A fire in an RV can destroy an RV in a matter of minutes. Not only do you lose your RV, but the contents as well. Marc and Julie of RVLove on YouTube experimented to help highlight the importance of fire safety while RVing.
If you’re a fan of large-scale science experiments and explosions, you’ll want to keep reading. (If you’re triggered by unnecessary pollution you may want to exit now.)
Let’s get started!
Why in the World Would These Influencers Set Fire to an RV?
Marc and Julie recognize that some people are very visual learners. They may read about RV fire safety; however, seeing an RV burning and its aftermath leaves a bigger impact. RVLove captured this disaster on camera to help RVers realize the importance of RV safety when it comes to fires.
Providing a visual representation of how quickly fire spreads and how much damage it causes is a gift to the RV community.
It could even save lives.
How They Did It
Marc and Julie purchased an old RV for $1. They then towed the RV back to a large dirt field that was the perfect setting for a massive fire. However, they couldn’t light the match quite yet.
Because the RV was beyond repair and uninhabitable, they recreated a typical RV scene inside. This included curtains, bedding, and closets full of clothing because all of these are fuel for a fire.
The couple worked with the local authorities to ensure the fire demonstration was as safe as possible. Propane tanks were no longer present and the couple even removed some suspension parts that could create toxic fumes when burning. The burn was even delayed due to poor weather conditions so it was as safe as possible.
How Long Did It Take for the RV to Burn to the Ground?
The firefighters estimated it would take no more than 15 minutes to burn completely to the ground. However, after about 10 minutes, the flames were well over 15 feet and burning incredibly hot.
The RV would most definitely be a complete loss at this point, and there was likely nothing that would stop it.
The firefighters reminded the couple that the average response time is approximately eight minutes. So in an RV fire, by the time the firefighters arrive, they’re likely going to be more concerned about the fire spreading to anything around it than saving the RV itself.
Key Lessons to Learn Here
Whether you’re RVing on the weekends or traveling full-time, you need to have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers that are easy to access. Because fires spread so quickly in RVs, you want to do all that you can to put them out before they spread.
You should also avoid loading your RV with unnecessary items. This not only helps reduce your weight and improve your mileage while driving but provides less fuel if a fire were to occur.
It’s also vital to do routine maintenance on your propane refrigerator and water heater vents. Keeping critters from building nests in these areas can help avoid potential issues down the road.
Other Tips for Avoiding RV Fires
When the temperatures dip, RVers tend to lean on electric space heaters to heat their RVs. However, these units can tip over, produce excessive heat, or overload your RV’s wiring and create a fire. So if you’re RVing in cooler weather, make sure you’re taking the proper precautions to heat your RV.
Cooking in an RV is also tricky because you have to do it in tight living quarters. This typically means you’re making the most of every inch of counter space. Keep an eye out that you’re not setting items too close to open flames while cooking. Doing so won’t only ruin your dinner, but could cause a fire in your RV.
Are RVs More Susceptible to Fire Than Homes?
RVs can be more susceptible to fire because they travel down the road and are exposed to the elements. These two factors can cause important components to suffer premature wear and tear in hard-to-see areas of an RV.
It’s also important to remember that RV manufacturers are cranking out RVs as quickly as possible. As a result, people don’t exactly think of “great craftsmanship” when they think of these RVs.
The more you use your RV, the more likely you are to encounter one of these issues. When builders manufacture homes, they conduct detailed inspections. This helps ensure that some of the most important elements of a house are safe. But mass production can skip over these inspections.
Knowing RV Fire Hazards Could Save Your Life
Informing yourself and those in your RV of fire hazards while RVing can help you and your fellow RVers be as safe as possible. An RV fire will quickly ruin your current and future RV adventures. So make sure you put in the effort to ensure your RV is fire safe and that you have a plan should a fire occur.
Have you ever had a fire in an RV?
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