If you are a van lifer, you know that such a lifestyle enhances our knowledge, helps us express our inner desires, boosts our curiosity, and guides us to enjoy our lives to the fullest. But as you are out on the road exploring, safety should never be out of your mind. Of all types of safety issues regarding van life, our focus today is on fire safety. Through this informative post today, we will review some of the most important camper van fire safety tips. These tips will also enable you to avoid fires and be prepared in the event that one does break out. But before that, let’s discuss how campervan fires can happen.
What Causes Camper Van Fires?
In a travel trailer or RV, fires can start quite quickly. This can happen from running an electric heater too near to curtains or from build-up gas leaks that catch fire. However, electrical shorts or rig wiring issues are the main causes of RV fires. If the fire is electrical, it could originate from your air conditioning unit, slide-out, generator, electric heater, refrigerator, or almost anything else. When these systems are turned off, there is even a chance that a fire could start. Particularly for motorhomes, the engine compartment or an overloaded wheel bearing are two more frequent causes of flames.
6 Preventive Camper Van Fire Safety Tips
Traveling safely in a caravan or campervan and enjoying the trip requires making sure the van is fire-safe. Here are six basic guidelines for campervan or motorhome fire safety:
1. Cook Safely
Similar to a home, the kitchen is where most fires begin in a van. When cooking, never leave the kitchen area. Anything flammable should be kept away from the stovetop. You must avoid using an open flame for cooking. Use a coffee maker, electric skillet, crock pot, or microwave for barbecue as an alternative. Always keep a fire blanket in the kitchen area.
2. Install Smoke and CO Alarms
A good idea is to place smoke detectors next to the bedrooms and kitchen. Also, you can have a carbon monoxide alarm, but you should know how to use it. The gas, carbon monoxide, is poisonous, colorless, and invisible. Carbon monoxide can be exposed through
- An engine or generator exhaust leak
- A leak from a nearby car or generator when camping close
- Malfunctioning propane equipment
- Using a propane heat source or lantern in an improperly ventilated area
- Twice a year, check the batteries in your campervans and also make sure the working smoke alarms run perfectly.
3. Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy
The most frequent types of RV or motorhome fires are oil and electrical fires. Ensure that the fire extinguisher uses a dry powder to fight these types of fires. Make sure your fire prevention system is in operational working order by checking it once a month. You can keep one fire extinguisher outside the caravan in case you are out during the event of a fire.
4. Use Propane Safely
Your appliances run on propane, which is highly flammable. Ensure you have a leak detector, and periodically check your tanks and lines for leaks. When not in use or when traveling, turn off the propane. After spills, clean up quickly and let your RV air out.
f you detect a propane scent, make sure the oven is left on or that the stove’s pilot lights are out. If you cannot identify the source of the odor, open the windows and door, exit the vehicle, and shut off the propane at the tank.
5. Maintain Your Vehicle
You should check your engine on a regular basis with an RV technician. Any issues with gasoline, fluid, or electrical lines should be detected. The heat from the engine may cause anything to leak or short out. A system for damping engine compartment fires should be considered.
6. Have an Exit Plan
You can open all the windows to make sure they function during any case of an emergency. Using the escape windows is one of the two approaches everyone should be familiar with. Organize a meeting in a selected location and put the plan into practice.
Three More Practical Tips to Prevent RV Fire
- Never smoke inside your campervan.
- Don’t park around dry, tall grasses that can easily catch fires.
- Always park your vehicle more than 25 meters away from the campfire.
Conclusion
Being ready and taking small safety measures are the keys to driving safely. Our camper van fire safety advice can help you have enjoyable and safe travels. Always have an escape plan, regularly inspect your fire risk safety equipment, and pay attention to your cooking area.
At Highland Vans, we are passionate about making your van life fantasies come true. Our goal is to assist you in your van conversion so you can enjoy priceless experiences. Together, let’s make your travel fun and safe. Happy journeys.
