Caravan Gas, Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors: What You Need To Know

Your caravan has gas appliances, combustible materials, and a small enclosed space where you sleep. That combination means three invisible threats can build up without you knowing: LPG leaks, carbon monoxide, and smoke from fire. A detector for each one costs less than a decent bottle of wine, but the difference between having one and not having one is, in the worst case, your life.

This guide explains what each detector does, whether your van already has one fitted, what the law says, and which ones are worth buying if you need to add or replace them.

The Three Threats

Each detector protects against a different danger, and you can’t rely on one type to cover the others. They detect completely different things.

Smoke detectors sense airborne particles from fire. In a caravan built from lightweight, highly combustible materials, fire spreads fast. You have seconds to get out, not minutes. A smoke detector gives you those seconds.

LPG gas detectors sense leaks from your caravan’s gas system: the stove, oven, hot water system, heater, and all the connections in between. LPG is heavier than air, so it pools at floor level. A small leak in an enclosed van can reach explosive concentration before you smell it, especially if you’re asleep.

Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors sense carbon monoxide, a colourless, odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion. Sources include gas stoves, gas heaters, diesel heaters (if the exhaust leaks), and even a generator running too close to the van. CO poisoning starts with headaches and drowsiness, which means you might not wake up to realise something is wrong.

Does Your Caravan Already Have Detectors?

Most new caravans sold in Australia come with at least a smoke detector fitted from the factory. Many also have an LPG detector, especially if they were built to comply with AS/NZS 5601.2 (the Australian standard for LP gas installations in caravans and boats). Check your van’s compliance plate and owner’s manual.

Carbon monoxide detectors, however, are rarely factory-fitted in Australian caravans. If your van has a gas stove, gas heater, or diesel heater, a CO detector is something you’ll almost certainly need to add yourself.

If you’re buying a used van, check every detector. Smoke detectors have a 10-year lifespan, after which they must be replaced regardless of whether they still beep when you press the test button. The manufacturing date is printed on the unit. If it’s older than 10 years, replace it. LPG detector sensors also degrade over time; most manufacturers recommend replacement every 5-7 years.

Legal Requirements

Smoke detector legislation for caravans varies by state, but the trend across Australia is towards mandatory compliance. Here’s where things stand.

Smoke Detectors

NSW: Smoke alarms are legally required in all caravans and campervans where people sleep. You must have at least one working smoke alarm inside the van where the bed is, and one in the annex if you sleep there. The alarm must have a hush button and comply with Australian Standard AS 3786.

Queensland: From 1 July 2024, all newly registered or transferred caravans must have a compliant photoelectric smoke alarm installed. From 1 January 2027, all registered caravans and motorhomes in Queensland must comply, regardless of age. The alarm must be photoelectric (not ionisation), comply with AS 3786-2014, and be mounted on the ceiling.

Northern Territory: Required in all residential premises including caravans. Must be photoelectric, either hardwired or fitted with a sealed 10-year lithium battery.

Victoria, SA, WA, Tasmania: Smoke detectors are generally required in moveable dwellings where people sleep, though specific caravan regulations vary. Check with your state fire authority for the latest requirements.

LPG Detectors

LPG detectors are not universally mandated across all states for existing caravans, but any new gas installation or modification must comply with AS/NZS 5601.2, which covers gas safety in caravans. Many new vans come with them fitted as standard. Regardless of the law, if your van has gas appliances, an LPG detector is essential.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

There is currently no Australian legislation requiring CO detectors in caravans. However, the risk is real and growing as more vans are fitted with diesel heaters (which can produce CO if the exhaust system develops a leak). CO detectors are inexpensive and the consequences of not having one can be fatal. This is one of those cases where “not legally required” shouldn’t be mistaken for “not necessary.”

Wired (12V) vs Battery

Caravan detectors come in two main power configurations, and the right choice depends on the detector type.

12V hardwired detectors connect to your caravan’s electrical system. They’re always on as long as the house battery has charge, which means no dead batteries to worry about. The downside is they need to be wired in, which is a more involved installation. LPG detectors in particular work best as 12V hardwired units because they need to be running 24/7 to catch a slow leak, and a flat battery in a standalone unit defeats the purpose.

