While driving in the Texas panhandle, some folks pulled up next to us frantically waving and pointing to our travel trailer. We pulled over immediately. That’s when we discovered that one of our trailer’s tires had broken its bearing and was loosely spinning inside of the wheel well … no longer connected to the axle. Despite the wobbling and drag this must have caused, neither of us had felt anything from the front seats of our tow vehicle. Had it gone on any longer, a fire could have easily erupted — the exact kind of RV fire safety disaster no one wants to experience.
The last thing you want to think about when you are dreaming about your next RV road trip is what to do in case of a fire emergency. But, the 4,200 RV fires reported annually between 2018 and 2020 mean that you have got to take RV fire safety seriously. So, how can you prevent and prepare for an RV fire? Think about the following: 1) your RV, 2) yourself, and 3) your family.
So, let’s start with how to prepare your motorhome or trailer for RV fire safety.
1) Preparing Your RV: Fire Prevention Strategy and Protection
RVs are small houses with many of the same working systems of a traditional home. But most of those don’t rattle down the road. Maintenance and cleanliness of each system is the first step in fire prevention. Here’s a checklist of items to assess on your RV.
Mechanical — Engine, Running Gear, and Wheels
Over 26 percent of all RV fires start from the engine compartment or near the wheels and other equipment needed to enable the RV to travel smoothly. So it’s especially important to ensure that your bearings, brakes, axles, and the vehicle’s engine is regularly serviced and free from debris* (see note at bottom of section). One key piece of equipment to help keep an eye on things is a remote tire pressure monitoring system — especially when pulling a travel trailer or toad.
Electrical — AC & DC Wiring
Most RVs have two electrical systems — both an alternating current (110-120V) system like in a traditional home, and a direct current (12-48V) system that is energized directly from your battery bank. Typically, the AC side is only electrified when plugged into shore power, or through an inverter which is powered from the DC battery bank.
All wires need to be sized appropriately for the intended load, and the length of run from source to outlet. Additionally, each wire circuit needs to be fused appropriately to protect the wires from overheating. Doing any of these things incorrectly can cause wires to heat up and catch fire.
Other electrical fire sources can be loose fitting or worn connections. Vehicle vibration will inevitably loosen electrical connections overtime and loose connections can become an ignition source. Regularly check any connections that use nuts, screws, or bolts and retighten appropriately. Visually inspecting all connections, switches, and appliances for corrosion or discoloration is a good habit as well.
When plugging into shore power, always connect to an appropriate circuit for your RV’s load. Never try to run a 50A load through a 30A circuit, or 30A through a 15A, even through an adapter. While most campsite electrical posts are fused to prevent overloading, do not rely on this as a protection for your own RV.
Liquid Propane Gas
Potential fires can come from any misuse, leak, or clog in the LPG system. Inspecting the propane line(s) for wear and tear from its source at the tank to the appliance is a good practice, especially if its path is close to any moving parts.
Propane has a particularly noxious odor (rotten eggs) that alerts us to its presence. If you smell it, get everyone out, and immediately shut off the LPG at the tank valve. Small leaks can go undetected. All RVs should have an LPG detector installed near the floor because LPG is heavier than air and will collect in low spots.
Exterior furnace or refrigerator flue vents can be a source for ignition if they become clogged* (see note at bottom of section), or if you are parked too close to another vehicle or structure. Be sure to keep adequate space for combustion fumes and heat to dissipate. Inspect all flues and vents prior to using the propane after storage.
When in doubt, have your LP gas and electrical systems checked by a certified RV technician!
Kitchen
While cooking fires are a small percentage of the total fires reported, good practices are important:
- Keep the cooking area clear from other flammable materials (e.g., paper towels, grease, etc.).
- Regularly clean the gas burners and/or oven, or use an induction stove.
- Avoid leaving the RV while cooking. Take a timer with you if you have to leave momentarily.
Exits
All RVs should have at least two exits. And everyone spending the night should know where they are. Any window exits should be able to open completely without a screen impeding the egress.
*Don’t forget to check for this! Animal nests, especially small rodents, can be a major RV maintenance issue, especially if you store your RV for any length of time unoccupied.
Protection Devices
Adding and regularly testing the following devices can save lives. Most have a 5-year lifespan from the date of initial installation.
- Smoke detectors should be near the cooking area and in each sleeping area. Closing doors between rooms at night can help compartmentalize any fire.
- Carbon monoxide is an odorless and deadly gas that is a byproduct of combustion. CO detectors should be near the engine compartment in all self-propelled RVs as well as in all sleeping areas at shoulder level.
- LPG detectors should be installed near the floor by a propane source.
- Fire extinguishers should be located just inside every door, including a labeled and unlocked exterior hatch. Regularly checking to see if they are still operational should become a habit and each model will have instructions for testing.
2) Preparing Yourself: Flight or Fight?
People before property is always the first priority of dealing with any fires. Knowing whether this is a fire you can fight, or you should leave it to the professionals, is crucial and could save lives.
If you choose to fight…
Always get everyone out. Then call 9-1-1. And only then try to fight small fires only with a reliable and appropriate fire extinguisher. Never try to put out a grease kitchen fire with water because it can actually cause an explosion of steam and flammable oil!
If you choose to go…
Have a three-day go bag near the main exit with the following:
- Extra cell phone, family contacts, pet records, and copies of important paperwork.
- Extra clothes, shoes, and medications for a few days.
- Extra credit cards, keys, IDs, and some cash.
- Personal-sized “wet chem” fire extinguisher, headlamps, hammer, whistle, and road flare.
3) Preparing Family and Guests
Including your family (including children) in a fire prevention plan is key!
- All people sleeping in the rig should know where the designated exits are, how to reach them in the dark, and how to get out of them.
- Everyone should know the location of all fire extinguishers and how to use them.
- Have a designated meeting location in case people need to leave from a different exit.
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