Forum Discussion

Explorer

May 11, 2017

Motorhome fires

I recently visited an RV junkyard in London Kentucky. I believe at least three fourths of the motorhomes that were there were because of fires in the rear of the diesel motorhome. What is the deal with diesel motor homes catching on fire back around the engine.? I am in the process now of repairing my 2004 Phaeton where the exhaust pipe has melted the floor above it. This easily could have caught on fire I just was lucky. Are these Builders not building these things correctly? There is no heat shielding or anything around this exhaust where it comes close to my floor or the foam insulation along the sides. These fires did not seem to be in any particular brand or model. Looking at the way mine was built I'm surprised they're not more fires.

Ken

Class A

25 Replies

BB_TX
Nomad
May 11, 2017
Probably likely that far more motor homes are totaled due to fire than by accident. A lot of damage due to accident can be repaired. Not so much by fire.

Pictures or news links are often posted here on RV fires on the highway. Almost all those are motor homes.
Dutch_12078
Explorer III
May 11, 2017
According to insurance statistics I read awhile back, about 75% of all vehicle fires are engine/drive line related. I suspect motorized RV fires would be right in line with the other vehicles.
Ivylog
Explorer III
May 11, 2017
Over the years I've looked at a lot of burnt MHs at Copart Salvage yards. I would say it's an even mix of interior fires, engine area fires, and refrigerator fires...mainly Norcold 1200.
K_Charles
Explorer
May 11, 2017
How many DP were ever sold, and how many burned?
So they build houses to catch on fire too? A lot of them burn.
kfriceman
Explorer
May 11, 2017
I'm thinking that a majority of these fires can be traced back to a poor maintenance history.

-Kevin