What causes tow vehicles to catch fire?

[TimHolt]

The other day between El Paso and Las Cruces NM, traffic was backed up because, as we finally passed the slow down, a nice big A class was pulled over and about 50 feet behind it was the crispy remains of what looked to be a Jeep something or another.

This is the second time I have seen a tow vehicle on the side of the road being attended to by the local volunteer fire fighter forces. The firs time I saw it was somewhere between Lordsburg NM and Wilcox AZ on I10.

So the question is: What causes this to happen?

[tom463219]

First guess would be a malfunction of the toad's supplemental braking system, causing the brakes to drag and overheat.

Getting a flat tire on toad and not knowing it. Overheat the tire and start a fire also.

I have had both happen, but had a TPMS system that lets me know pressure and temperature of toad's tires.

I also keep the rear camera on the radio so I can see the toad at all times.

[ExChief]

Originally Posted by TimHolt

The other day between El Paso and Las Cruces NM, traffic was backed up because, as we finally passed the slow down, a nice big A class was pulled over and about 50 feet behind it was the crispy remains of what looked to be a Jeep something or another.

This is the second time I have seen a tow vehicle on the side of the road being attended to by the local volunteer fire fighter forces. The firs time I saw it was somewhere between Lordsburg NM and Wilcox AZ on I10.

So the question is: What causes this to happen?

Fuel, Oxygen, Heat and a Chain Reaction

[norty1]

That's a mighty broad question. There are so many things that CAN happen, some already mentioned.

One night I was driving and I saw flames coming from a travel trailer way ahead of me. I sped up and went around the rig while flashing lights and beeping horn.

The whole back end was consumed and the driver was blissfully unaware of it.

[Marcm157]

Originally Posted by ExChief

Fuel, Oxygen, Heat and a Chain Reaction

Bout sums it up pretty well now doesn't it....