Motor home fire

[diandtom]

This happen in Mount Airy, NC.
http://www.mtairynews.com/articles/2...ws/local02.txt

[diandtom]

This happen in Mount Airy, NC.
http://www.mtairynews.com/articles/2...ws/local02.txt

[doc]

Poor folks, glad they are OK. Couldn't tell from the picture - what kind was it? Front engine apparently, as there is a spare on the rear.

[lthrnk]

Sure hate to see that. At least they are OK.

[Ray,IN]

According to Mac the Fire Guy, there are more MH fires than any other type RV.

[chasfm11]

Ray, that is interesting. All of the pictures that I've seen of MH fires of started in the engine compartment I cannot imagine what it is about MH engines that would catch fire more quickly unless it is just that they aren't used as frequently.

Did Mac have any insight about why the high percentage was occuring? I sure am sorry for the poor people involved like the couple in this story and am glad that they are at least OK.

Thanks,

Charlie

[BOB E]

I've worked in the automotive damage analysis business for 35 years and seen some strange & interesting things. Fires (for instance) can originate from a number of sources.
Rodents seem to be one of the primary causes. Rats, squirrels, mice, etc, love to chew wiring (especially Ford products) which can and does cause engine compt fires. I don't know why they like Fords, but they do.
Motorhomes not only have factory (chassis) wiring harnesses, but also integrated (motorhome) wiring which includes 12DC circuits, and 120V circuits.
In years past, RV manufacturers (IMO) didn't do a very good job of routing their wiring or designing their electrical systems, or in the overall construction of the motorhome shell.
It wasn't unusual to trace a short circuit to a screw or staple that had penetrated a wire inside a wall or?, which eventually failed.
Then, there is the moisture problem, when the roof, or a window, starts to leak.
Storing an RV all sealed up can also cause extended exposure to high humudity. Water/humidity leads to corrosion, which leads to electrical resistance, which leads to heat, and then fire.
The very nature of combining a vehicle with a home is another factor as there are probably twice the electrical components as in either one separately.
Then,...movement/vibration from going down the road takes it's toll.
Hopefully I haven't scared anyone to badly with this,...all I can say is,...do your best to avoid rodents, moisture, and do your preventative maintainance.
Moth balls scattered about in storage compartments, inside refrigerator access door, & engine compartment seem to keep most of them out, this will also keep mud-dobber wasps away. Leave a vent cracked during periods of storage to prevent moisture buildup.
Also, periodically check any and all electrical terminals for corrosion & loose connections,...then apply a little diaelectric grease to anything that even looks suspecious.
At that point, (with any luck) your RV should live a long life!
That's my 2 cents worth! (Actually this was probably a dimes worth)

[Cruzer]

This has been one issue that concerned me. Diesel pushers in particular tend to get the majority of the engine fires. Once they start they tend to run wild fairly quick and everything becomes a total loss. For this reason I installed an onboard fire extinguisher and warning system. The warning gives me time to pull over and better assess the situation while the system automatically trips, either extinguishing the fire or at least fighting a holding action until I can tackle it with a hand-held or bail out safely.

I've detailed the system and given some links andtechnotes at www.rvcruzer.com/fireindex.htm.

Now I can sleep well with no worries.