Causes of RV fires

The number of RV fires per year is not an easy statistic to find. It however is not something many RV owners would like to experience.

Since most RVs are built on a wooden frame, the risk of being quickly consumed by flames once a fire starts is quite severe.

Certain types of insulation and plastics used for manufacturing RVs are toxic when they burn.

Today, we are going to explore about the main causes of RV fires.   It is always easier to be well informed and able to prevent a fire than be the victim of one.

First, the basics: A fire, to start, needs three ingredients which are fuel, heat and oxygen.

The electrical system (engine compartment)

A problem with the electrical system in an RV can represent a significant risk of fire.

Since the wiring is constantly subjected to vibration, the wires can end up rubbing against each other. Wire clamps can come loose and fall off, leaving bare wires which can then create short circuits.

This is why it is recommended to use a little more wire when wiring a vehicle rather than not enough because wires that are too tight will not have enough room to bend and flex depending on the conditions.

The fridge

Possible causes of fire:

• Damaged or defective wiring
• Not well maintained (presence of rodents, for example)
• Ambient temperatures
• Not level (While driving, climbing grades of 2 degrees or greater may damage the refrigerator)

Rodents

It is imperative to do everything to keep them out of your RV.

Here are a few tips:

• Block all entrances.
• Avoid parking in fields and wooded areas.
• Don't leave food lying around.
• To replace the famous moth or cedar balls, there is now a cruelty-free and damage-free repellent which gives off an odor that only rodents can perceive, and which works for up to 6 months. Developed by a Canadian, this approved product was the subject of ten years of research. To learn more about Rod the Repellent, click here. Also available from your RV dealer (Quebec).

Antifreeze

Antifreeze has a strong odor. If while driving, you suddenly smell something, stop, turn off your engine and open the hood to check for leaks. We recommend performing a visual inspection under the hood each time you stop for fuel.

Typically, if there is an antifreeze leak, the coloring agent (green, pink, yellow) will be visible around the leak as a white, fuzzy powder. Of course, you also need to keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge.

Batteries

Because batteries store a lot of energy, they could start fires if not handled properly. Batteries must be well maintained. The type of maintenance depends on the type of battery.

Batteries should always be housed in a compartment that vents to the outside of the RV. When charging or discharging, batteries can release explosive hydrogen gas. Therefore, never disconnect a battery while it is charging. Turn off all charging sources before disconnecting the battery terminals.

Engine fuel lines

Engine fuel lines can be very dangerous if they show signs of deterioration. If this is the case, they must be replaced immediately. A fire caused by a fuel leak can be very serious and difficult to extinguish.

Exhaust system

The exhaust manifold is the hottest part of the engine under the hood. So, an exhaust gas leak can start a fire very easily.

If an exhaust leak develops, the best thing to do is to determine if there are any combustibles near the leak. If there is no risk of fire, drive slowly to a location where the problem can be corrected.

Kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances in an RV should never be left unattended when hot. Since kitchen space is often small, it can be easy to leave a bottle of cooking oil open and spill it. For this reason, try to keep all combustibles away from the stove.

Another tip: Never store things in an empty oven because if you forget to remove them when you turn it on, you might be in big trouble.

Oil leaks and dirt buildup

Any oil leak, whether hydraulic, engine, transmission or drive axle, must be dealt with immediately.

Slow leaks will accumulate dust and dirt, resulting in a thick layer of fuel that can start a fire. All oil leaks are an indication of a failure.  If leaks are allowed, very expensive repairs will follow.

Propane

To avoid several problems, it is best to have your LP( Liquid Propane) bottle filled by a knowledgeable attendant. Also make sure that the bottle is always stored so that it is vented to the outside.

All pressure vessels have pressure relief valves (PRV). If the LP bottle is over filled, and the temperature rises, the PRV can open and vent the LP bottle. If the LP bottle cannot vent to the outside of the RV, an explosive mixture can build up within the RV. 

Always inspect rubber LP hoses for weathering. Replace hoses that show aging.

It is important to have the LP gas pressure checked annually. If your gas pressure is not correct, the fridge and other appliances will not work correctly.

For anything related to propane, we strongly recommend calling a qualified technician, especially if you are not comfortable.

Tires and ball bearings

When temperatures exceed 30 degrees for a long period of time, tires can also suffer. On contact with hot asphalt, they risk overheating, bursting or even igniting.

Underinflated, overinflated, worn tires or with manufacturing defects can burst. Same thing if the vehicle is overloaded.

Concerning the ball bearings of your trailer, it is recommended to lubricate them at least once a year, or more often if you do a lot of driving.

Refer to the manufacturer's manual.