ping. If you hear something dull, be suspicious. Weak and worn areas often have a dull sound to them. As you tap the muffler, listen for feedback – a rusty muffler may drop particles and you may hear them fall off. Mufflers love to self-destruct from the inside out, so while they may look good on the outside, they can be suffering from "rottossis" on the inside.

Since the system is cool, grab hold of the various exhaust parts and give them a good shake. Most should be good and solid. Check your tail pipe hangers – they're designed to keep the tail pipe in place, and from vibrating around and causing stress on connecting joints. While you're at it, look for any damage like dents and kinks that could obstruct the free flow of exhaust fumes.

Find anything suspicious? Repair it before operating the generator again – take out the spark plug or disable the system so others who don't know about the problems won't be able to start up the generator and endanger themselves.

If you're not sure about what you're doing, spend the extra bucks and have a qualified professional do the inspection for you. 

Keep safe out there!