5 Best Fire Extinguishers for Your RV

Protect your RV, yourselves, and nature with the best fire extinguishers for your RV. PLUS the one most recommended by RVers!

For most of us, traveling in our RV represents freedom and relaxation. But, accidents can happen. RV fires are real, and overwhelming damage can be prevented in many cases.

The following outlines ways to be prepared in case of a fire, as well as the best fire extinguishers for RV on the market today.

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Fire Prevention in RVs

Whether you have a brand new RV or a more vintage model, you want to be sure that it has safety equipment installed in case of a fire.

At the very least, you should have a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, propane leak detection, and a fire extinguisher.

When you do regular maintenance on your rig, you want to make sure all detectors are working. All RV owners should also check expiration dates on fire extinguishers.

Fuel Tank Safety

A leak in your propane line or faulty propane regulator can present serious hazards.

As a safety measure, have your propane system checked by a professional. You may also want to install a propane leak detector.

Since you may or may not be able to smell a propane leak, be proactive about this dangerous fuel system.

Electrical Safety

Many RV fires begin with electrical appliances or equipment. What starts as a small fire can quickly get out of control.

That is why an electrical safety check should be part of your annual RV maintenance. Inspect wiring, and repair any frayed or aged wiring.

Keep electrical tape on hand for temporary fixes while on the road. Then seek out a professional as soon as you can.

Keeping Hazard Detectors Up to Date

As mentioned, every RV owner should have a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in their RV. But you can’t stop there.

You must make sure they are working properly every year when you complete your RV maintenance. Test them out and check their batteries before your first big trip of the season!

This may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised by how easily safety detectors get overlooked in RVs. I recommend scheduling it in your phone’s calendar with a reminder notification.

Fire Extinguishers for Your RV

I get this question a lot: How Many fire extinguishers do I need for my RV?

To answer this question, it really depends on how many square feet your RV is. In the event of a fire, an extinguisher is your first line of defense. That means you want to have one close to where you are in the rig.

Most experts agree that you should have at least one fire extinguisher in the following areas: the bedroom, kitchen, and a well-labeled location outside. That way, you can put out a grill or campfire quickly if either get out of hand.

All Travel Companions Should Be Trained

It is a best practice to educate all of your travel companions as well as yourself.

Everyone onboard should understand how to use a fire extinguisher and should know an escape route in case a fire is too large to put out.

Types of Fires and Extinguishers

When it comes to fires and types of fire extinguishers, there are four main types:

Class A: Fires caused by combustibles like cloth, wood, and some plastics. A class A fire extinguisher puts out these basic types of fires. Most of them use a fine powder to put out the fire.

Class B: These are fires caused by flammable liquids like alcohol, oil, ether, gasoline, or grease (but not cooking oil or grease!). These are best extinguished by being smothered. However, many class B fire extinguishers are combined with class C extinguishers.

Class C: Class C fires occur within electrical wiring, equipment, and appliances. It is advised to use a fire extinguisher, not water, to put out this fire. This is a great option for fifth wheels, trailers, and RVs since it comes equipped with an electrical fire suppressant.

Class D: Flammable metallic substances like potassium or sodium cause class D fires. The class D fire extinguisher is the most complicated type of fire extinguisher and is likely not as necessary to have in your RV as the class C type of extinguisher.

Class K: Although there is not a class K fire, there is an extinguisher. This is a good type for your rig because they release a foamy substance that can put out kitchen fires caused by grease, fats, or oils.

Best Fire Extinguishers for Your RV

There are many fire extinguishers on the market for an affordable price. I have looked at different models and picked out the 5 top extinguishers on the market so you can make the right choice.

BONUS and UPDATE: According to our loyal readers ELEMENT is the fire extinguisher to check out! Even though it’s not on our original list – you should certainly check it out.

1.Amerex B417T

The Amerex B417T is a great overall fire extinguisher because it provides high quality at an affordable price.

It is one of the most popular fire extinguishers because it is compact, but still an excellent quality ABC dry chemical extinguisher.

It can put out different types of fires and comes complete with a solid mount to secure it to a wall in your RV.

2.First Alert REC5

The First Alert REC5 is designed to fight both flammable liquid and electrical fires. They’re designed for marine, cars, and RVs. This particular model (REC5) is best for RVs.

This is one of the most compact portable fire extinguishers and comes with a bracket and strap for secure placement during travel.

3.H3R Performance

The H3R Performance is the best choice for anyone concerned with the damage that a fire extinguisher substance might cause.

This model offers a non-corrosive extinguishing agent that will not damage metal when used. That is why many sports car enthusiasts love this brand!

4.Kidde FA110

The Kidde FA110 fights Class A, B, and C fires and is UL rated 1-A:10-B:C. It’s suitable for use on most common household fires. Plus, it has a large capacity and is rechargeable.

It is also corrosion-resistant but will leave a dry residue.

5.Buckeye 13315

This compact 2.5-pound ABC dry chemical extinguisher provides peace of mind since it can put out different types of fires. In other words, it can provide you with greater control when fighting a fire.

It comes complete with all metal components and an excellent vehicle mounting bracket.

Bonus: First Alert EZ Fire Spray

Let me first clarify that this is not a fire extinguisher. You will not meet legal or insurance requirements for fire extinguishers with these aerosol sprays.

However, they may yet save you from a small fire getting out of control! These small aerosol sprays can be easily stored in a cabinet, or kept near your grill or campfire.

They’re quick to grab and easy to operate. I recommend you get these in addition to a proper fire extinguisher.

Have you ever had to extinguish a fire while RVing?

Please share your experience in the comments! We’d love to hear your recommendation for the best fire extinguishers for your RV, too.

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