Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 07-05-2008, 05:29 AM   #1
Winnie-Wise
 
Doug Sage's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Originally from near Portland, OR
Posts: 274
Check out this link to videos that Chuck Woodbury has put together. It is scary!

http://www.motorhomesonfire.com/

Doug
__________________
Doug Sage
Full timers roaming the good old US of A
2007 Itasca Suncruiser 38J
2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Doug Sage is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2008, 06:54 AM   #2
Winnie-Wise
 
TXiceman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Full Time, TX Home Base
Posts: 432
It is a bit of a stretch to call a motorhome a rolling bomb.

But from the quality standards being used by the industry, I am surprised that there are not more fires. You look at the mess of wires and hoses just strung under, through and over things and not adequately protected, it really make me sick to see such a poor attitude by the RV industry in general.

Ken
__________________
Amateur Radio Operator (KE5DFR)|Full-Time! - 2012 6.7L Ford Crew Cab Dually -2013 HitchHiker Champagne 38RLRSB - Travel with one Standard Schnauzer and one small Timneh African Gray Parrot
TXiceman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2008, 09:01 AM   #3
Winnie-Wise
 
Pubtym's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 359
Wow!! Thanks for posting this...makes me think again about a quick MH movement plan when parked "rally type close"....ie jacks up...MH keys placed on steering wheel..awning stowed..
__________________
Pubtym, 20th SOS "Green Hornet" , Viet Nam 68-69,
2015 Thor A.C.E 29.3
Pubtym is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-05-2008, 09:25 PM   #4
Winnebago Owner
 
Jackm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 146
Thanks for the link....I guess.

Jack
__________________
2004 Winnebago Brave 34D with the usual add-ons
Jackm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2008, 04:45 AM   #5
Winnebago Owner
 
Kyle241's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 78
So what does everyone think caused the fires in the motorhomes specifically? While the videos are disturbing, I hope everyone just got out safely. I would like to learn though what to look for, if possible, that might lead to a potential fire hazard. No fire extinguisher is going to help with these type of fires. I look at mine as something to put out a stove fire if they were ever to happen. We are out of here if the actual motorhome catches fire...nothing else matters.

Tks.
Kyle
__________________
06 Winnebago Adventurer 38T

W24 8.1 Vortec
Kyle241 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2008, 05:04 AM   #6
Winnie-Wise
 
Pubtym's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 359
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Kyle241:
So what does everyone think caused the fires in the motorhomes specifically? While the videos are disturbing, I hope everyone just got out safely. I would like to learn though what to look for, if possible, that might lead to a potential fire hazard. No fire extinguisher is going to help with these type of fires. I look at mine as something to put out a stove fire if they were ever to happen. We are out of here if the actual motorhome catches fire...nothing else matters.

Tks.
Kyle </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wish we could get fire investigator's report for that info..I understand MH coach manufacturers...unlike auto manufacturers are not required to track or report to Feds fire incidents in their product line..

Purely my speculations on video. My observations

1. Two apperared to be rear engine diesel/fires with toads. I understand at least one coach manufacturer has undisclosed number of rear engine fires due to faulty coolant radiator...that caused leaking coolant to catch fire..Personal conversation with Gary Swaim seems to indicate his fire investigators pointing to that type defective radiator.

http://swaimquest.com/Coach_Fire.aspx

2. Several RVs appeared to be older models with the refrigerator near the center of the coach..
Again...older model Dometic-Norcold fire prone refrigerators could have been the cause.

http://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2486094452/m/22410146541
__________________
Pubtym, 20th SOS "Green Hornet" , Viet Nam 68-69,
2015 Thor A.C.E 29.3
Pubtym is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-06-2008, 04:19 PM   #7
Winnebago Master
 
