Quick tip: First Trip of the Year? Change Your Batteries

Doug S • May 6, 2025

RV smoke alarm
RV smoke alarm

Each year, we are reminded with the popular slogan, “Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries” by the International Association of Fire Chiefs that we need to regularly change the batteries in the smoke detectors in our homes. And true to the slogan, I was a stickler for this in my house.

But, my camper’s smoke alarm just chirped and that’s when I realized that I’ve owned this camper for 4 years and have never changed the smoke detector battery .

So, a new RVing slogan should likely be:

“First Trip of the Year? Change Your Batteries”

Smoke Alarm with very old battery
Current smoke alarm before replacing the (very old) battery

Of course, the best solution is to upgrade your smoke detector over the cheap one that the manufacturer provides (you know, the one people use as a timer for cooking!). Industry groups recommend photoelectric sensors vs. the standard ionization sensor due to the types of fires that it will sense and the less false alarms. I actually had a friend who almost had a fire when a bunkbed cushion was pushed up against a light fixture- she and her husband could smell the hot burning smell, but the standard smoke detector never went off.

When we rented our house out, we were required to use smoke detectors that had 10 year (aka worry free) batteries in them. I’ll look for an equivalent product for the camper.

Other blogs you might like...

By Ashley Gallaher December 18, 2025
We recently had the chance to sit down with Jennifer, one of the hosts of the Learn to RV Podcast, and it was a great conversation that took us back to the very beginning of our full-time RV journey. In the podcast, we shared who we are as a family, why we chose to sell the house, get rid of (most of) our stuff, and hit the road. We talked about what life really looks like when your home has wheels. It was less about highlight reels and more about honest moments, learning as we go, and figuring things out one mile at a time
By Michael Gardner December 17, 2025
Why a Mini Smart Telescope Is Ideal for RV Living
By Jennifer Schillaci December 16, 2025
Celebrating the Holiday Season with Cookies, Campfires & Christmas Lights
By Kirsten McCormick December 11, 2025
Picture this: Ask your teenager what gifts they received last Christmas. Now ask them about their most memorable adventure. Which question sparks more enthusiasm and detailed stories? The truth is, most physical gifts—even those met with initial excitement—often end up collecting dust, breaking, or being outgrown as interests change. But experiences? They become part of who we are, weaving themselves into the fabric of our memories and shaping our character in lasting ways. 
By Jennifer Schillaci December 10, 2025
Surprising Symptoms, Honest Conversations, and Life on Wheels
By Amanda Pelser December 9, 2025
How Homeopathy Supports the Body During Colds and Flus
By Jennifer Aggio December 4, 2025
Let's talk about the thing nobody wants to talk about—but every RVer deals with: RV tank problems . Foul odors. Clogged black tanks. Inaccurate sensors. Slow drainage. The dreaded poop pyramid. Sound familiar? Here's what most RVers don't realize: your onboard tank flush system isn't enough . Those built-in sprayers don't penetrate buildup, remove struvite stones, or scrub away mold and sludge that accumulates over time. That's where professional RV tank cleaning comes in—and that's where Tank Rangers steps up. Tank Rangers is a nationwide RV tank cleaning service with nearly three dozen locations across the country, offering professional hydro-jetting for both black tanks and gray tanks. Whether you're dealing with sensor issues, stubborn odors, or just want preventative maintenance, Tank Rangers provides mess-free, thorough cleaning that gets your tanks back to factory condition. In this guide, we're covering why professional tank cleaning matters, what happens during service, common RV tank myths, DIY maintenance tips, and how to find Tank Rangers near you. Want to hear the full story? We sat down with founder Gabe on our Community Spotlight podcast episode! 
By Jennifer Skinnell December 3, 2025
AT&T Stadium
By Jennifer Schillaci December 2, 2025
Escapee's C.A.R.E. Program, Traveling with a Purpose & Lasagna Love
By Jennifer Schillaci December 1, 2025
From Motorhomes to Movement: How FMCA’s Quiet Shift and FRVA’s Bold Vision Are Reshaping The RV Community
Show More