RVs are every road trip goers dream choice, especially when it comes to visiting the countryside and catching some of the beautiful sceneries along the way. You feel like you have all the freedom in the world - freedom to do virtually anything and enjoy your vacation where you want and how you want with food and accommodations already catered for in the RV.
But here is where problems can also arise. Many RVs are made from materials that can catch and spread fire so easily and if you find yourself in a situation where your RV catches fire and you’re still inside it then you may have only seconds to escape without suffering any injuries. Most RV fires occur as a result of the ignorance of the person or people manning the RV at the time. Here is a compiled a list of some of the fire safety tips and tricks you can use to prevent your RV from catching fire and damaging your belongings with it.
1. Change detector batteries
Always make sure that the detector batteries are new and fresh at all times before you take your RV out for long rides. You should ensure that you change them at least once every six months. Detector batteries that stay on for a long time without being changed may start to leak and even corrode the ports of the detectors and spark, which can start a fire.
2. Certified propane system
If you are using your RV for your vacation trips, then you need to ensure that all the propane pipes, cylinder, and the whole system, in general, are certified and airtight. No gas should leak from the system. You can also ensure that you have the system re-certified at least once every few years or so, just to be on the safe side.
3. Driving with your LP gas on
Most RV drivers tend to do this a lot, especially when they want to have their refrigerators running, but this may not be such a good idea. It is better exercise caution than put yourself and everyone in and around the RV in danger just because you wanted to use the fridge.
4. Don’t overload the electrical circuits
When it comes to the electrical outlets of RV, you will notice that they bare the minimum qualifications as most of them are either lightweight, cheaply made, or even both. And with that in mind, you should try and ensure that you don’t overload the circuits, especially with appliances that draw so much electricity like heaters.
5. Maintain appliances
Always try and ensure that all the RV appliances are clean and well-maintained at all times starting with the fridge which ranks high on the list of the appliances that cause fires in RVs. You can also check the RV’s access panels every once in awhile, just to make sure that there is no dirt or debris in them and clean any that you find. You should also ensure that you visibly inspect all the wiring throughout the RV for any loose or broken wires.
Do you have a question about preventing RV fires? Click here to contact the RV Shop today!
