What is main cause for fire while towing?

[ETCrockett]

This past year I have noticed an increase in videos and news reports about RVs catching on fire while being towed. Perhaps it is not an increase of fire cases but just better awareness with all the social media that is available now. Fire while towing is not something I have really been over concerned about in all my years of RVing. As part of my check list before starting out, I make sure everything not necessary is off. The converter is running to keep the residential fridge running and of course most 12 volt circuits are live to make certain lights work inside and for the carbon monoxide detector, etc. I know a fire can start at the tires if you there is a failure with the bearings or brakes. I'm more interested in the most common cause of fire inside the RV.

Does anyone have any information on what the most common cause of fire is for an RV in tow? Knowing now and what to look for, may save someone a lot of misery.

Be safe, check your lists, and don't take short cuts.

Happy camping in 2022!!

 

[norty1]

I was on a long deserted highway a long while ago and I came up behind a travel trailer that was engulfed in fire. The driver was not aware of it and it was dark! If he had only looked in the rear view mirror?? He might have been able to save something.

I just turn everything off that I can. We have been fastidious about checking the range to verify all burners are off. We always run with the fridge on for 30+ years and don't worry about that.

 

[Jagiven]

I have downloaded a paper on subject on my pc. Probably won't upload in until tomorrow. PM me if I forget.

As I recall electrical was #1, and MH's were most affected.

 

[chiefcamper]

This study is pretty extensive. The NFPA always does a great job with research.

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/...eports/US-Fire-Problem/RFDamageAndLossRVs.pdf

Happy reading!

 

[RogerR]

Could be as simple as more people have dash video cams running these days.

 

[Jagiven]

This study is pretty extensive. The NFPA always does a great job with research.

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/...eports/US-Fire-Problem/RFDamageAndLossRVs.pdf

Happy reading!

This is the one I downloaded. I would like to find the raw data and run the statistics myself, looking at types of campers.

 

[Bugzilla46310]

May be unrelated may not. With the increased towing capacity of pick ups, tow speed may be a factor. I rarely get over 70mph, usually try to keep around 65mph on the interstate highways. I am amazed at how many RV’s fly by me, most likely pushing 80 mph or more, even on the washboard known as I80 through Iowa. Has to be shaking the crap out of everything in the camper. Plus added heat to bearings, etc.

 

[ETCrockett]

I found an article put out by the National Forest Service that said nearly 20,000 RVs are lost to fire each year and not all are while towing. The biggest contributor to RV trailers and FW is loose 12 volt wiring or 12 volt lights left on in storage spaces where the light generates heat against combustible material like clothes, rags, etc. Also, the articles mentions that damp charcoal is at risk for spontaneous combustion. I don't store charcoal in the RV but I also never considered the risk of spontaneous combustion. I have seen a couple of MH fires but they both started either from an oil or transmission leak in the engine compartment.

We just have to stay diligent on our safety checks.

 

[Bugzilla46310]

At a KOA by St. Louis about 7 years ago and a camper caught fire. The owner was not there when it happened. Started at the opposite side from the hitch. Completely burned the camper before the fire department got there. Luckily the relief valves on both propane tanks worked as designed. Put off a heck of a show, but no explosion. Hope that’s the last one I see catch on fire.