Motorhome fires

[Arch Hoagland]

I had two tires blow out at the same time on a travel trailer. The tires were smoking by the time I got stopped. Grabbed the RVIA approved toy fire extinguisher and hit them to cool them down.
I now carry 5 extinguishers spread around the coach, two inside and three outside on both sides in unlocked compartments.
The extinguisher that comes with RV's meets the specs but I'm not too impressed with the specs.

[ginnyd]

A lot of MH fires are in diesel pushers and start in the engine compartment. Cause is usually leaking fuel where flexible hosing connects to rigid metal. We added an automatic foam type suppression system a few years ago. It will at least give us time to pull over and get us, animals, and bug-out bag out. Also got a system for the refer compartment (and did recall).

[MSHappyCampers]

Another thought here...it seems that many RV fires have been caused by refrigerator problems and some have gone to a residential refrigerator in motorhomes. For those that have motorhomes with generators, why not just turn off the propane to the fridge and run it entirely on AC, eliminating the fire hazard? I would think that the food would stay cold while traveling if the door is not opened too much. Is there something I'm not thinking about that would make this a bad idea?

[docj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers Another thought here...it seems that many RV fires have been caused by refrigerator problems and some have gone to a residential refrigerator in motorhomes. For those that have motorhomes with generators, why not just turn off the propane to the fridge and run it entirely on AC, eliminating the fire hazard? I would think that the food would stay cold while traveling if the door is not opened too much. Is there something I'm not thinking about that would make this a bad idea?

I don't think the problems associated with the most recent (and very large) Norcold recall was limited to just propane usage. I believe the cooling unit could overheat resulting in a cooling tube rupture and fire (the ammonia refrigerant is flammable).

[akadeadeye]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers Another thought here...it seems that many RV fires have been caused by refrigerator problems and some have gone to a residential refrigerator in motorhomes. For those that have motorhomes with generators, why not just turn off the propane to the fridge and run it entirely on AC, eliminating the fire hazard? I would think that the food would stay cold while traveling if the door is not opened too much. Is there something I'm not thinking about that would make this a bad idea?

Some of the frig fires started while on AC power, primarily shore power from what I have read. Doesn't necessarily have to do with gas. It has to do with excessive heat and ammonia leaks in the cooling unit.

The recalls supposedly fixed that problem by re-positioning a sensor which shuts the frig off if there is too much heat in the pipe. Some of the recall fixes have failed, requiring a replacement of the recall "black box". I have a friend who recently went through this and his failed requiring another "black box". We had our recall done in Nov. 2010 and it has worked fine (looking for wood to knock on).

I do have a Halon fire extinguisher in the frig outside access area just in case. I also installed two additional exhaust fans in the chimney area to help get as much heat out as possible.

Don

[az bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers Another thought here...it seems that many RV fires have been caused by refrigerator problems and some have gone to a residential refrigerator in motorhomes. For those that have motorhomes with generators, why not just turn off the propane to the fridge and run it entirely on AC, eliminating the fire hazard? I would think that the food would stay cold while traveling if the door is not opened too much. Is there something I'm not thinking about that would make this a bad idea?

There does not seem to be any pattern concerinig the fires. It is a major issue with Norcold refrigerators and can happen at any time.
Many coach manufacturers are offering residential refrigerators as an option, And I would recomend one highly, especially if most camping is at RV parks.

[historyljc]

Joe, my Norcold died last weekend. It will be replaced with a residential. The cost is about the same so why not go withthe residential that give twice the capacity and will keep ice cream frozen.

[MSHappyCampers]

Has Dometic had this overheating problem or is it just Norcold?

[RVNeophytes2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers Is there something about MH's that make them more likely to catch fire? We are thinking about going to a MH and this bothers me.

As active and preemptive owners, I'd imagine your risk would be lower.

It seems cleaning and good maintenance play a part.

Anyone out there have a fire, even with careful maintenance and burner-cleaning practices, compliance with recalls?

(We rarely leave our dog in the coach alone, carry full insurance coverage)

One year with you all, and this is my 500th post. What a great forum you have. Thanks to everyone!!

[az bound]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers Has Dometic had this overheating problem or is it just Norcold?

To the best if my knowledge it with the Norcold only. I have not seen any posts regarding fires with Dometic.
Most of the reported fires and other problems have been with the 1200 series Norcold.

[akadeadeye]

I believe Dometic has had similar recalls.

Don

[PeteH1944]

Hi

There has been another "burn out" nr Phoenix in the last few weeks, Cause not confirmed but Seat of fire was in the Frig Area. I spoke to the owner at Quartszite. It was a "new to him" rig with no History.

So perhaps check if the recalls have been dealt with? before buying?

Pete

[scenic route]

We just got the latest recall complied with our 1200 NorCold. Another sensor...we were told that NorCold is trying their best to correct the problems but that the installed(new) sensor sometimes is not compatible with the fridge's circuit boards and the fridge may shut down. "Bring it back and we try the other type sensor". Geez.

We have run this thing 24/7 on two different 5 month stretches and haven't had the first problem with it. Even in 115 deg. temps., this refrigerator has preformed flawlessly. I guess they'll keep messing around until something screws up.

I found out about this latest recall through my insurance carrier, so we had to have it C/W...otherwise, I would imagine that if there ever was a fire and they found out we did not have the recall done it would = no coverage. It's a little frustrating...Bob

[ghoststories]

I think we will be investing in more RVIA approved fire extingushers for MH and TT for added peace of mind. Our TT has a residential refrigerator and the MH a Dometic, which is scheduled to go in for the recall in a couple weeks.