7 Ways to Prevent Fires from Breaking Out in Your Motorhome
Nobody wishes to experience a fire outbreak in their home, but data has shown that the chances of a fire outbreak in a home are less than in a motorhome. One item most vehicle owners can agree to identify in their recreational vehicle is the fire extinguisher made available by the motorhome manufacturers. Manufacturers understand the risks of fire outbreaks in RVs; thus, they make specific fire control equipment available for vehicle owners.
However, these safety measures made available by the motorhome manufacturers can only do a little in mitigating fire hazards; thus, the motorhome owners must play their part. The vehicle owners’ part involves being vigilant and taking specific measures to mitigate fire hazards. This article outlines the measures every vehicle owner should take to mitigate fire hazards in RV. These measures include:
- Malfunctioning electrical system: Malfunctions in motorhome’s electrical systems can result in fire outbreaks; thus, the best step is to identify and correct them. Check the wires in your vehicle for breaks or signs of nibbling from rodents. Also, avoid leaving electrical appliances plugged in when you are not home, and avoid overloading your motorhome’s outlets.
- Propane system leaks: Propane leaks are one of the primary causes of fire outbreaks in recreational vehicles; thus, it is essential to conduct regular inspections for propane leaks. Avoid driving with the propane system on devices like. Propane shutoff devices. Also, ensure your propane/monoxide detector is functioning because this device can go a long way in stopping a fire outbreak.
- RV refrigerators: This device is not the most apparent cause of fire outbreaks in motorhomes but should not be ignored. Most vehicle fires caused by motorhome refrigerators can be accredited to manufacturing defects. However, recreational vehicle owners can take the initiative to check their refrigerator boilers for signs of overheating, and when this sign is noticed, quickly address it.
- Wheels and brake system: motorhome wheels and brake systems are surrounded by combustible materials; thus, you need to be careful when the brakes and wheels get too hot because it can result in a fire outburst. When driving, pumping or applying steady pressure on the breaks can result in heating; thus, avoid such habits. Plus, regularly check the air pressure in your vehicle’s tyres, especially before long trips.
- Not having adequate fire extinguishers: motorhome manufacturers make fire extinguishers available in your vehicle, but RV fire safety agencies deem the number of fire extinguishers provided by motorhome manufacturers insufficient. Hence, RV owners are urged to purchase more fire extinguishers and position them in specific areas like the kitchen, living room, entrance, and more.
- Keep portable grills and campfires safe from motorhome: Using grills and campfires too close to the motorhome is risky; thus, use campfires and grills at a safe distance from your vehicle. The safe distance for campfires is at least 25FT, and portable grills are at least 12FT.
- Avoid flammable objects near the cooking top: Prevention is better than cure, and you can go a long way to prevent an RV fire. Deists from keeping flammable objects like paper near cooking tops.
Conclusion
Fire hazards are constant risks in motorhomes and households alike, but steps are taken to mitigate these risks. Luckily, this article has outlined some pointers on how to watch out for these fire hazards and prevent them in your vehicle.
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