Alternative replacement for gas sensor?

[I-RV]

I believe that all of us have the Safe-T-Alert LP/CO sensor from MTI Industries. The models available are:

70-742-* LP/CO Sensor/Alarm ($137.50 from MTI)
70-742-R-Kit-* Sensor/Alarm with relay and LP solenoid valve ($284.95 MTI)
* is BL for black, or WT for white. (they may have brown too)

Our coaches have the 70-742-R-Kit-* model. This model can be gotten at RV suppliers for less money.

The problem is that when the sensor/alarm goes there is no replacement for it, other then the full kit, with LP solenoid valve, which isn't needed. MTI doesn't advertise, but they will sell just the sensor/alarm for $165 (70-742-R-*)

Looks like MTI has us over the barrel. My main question to everyone is whether their is an alternative Sensor/Alarm available.
Hank

[trekdave42]

Hank,

After my alarm kept going off in the middle of the night I blew out the sensor to get me a few extra nights. I did some research and couldn't find any cheaper alternatives. Ended up buying the $284 with solenoid and everything. Just replaced the sensor in the living room and kept the solenoid in my garage as a spare part.

-David

[rockfordroo]

If all you want is the alarm, here's one:

Duo LP & CO Alarm, White - Dometic 36681 - Propane Detectors - Camping World

Comes in black, also.

You could also replace it with separate LP and CO detectors.

[I-RV]

Since my Aug. post, I did purchase the MTI Series 70 dual alarm without the solenoid valve from our buddies at FR.

The model is 70-742-R-* (*is WT or BL). This is a unadvertised model number, which means the kit without the valve. FR's item number was 90M18790A. I paid $134; $161 after tax and shipping. I was confident it was the right part when FR told me it had a red, black and two white wires. The only other place that you can buy this is directly from MTI; but at a higher price.
Hank

[trekdave42]

Hank,

Thanks for the update! This will help others as I had to pay the $200+ for sensor and solenoid.

-David

[Dianne H.]

I have an 04 Georgetown and have a problem with the propane.
it will not come on. The detector seems to be working but the gas keeps shutting off.
So, is it possible that the solenoid valve be defective?.
If I purchase a new detector they come with and without the valve. I feel the gas shut off is an important item.
I have read where some ppl do not feel it is necessary as long as the detector works. I need know which one to buy Personally I like the gas shut off feature.

[edgewant]

The valve and detector 70-742r black can be purchased on EBay for $211.

[AlexG]

The solenoid valve itself can be purchased separately for about 50 bucks if this is all you need

[ercjr110165]

Originally Posted by Dianne H.

I have an 04 Georgetown and have a problem with the propane.
it will not come on. The detector seems to be working but the gas keeps shutting off.
So, is it possible that the solenoid valve be defective?.
If I purchase a new detector they come with and without the valve. I feel the gas shut off is an important item.
I have read where some ppl do not feel it is necessary as long as the detector works. I need know which one to buy Personally I like the gas shut off feature.

Since you have a 2004 the detector may be aged out/ expired. Look for a replace by date printed on it. According to MTI, once the date is reached an alarm will sound and you have 30 days to replace it before it shuts off the gas. There is a 3 amp current from the detector to the valve to open the valve. Check for that when gas doen't flow. If you have power to the valve and gas don't flow it would be a bad valve. If the valve is to be replaced, consider replacing the flex hose since it is half off at this point.

[Dianne H.]

Thanks everyone for the information. I broke down and called the RV tech who was knowledgeable about propane. Lucky I did.
As it turns out the reason for the detector shutting my propane off was because I had a major gas leak. ( I had been smelling it outside thought the tank was low).
Under the motorhome, near the back wheel, below the water heater. Damage to the line. I don't want to assume anything. (but) I suspect it happened when I had the new back tires put on. Timeline fits. Lessons are to be learned and I will watch more closely next time I have anything done.