Self-inflating PFD inflated in storage. Common?

[Elkins45]

My self-inflating PFD was rearmed just last year and didn't get wet, but it inflated itself in the cab of my truck sometime in the last week or two. Is this a common problem? I hate the idea of buying a $25 rearm kit every year and I hate even worse the idea it will inflate and then be useless when I need it.

 

[bwkre]

Only 2 ways to set it off, the bobbin got wet and dissolved or accidentally by the manual pull. No reason you can't remove the co2 cartridge for storage. Just be sure to inspect the bobbin before installing it again. Buy a spare replacement bobbin to keep on hand. I keep a couple in a vacuum seal bag so as to not get wet. I believe the bobbins are to be changed every three years as well, they are dated so dont buy too many spares at a time.

 

[Elkins45]

Only 2 ways to set it off, the bobbin got wet and dissolved or accidentally by the manual pull. No reason you can't remove the co2 cartridge for storage. Just be sure to inspect the bobbin before installing it again. Buy a spare replacement bobbin to keep on hand. I keep a couple in a vacuum seal bag so as to not get wet. I believe the bobbins are to be changed every three years as well, they are dated so dont buy too many spares at a time.

I think the bobbin just went bad. it wouldn't hold when I tried to reset it. maybe humidity?

 

[FunInDuhSun]

I think the bobbin just went bad. it wouldn't hold when I tried to reset it. maybe humidity?

Yep, humidity can dissolve it.
i have 2 auto-inflatables and keep at least one re-arm kit for each onboard. Also, I test them every couple years- by jumping in the water.

About 10 years ago, I tested my old (very expensive) Mustang brand offshore model and guess what- a seam in the bladder split as it inflated. No way to repair it, but that’s when I learned to test these things by immersion. Very cheap insurance.

 

[Elkins45]

keep at least one re-arm kit for each onboard.

This sounds like a prudent idea going forward. I've also discovered today that you can buy the bobbins by themselves quite a bit cheaper than the rearm kits. The CO2 carts can be bought from a number of sources as well.