Hi Team,We are getting ready to head off for 10 months in our 5th wheel and would be interested in any Fire, CO, and propane safety tips. Here is what I have done so far: 1) Added BR, LR , and Batt/Propane storage area Fire Alarms. These are wirelessly connected so when on goes off, they all sound. 2) Added Propane leak detector to the Propane storage compartment3) Added CO detector in the BR up near the ceiling. Standard Items on 5th wheel:1) Fire Extinguisher near door2) CO/Propane detector in Kitchen area. Plan to add a 2nd Fire extinguisher in the BR. I would be interested in you all's thoughts on additional fire, CO, and Propane safety considerations.ThanksDan

Bravo to you, Dan, for proactively thinking about co and fire. Bear in mind that if you place the co detector near a stove or anything that burns you will get an alarm. High humidity- kitchen, bath- will set off a smoke detector. Also, once a week, take your extinguisher, turn it upside down, and rap it with a rubber mallet. This will keep the dry chem from settling to a hard blob on the bottom of the extinguisher. Enjoy your travels!

jfkmk wrote:Bravo to you, Dan, for proactively thinking about co and fire. Bear in mind that if you place the co detector near a stove or anything that burns you will get an alarm. High humidity- kitchen, bath- will set off a smoke detector. Also, once a week, take your extinguisher, turn it upside down, and rap it with a rubber mallet. This will keep the dry chem from settling to a hard blob on the bottom of the extinguisher. Enjoy your travels!Once a week is overkill on the extinguisher flipping. National fire codes recommend (code speak for "require")checking pressures monthly and flipping them once a year.

About seven years ago they changed the powder in ABC type extinguishers so it no longer packs down like flour. So if your extinguishers have been serviced or are new than there is no need to shake or flip. Add an extinguisher in your vehicle, this way if you are traveling you don't have to unlock the camper to get an extinguisher. If you need a 2nd one for the camper, then it forces you to get outside to safety before getting a 2nd extinguisher. Never go to the bedroom to get the 2nd extinguisher. ALWAYS have the fire in front of you and the exit behind you!! ALWAYS but ALWAYS dial 911 first. OUTSTANDING job with regards to your safety.

Thanks for the thought provoking inputs. My logic on the fire extinguisher in the BR was in case of a fire at night. The extinguisher would be handy to calm any flames on the way out. Thinking about it, in the event of a fire when we are in bed, I guess the proper course is to just exit thru the window and not try to get out the door which is in the rear of the coach. Your point got me to thinking why the extinguisher is placed near the door in our 5th wheel. I suspect it is so that when going for the extinguisher, one is moving toward the exit?

The fire extinguisher in the truck is a real good thought...will definitely do that....

Fire, CO, and Propane Safety Inputs sought... | Good Sam Community

cruz-in
Explorer
May 16, 2014
The fire extinguisher in the truck is a real good thought...will definitely do that....
cruz-in
Explorer
May 16, 2014
Thanks for the thought provoking inputs.

My logic on the fire extinguisher in the BR was in case of a fire at night. The extinguisher would be handy to calm any flames on the way out. Thinking about it, in the event of a fire when we are in bed, I guess the proper course is to just exit thru the window and not try to get out the door which is in the rear of the coach.

Your point got me to thinking why the extinguisher is placed near the door in our 5th wheel. I suspect it is so that when going for the extinguisher, one is moving toward the exit?
CaptPicky
Explorer
May 15, 2014
About seven years ago they changed the powder in ABC type extinguishers so it no longer packs down like flour. So if your extinguishers have been serviced or are new than there is no need to shake or flip. Add an extinguisher in your vehicle, this way if you are traveling you don't have to unlock the camper to get an extinguisher. If you need a 2nd one for the camper, then it forces you to get outside to safety before getting a 2nd extinguisher. Never go to the bedroom to get the 2nd extinguisher. ALWAYS have the fire in front of you and the exit behind you!! ALWAYS but ALWAYS dial 911 first. OUTSTANDING job with regards to your safety.
robwhite61
Explorer
May 15, 2014
jfkmk wrote:
Bravo to you, Dan, for proactively thinking about co and fire. Bear in mind that if you place the co detector near a stove or anything that burns you will get an alarm. High humidity- kitchen, bath- will set off a smoke detector. Also, once a week, take your extinguisher, turn it upside down, and rap it with a rubber mallet. This will keep the dry chem from settling to a hard blob on the bottom of the extinguisher. Enjoy your travels!

Once a week is overkill on the extinguisher flipping. National fire codes recommend (code speak for "require")checking pressures monthly and flipping them once a year.
jfkmk
Explorer
May 15, 2014
Bravo to you, Dan, for proactively thinking about co and fire. Bear in mind that if you place the co detector near a stove or anything that burns you will get an alarm. High humidity- kitchen, bath- will set off a smoke detector. Also, once a week, take your extinguisher, turn it upside down, and rap it with a rubber mallet. This will keep the dry chem from settling to a hard blob on the bottom of the extinguisher. Enjoy your travels!

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