What is worse than driving down the road and having your RV catch on fire – not too many things! A fire can be one of the worst things that can happen to a person or their property. Many fires that happen within an RV can be avoided by following a few fire safety tips.
Issues such as a bad propane tank that fuels your refrigerator, or a bald tire, are just a few problems that can cause a motorhome fire. The tips below should be posted in your RV to review each time you use your RV. Be sure to share them with friends and family that use your motorhome or have one of their own.
1. Transmission
There are a lot of fires that are caused by fluid leaks from the transmission which ignite from the heat of the exhaust system. Be sure to check the undercarriage of your RV for any types of fluid leaks. Transmission fluid is extremely flammable and can ignite on many different hot surfaces. If you spot a leak in your transmission, be sure to have it fixed immediately.
2. Electrical System
Electrical systems and fires seem to go hand and hand. Fires are very common in any RV electrical system. You should periodically check the spot wiring on the connections to make sure they are safe. Again, if something looks out of place, have it checked by an electrician.
3. Have Charged Fire Extinguishers
All fire extinguishers that are located on an RV should be checked and fully charged. If a fire extinguisher has been used it should be replaced or charged to its appropriate pressure.
4. Exit Plan
Be sure to have an exit strategy if there is a fire. RV’s can have close quarters and if they catch on fire, they can be consumed very quickly. Be sure you discuss the exit plan with all those who are occupying the motorhome.
5. More than 1 Fire Extinguisher
You want to have more than 1 fire extinguisher on your RV. Also, make sure that all the occupants on the RV know where the fire extinguishers are located.
6. Keep Your Eyes on the Stove
Any items that are flammable should be kept away from the stove, such as, paper towels and dish clothes. Being in such a small area (most cases in RV’s), you may place things on the stove, or near the stove, to make room. Always monitor the stove when you’re cooking!
7. Heat Your RV With Your Stove…NO!
Never try to heat your RV with your stove, or any other type of appliance. The areas within an RV are small and do not have great ventilation. This can lead to a greater chance of the RV catching fire from an appliance.
8. Smoke Alarms – Check Them
You also want to make sure that you install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your RV. Make sure to check these each time the RV is used. This is a simple step that can save your life!
9. Braking System and Tires
Brake lines have a few areas that can be dangerous. One is if the brake line is dragging, it can cause friction and ignite with brake fluid. Also, make sure your tire pressure is adequate. This can help with gas mileage along with causing other undercarriage issues that could cause a fire.
Be sure to follow these 9 simple steps to avoid any type of fires in your RV. If your worried about a fire and need information on RV insurance, please reach out to us and we will assist you in looking for a policy or answering any questions we can. Click Here