Battery-powered detectors are simpler to install (stick them to the ceiling or wall, done), but you need to check and replace batteries regularly. Smoke detectors with sealed 10-year lithium batteries are the exception; these are fit-and-forget for the life of the unit. Battery-powered CO detectors are perfectly fine since they draw very little power, and most quality units last 5-10 years on their sealed battery.

A third option is emerging: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-connected detectors that send alerts to your phone. These are useful if you want to monitor your van remotely (for example, while it’s parked at home or in storage), but they shouldn’t replace a standard audible alarm. A phone notification is no good if you’re asleep in the van and your phone is on silent.

Smoke Detectors

For caravans, you specifically need a photoelectric smoke alarm. Ionisation-type alarms (the older style) are being phased out in most states and aren’t suitable for caravan use. Look for compliance with AS 3786-2014 printed on the unit.

The Quell QC1500 Caravan & Motorhome Smoke Alarm is purpose-built for caravan use. It’s photoelectric, compliant with AS 3786-2014, has a hush button (required by NSW law and genuinely useful when you burn the toast), and is designed for the vibration and movement that caravans experience. Around $25-35. Check price at Anaconda →

Aussie Traveller also makes a range of caravan-specific smoke detectors and fire safety gear. Browse the range at Aussie Traveller →

Don’t just grab a household smoke alarm from Bunnings and stick it in the van. Household alarms aren’t designed for the vibration, temperature swings, and humidity levels inside a caravan, and they may not comply with the specific requirements for moveable dwellings.

LPG Gas Detectors

LPG is heavier than air, which means two things: leaking gas sinks to the floor, and your detector needs to be installed low. Mount it within 30cm of the floor and no more than four metres from your gas appliances.

For caravans, a 12V hardwired LPG detector is the better option. It runs off your house battery and is always active. Battery-powered units work, but you’re relying on remembering to check and replace batteries, and a flat battery at the wrong moment is a genuine safety risk.

The Peel Electronics LPG Gas Detector is an Australian-made 12V unit with a 4-metre sensor lead, audible and visual alarms, and alarm set points at 25% LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) as per Australian safety standards. Peel have been making caravan and marine gas detectors for years and their units comply with AS5601.2. Around $120-180. Check price at CARAC →

The Safe-T-Alert 12V LP Gas Protector is another solid 12V option with low current draw (46mA), making it easy on your battery system. Simple operation with a green steady light when all clear and audible alarm on detection. Around $80-120. Check price at Outback Equipment →

If you want smartphone alerts for remote monitoring (useful when the van is in storage), there are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled gas detectors starting to appear on the market. These are worth considering as an addition to your primary 12V unit, but shouldn’t replace it. A phone notification is no substitute for a screaming alarm when you’re asleep three metres away from a gas leak. Browse Wi-Fi gas detectors on Amazon AU →

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If your caravan has any gas appliance or a diesel heater, you should have a CO detector. Full stop. Carbon monoxide is produced by incomplete combustion, and the symptoms of CO poisoning (headache, drowsiness, nausea) are easy to mistake for tiredness after a long driving day. In a sealed caravan overnight, that mistake can be fatal.

CO detectors should be installed at head height or breathing height, not down low like LPG detectors. CO mixes evenly with air rather than sinking. If you have a gas appliance in the bedroom area, place a CO detector at sleeping height near the bed. Keep it away from windows, vents, and air conditioning outlets.

The Quell Q7DCO Carbon Monoxide Alarm is a straightforward, battery-powered CO alarm suitable for caravan use. Digital LCD display shows CO levels, and it alarms audibly when dangerous concentrations are detected. Around $40-55. Check price at Anaconda →

The FireAngel FA6813 Carbon Monoxide Alarm features replaceable batteries and a sealed sensor with a 10-year lifespan. Compact design suits caravan installation. Around $35-50. Check price on Amazon AU →

The X-Sense XC01-R is another popular option with a digital LCD display showing real-time CO levels and peak value memory so you can see the highest reading since last reset. Replaceable battery. Around $30-40. Check price at AusPowers →

What You Should Have Installed

At a minimum, every caravan should have a photoelectric smoke alarm and an LPG gas detector. If your van has a gas stove, gas heater, or diesel heater, add a carbon monoxide detector. The total cost for all three is typically under $200, which is genuinely nothing compared to what they protect.