RV fires, although rare, certainly do happen. Fires can start for many reasons, so it’s imperative to prepare, and learn how to prevent such a situation.
RVs catch fire for numerous reasons, including: Low tire pressure, exhaust leaks, a defective refrigerator, oil leaks, and even dirt buildup. Other common causes are human error- like carelessness in the kitchen- or unsafe use of liquid propane and extension cords, and improper storage of batteries.
Let’s take a look at the ways an RV can catch fire, and how you can salvage the situation and prevent future emergencies.
#1. Low Tire Pressure
Surprisingly, low tire pressure can cause an RV fire. When tire pressure is low, the sidewalls of the tires flex, causing serious friction. When the friction takes its toll, a fire can erupt.
In order to prevent this from happening to you, make sure you maintain your tires well. Good tire maintenance means: Checking the tread, consider the tires’ age, look for dry rot, and inspect tires for rubber deformation. To learn more about how to maintain your RV’s tires so they’re safe and last longer, check out Our Guide here.
#2. Carelessness in the Kitchen
RVs are tiny, and RV kitchens are especially small. This means that you must be alert not to start a fire while cooking, boiling, or grilling in such a small space.
Make sure to never leave an RV kitchen while cooking, and remember to turn off the stove immediately when finished. Kitchen appliances should never be left unattended.
Yes, it’s true that these precautions apply to a regular sticks and bricks kitchens as well, but due to RVs’ small spaces, and reliance on highly flammable propane, these safety protections are even more important.
In the event that a fire does start as you cook, place a lid on top of the pan to prevent oxygen from fueling the fire. By doing this, you will stop a very dangerous situation from getting even worse.
#3. Defective Refrigerator
Most standard RV refrigerators contain flammable gases, such as hydrogen, which, when under high pressure, gets heated by electricity or propane, circulates, and produces refrigeration.
Fires results when the refrigerator design releases flammable gases, which explosively ignite and spread quickly to the refrigerator compartment and eventually into the rig’s passenger side.
Not maintaining the refrigerator’s cooling unit compartment for rodents and insects, and failing to frequently inspect your fridge, can lead to a fire. If you do not feel confident checking your RV’s fridge yourself, take it to a qualified RV professional.
A common concern many people have is whether it’s safe to use an RV fridge while the motorhome is in motion. It IS possible, nonetheless, there are several concerns with running propane while driving. To be 100% sure you’re driving safely, it’s prudent to switch off your fridge until arriving at your destination. (Food will stay cold for a few hours, so long as the fridge door remains closed.)
#4. Unsafe Use of Liquid Propane (LP)
When installed and used correctly, liquid propane (LP) is safe. It is vital to have LP filled by a professional. If the LP bottles are overfilled and the temperature rises, the Pressure Relief Valve can open and vent on the LP bottle.
If the LP can’t vent outside the RV, an explosive mixture can build up within the camper. For this reason, you need to have the Liquid Propane gas checked annually.
#5. Oil Leaks and Dirt Build-Up
Slow leaks accumulate dust and dirt, creating a thick layer of fuel that may start a fire. All oil leaks, whether it’s hydraulic, engine, or transmission leaks, should be repaired immediately. Leaks can indicate failure, which can take a big bite out of your pocketbook if left to worsen.
#6. Exhaust Leaks
Exhaust gas can reach more than 1200 degrees, when the RV is climbing a hill. This makes it very easy for an exhaust leak to start a fire. If an exhaust leak occurs, first check the area to make sure nothing can be burnt around or near the rig. After determining that it’s safe, drive slowly to the side of the road, closest gas station or repair shop, to rectify the problem as soon as possible.
#7. Improper Storage of Batteries
If not handled properly, RV batteries can start fires due to their ability to store a lot of energy. Batteries need appropriate storage, and the type of maintenance needed depends on the type of batteries.
When charging or discharging, batteries give off hydrogen. Because of this, they should be stored in a compartment outside of the RV.
#8. Unsafe Use of Extension Cords
Using the wrong extension cords and not taking necessary precautions while overloading the outlets poses considerable risk. Many people know that extension cords are a fire hazard, but often overlook potential dangerous situations that can arise.
Prevention Mechanism: What to Look Out For
- During your pre-trip inspection, check all hoses for firmness, clamp tightness, and signs of leaking
- Inspect the brakes
- Tighten electrical connections
- Check all 12-volt connections
- Ensure your RV’s carbon monoxide and propane detectors are appropriately functioning
What Should You Do in Case of a Fire?
- Evacuate everyone from the RV and move far away from the fire
- If the fire is small, use the fire extinguisher- but be careful
- If the fire is large and poses serious risk to your safety, leave the area and move to a safe place
- Call 911 for help
- Make sure you always know your exact location so police and firefighters cna find you as soon as possible
Safety Measures
Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Before using a fire extinguisher, make sure you know the basics. In order for a fire to start, fuel must be present. Fuel can come in the form of wood paneling, gasoline, or oxygen- which the sustains the fire and heat that brings the fuel to the combustion point. A fire extinguisher works be separating the fuel from the oxygen- starving the fire out.
Ensure you have at least one fire extinguisher on board at all times.
Thankfully, it’s rare you’ll need to use a fire extinguisher, but the unfortunate thing about lack of use, is lack of knowledge on how to use it when it becomes necessary to do so. To help guide you on how to use a fire extinguisher, remember this acronym:
PASS
P – Pull out the extinguisher
A – Aim low
S – Squeeze the trigger and hold it
S – Sweep the nozzle from side to side
Move to a Safe Location
Sometimes fires can grow quickly and spread rapidly, making it unsafe to use a fire extinguisher. When this happens, it’s best to flee the area, moving as far away from the RV as quickly as possible.
RVs are built with thin wood pieces, and have propane tanks on board: Both of these feed fires quickly, giving them a lot of fuel to cause serious damage. Keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe, by understanding when to leave the rig and call 911 for help.
Wrap Up
RV owners accept the responsibility of making sure the vehicle is safe, and checking for any potential fire hazards before heading out on the road. Make sure all appliances are cleaned, and replace any damaged electrical cords. The cost of repairing a burnt RV- if it’s salvageable at all- is costly. Remember: Fire prevention is always better than fire fighting.