Ray,IN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 2,365
Read what macthefireguy.comrecommends to reduce risks of a fire in a MH. The vast majority of RV fires are MH fires, most of those fires begin in the engine compartment. It's all on the website for anyone to read.
__________________
2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA 1SG, retired;PPA,Good Sam Life member,FMCA. "We the people are the rightful masters of both the Congress and the Courts - not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution." Abraham Lincoln
Ray,IN is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 03:48 AM   #8
Winnie-Wise
 
Pubtym's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 359
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Ray,IN:
Read what macthefireguy.comrecommends to reduce risks of a fire in a MH. The vast majority of RV fires are MH fires, most of those fires begin in the engine compartment. It's all on the website for anyone to read. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks ..great stuff.
__________________
Pubtym, 20th SOS "Green Hornet" , Viet Nam 68-69,
2015 Thor A.C.E 29.3
Pubtym is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 04:18 AM   #9
Winnebago Watcher
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: st.charles mo.
Posts: 3
Cars catch fire every day. RV fires are just more spectacular and news werthy.
speed racer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 04:36 AM   #10
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North East Indiana
Posts: 762
When I look at the pictures and think of some of the parks I have parked in, where coaches were packed in like sardines in a can. Makes me wonder what the "H" is wrong with my thinking. Besides fuel, oil and electrical fires there is Propane which normally blows. We have them all.
Izzyblueye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 09:11 AM   #11
Winnie-Wise
 
Pubtym's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 359
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Homer:
When I look at the pictures and think of some of the parks I have parked in, where coaches were packed in like sardines in a can. Makes me wonder what the "H" is wrong with my thinking. Besides fuel, oil and electrical fires there is Propane which normally blows. We have them all. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

and the BBQ...and neighbor's BBQ..and the cigarette smoker next to you putting the butts out on the dry grass ground..seems like parks should be covered by ordinance...as to the minimum distances between parked rigs...Rally's would have a tough time with this one..also..based on Rally attendance...local firetrucks should be located on rally site..when you enter and register...a handout with emergency evac traffic flow should be part of registration..signs posted along drive ways should be posted for emergency evac flow...
__________________
Pubtym, 20th SOS "Green Hornet" , Viet Nam 68-69,
2015 Thor A.C.E 29.3
Pubtym is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 11:12 AM   #12
Winnebago Owner
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Sonoma County, California
Posts: 70
I am just curious. Since this is a Winnebago Forum, and the fire pictures are spectacular, how many of these fires occured in Winnebago products? I am driving under the general impression that W'go does a pretty good job of engineering their circuits, tying their harnesses, routing and mounting their gas lines and venting important cavities.

Other than that, I see maintenance and equipment cleanliness as the most important factors along with just plain vigilence.

Of course, some things just happen, like running over something in the roadway that flies up and causes damage.

Still, what an ordeal to go through.

Carle McFarland, 2004 Journey 36G
Carle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 02:15 PM   #13
Edw
Winnebago Watcher
 
Edw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 2
When I bought my SeaBreeze I went through it pretty good and found the area around the generator packed with everything a field mouse could find to make a nice nest. The wire screen vents were packed solid. Took an air compressor and shop vac to get the area cleaned out. Generac rep confirmed that is common area above screens for rodent home. Wonder if that debris could have caused a fire if things got real hot while running generator?
__________________
1999 Nation RV

Sea Breeze 31'
Edw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 02:57 PM   #14
Winnebago Master
 
LK23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 527
I read Mac the Fire Guy's web site and still am a little confused about fire extinguishers. What are your takes on the subject? Is it a good idea to replace the existing fire extinguisher with a foam extinguisher. And, add fire extinguishers to the kitchen, bedroom and tow vehicle. It seems reasonable to me, however, I am still questioning what type of extinguisher is best.
__________________
2017 Dutch Star 4369
Huey Pilot — Vietnam 1971-72
Author of ACE, The Story of Lt. Col. Ace Cozzalio
2016 Independent Publishers Book Awards Winner
LK23 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 03:10 PM   #15
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North East Indiana
Posts: 762
My personal take on fire extinguishers is have one close to your exits to beat back flames so you can get out and then get out. I don't think they make an extinguisher that will quell a motor home fire. Get out and let the fire dept take care of what's left. It can all be replaced.
Izzyblueye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 03:43 PM   #16
Winnebago Master
 
