RVingAndMore.com

Too often we don’t think of a need until we need it. Spending a little time looking through the RV can help you make sure you are protected, really protected, for whatever comes through.

For example, some time ago traveling from Chattanooga to Nashville in Tennessee there was extreme slowing of traffic, forcing one lane over and only coming over the crest of a small hill was it apparent why – a motor home had caught fire. There was little more than the frame left and, being on an interstate not near camping areas it stands to reason that it happened on the move.

Fire isn’t something many think about. It’s easy to forget that candle burning when pulling out for the day. If something shorts out it can spread quickly, especially if a spark hits a curtain that isn’t fire resistant. A typical RV has a higher fire risk than either a home or a car, because it does both jobs. Some statistics report up to 20,000 rigs per year affected.

One of the easiest ways to help insure being able to handle a fire threat is having appropriate fire extinguisher available. Ideally this is an ABC rated extinguisher, with at least one within two feet of the primary exit. These are usually a dry chemical but are messy and can be corrosive. That said, most would rather clean up than lose their RV! ABC extinguishers are rated to safely handle fires from common combustibles like paper or wood (A), flammable liquids (B) or electrical (C).

The National Fire Protection Institute recommends at least one per vehicle. Having multiple ones for back up is always a good idea, and keep them charged and serviced. Fuel, transmission or brake fluid, even antifreeze can burn and spread a fire quickly. Friction from a dragging brake can spark and catch fire before the driver is even aware of the problem. Dry grass touching a hot tailpipe can spark a fire outside that becomes a threat.

Fire is another reason to keep your vehicle maintained. Having fire extinguishers can allow for extinguishing small fires but if the fire has grown call 911 and evacuate. If you can safely get the propane tanks quickly disconnected and removed it’s one less thing firefighters have to worry about when responding.

Protecting the security of your RV is also important, both when stopping short term as well as overnight. Keep to well lit areas and have good locks on your doors – and use them. There are personal alarms for as little as $10 that attach to windows and operate on a 9 volt battery – when the pin is pulled it’s 130 decibels of attention to deter the would be thief from sticking around. There’s a similar one that hangs on the door knob and is triggered by an intruder touching the door knob.

Yet another handy device is a three in one alarm, strobe and flashlight. Anything that attracts a great deal of attention is good. If you are not in the RV it increases the chance that someone will notice and either intervenes or call police, and thieves know this. If you are in the RV this alerts you and gives you time to arm yourself. If despite lights and alarms a ‘visitor’ continues to try to get in you can safely figure it’s not a social call.

**to be continued - part 2 next week**