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GregNMiaFla · 06-16-2015, 06:33 PM

I'm new to the RV world and i've seen alot of stories so far on the subject of RV Fires. The one that really made me kinda worried was this past February in Cleveland Ohio. The next afternoon we read of a RV catching fire and burning to the ground as one of the dealers was taking it back to the dealer location!!!!. My gf and i looked at eachother like deer in headlights!. If a dealer can't get a brand new Rv back to the dealer without it going up what are our chances of a fire in our coach at 20+ years old....but there again if its 20+ maybe we don't have as much to worry about. Although there are still many articles of 5r's and DP's all on the barby! Any of you out there had much problems or knowledge of what causes most of these? just trying to calm the jitters!!!!....

jesilvas · 06-16-2015, 06:40 PM

You have to read fine print; WHY did it burn? Fridge, brakes, electrical, arson?

Think of all the RVs built. How many have fires? A very small percentage. I don't have numbers, but I'm sure someone does.

GregNMiaFla · 06-16-2015, 07:24 PM

The papers never mentioned the cause of the fire, just that a new RV just off the show floor burnt to the ground in the parking lot as it was leaving to go back to the dealership! Which being a new addition to the RVing world kinda makes you a lil jumpy. Plus i've seen a few things on other RV sites that don't mention causes. i know some used to be the older fridge problems, or leveling problems. On one site there was a Class A that had pulled into a nice neighborhood across the street from a neighbors house. They opened the door to see the RV in Flames...heres the link... http://www.doityourselfrv.com/motorh...s-subdivision/

BrianGlenn · 06-16-2015, 08:04 PM

Yes there are fires in RVs, just as there are fires in buildings. I have not seen statistics that point to RVs more problematic that buildings.

That being said, there are some references and good info sites out there for getting yourself educated and to reduce the risk of a fire in your RV.

Mac the Fire Guy has specialized in RV fires for a lot of years, and travels to RV shows around the country. He also sells products tailored towards RV living and fire preventions. Here is a link to his webpage.

He has some good articles on his web page, the "34 Fire Facts that can Save your Life" is a good read.

Hope this helps,
Brian

Hit_the_Rhod · 07-02-2015, 09:19 PM

Some of the fires were caused by Dometic exploding refrigerators. They guy we bought out coach from said he was in a campground, heard a loud "POP", then a "WHOOSH" looked out the window and the fifth wheel next to him had caught on fire! Dometic refrigerator. After the fire got put out, he researched those refrigerators, looked at the fridge in HIS (now ours) motor home, and guess what? Our Motor Home (his old one) now has an all electric fridge now! I have personally seen one other Dometic exploding refrigerator (picture attached I hope!). Lots of other reasons for fires as well, just as in a normal brick and mortar home. Keep up on the maintenance, know your escape routes, have fire extinguishers close at hand, and if that fails, have good insurance and a REALLY good inventory!