LK23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 527
Homer,

I agree, the fire extinguisher will only help you get out. I am still seeking the best type for a RV.
__________________
2017 Dutch Star 4369
Huey Pilot — Vietnam 1971-72
Author of ACE, The Story of Lt. Col. Ace Cozzalio
2016 Independent Publishers Book Awards Winner
LK23 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 03:56 PM   #17
Winnebago Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North East Indiana
Posts: 762
I have the dry powder type in my rig. I can't recommend them as I have never had to use one. My local fire dept thinks it probably the best. However there are people on this forum who have extensive experience in Fire Fighting Equipment. Maybe one will respond. I will be watching too.
Izzyblueye is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 03:57 PM   #18
Winnie-Wise
 
Pubtym's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 359
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Carle:
I am just curious. Since this is a Winnebago Forum, and the fire pictures are spectacular, how many of these fires occured in Winnebago products? I am driving under the general impression that W'go does a pretty good job of engineering their circuits, tying their harnesses, routing and mounting their gas lines and venting important cavities.

Other than that, I see maintenance and equipment cleanliness as the most important factors along with just plain vigilence.

Of course, some things just happen, like running over something in the roadway that flies up and causes damage.

Still, what an ordeal to go through.

Carle McFarland, 2004 Journey 36G </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Here sits the information gap...as I understand it..Motorhome/RV manufactures are nor required to maintain stats..or report these fire stats to federal safety agencies. I do not believe the consumer can write Winnie and request the data..dunno.

I am overall pleased with same..venting...wire ties..pipe security clamps...wire housing protectors. etc....I have seen much lower quality on other brands...

In your words "I see maintenance and equipment cleanliness as the most important factors along with just plain vigilence." I agree. These are complex machines and all the road movement takes a toll on all corners of the rig. Before a trip...and between trips...I'll be on a mechanics creeper looking at all the undercomponents for potential trouble fluid leaks...wire chaffing...electrical connection corrosion,,)...Then it's compartment by compartment...that preventive inspection can pay dividends.

And yes...hitting the unexpected road object is always a threat...but stopping early in the day..prevents that driver road fatigue and possible late vision detection of the road object..
__________________
Pubtym, 20th SOS "Green Hornet" , Viet Nam 68-69,
2015 Thor A.C.E 29.3
Pubtym is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 04:22 PM   #19
Winnie-Wise
 
Fakrwee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Carlsbad, Ca.
Posts: 310
Ehhhh I think I'll add an extinguisher to the toad also as back up in case one doesn't work.

Tom
__________________
2007 Itasca Suncruiser 33V
2009 Ford Flex Ltd. AWD Fa. Toad
2010 Jeep Rubicon offroad Toad
Fakrwee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-07-2008, 04:34 PM   #20
Winnebago Camper
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Blairsville,GA
Posts: 11
Ford just sent me the first notice that I have received that the recall on the cruise control has not been done, these have caused many fires in pickups, and apparently they figured they better do it on motorhomes. They are awful slow on notifying people, as this recall is several years old. It took them 2 years after the recall to notify me on my superduty truck. (this recall is on my MH)
Hillbilly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Old motorhomes 48ratfink Vintage Rigs - Retro is cool! 6 10-04-2012 07:35 PM
Winnebago Unveils Industry-First Motorhomes in Louisville! FrontRangeRVer Winnebago General Discussions 7 12-02-2008 02:38 PM
Dash Covers for Motorhomes... Richard 34A General Maintenance and Repair 12 10-16-2007 07:44 AM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Winnebago Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:18 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.