Fire extinguisher - how do I fit it?

[ladydunraven]

I know you are all going to laugh at me but I am willing to take the risk / hit.

I have bought a new Motorhome and also new to Motorhoming upgrading from Tents. I have purchased a Fire extinguisher that has come with a holder along with a fire blanket. I am trying to make sure I am as safe as possible.

I have figured out a spot to fit the Fire blanket and use a heavy duty removable hook so no damage to the Motorhome.
The problem is the fire extinguisher didn't come with any fixings for me to use. I have located a spot by the door it can safely go without being knocked accidentally, but it means attaching it to the wood paneling.

Is it ok to use wood screws? What is the best length? Are they strong enough? Should I use a nut and bolt? i'm not practical like most of you.

How have all of you attached your fire extinguishers? Pictures would be appreciated.

I am really conscious of the warranty on the new Motorhome probably over conscious, hence asking for advice for you lovely people.

Thank you in advance.

 

[wildebus]

Why should we laugh? Fitting a fire Extinguisher is a very good (no, essential) thing to do, and the correct place and way to do it is of course just as important. Making that your first purchase after the Motorhome is a great start

If you are going into Plywood, wood screws are fine. Best length is to go into the wood as far as possible without coming out the other side. If the panelling is 19mm thick (quite likely), then a 3/4" screw would be about right (depends how much length is taken up by the extinguisher holder)
If the panelling is not solid or very thin, then a nut and bolt with a suitable 'thing' to spead the load on the other side should work. that 'thing' could be a penny-washer (called that as it is a very wide washer the size of a old penny - so say new 50p piece in modern money) or a piece of ply. (I'd use the washers).

 

[ladydunraven]

Why should we laugh? Fitting a fire Extinguisher is a very good (no, essential) thing to do, and the correct place and way to do it is of course just as important. Making that your first purchase after the Motorhome is a great start

If you are going into Plywood, wood screws are fine. Best length is to go into the wood as far as possible without coming out the other side. If the panelling is 19mm thick (quite likely), then a 3/4" screw would be about right (depends how much length is taken up by the extinguisher holder)
If the panelling is not solid or very thin, then a nut and bolt with a suitable 'thing' to spead the load on the other side should work. that 'thing' could be a penny-washer (called that as it is a very wide washer the size of a old penny - so say new 50p piece in modern money) or a piece of ply. (I'd use the washers).

Thank you Wildebus for your advice.

I tend to laugh at myself for not knowing things like this. Hence me asking the question and there will always be someone else out there wondering the same thing, so I am happy to ask the basic questions.

The washer idea is a good one too I am thinking that will protect the wood a little too. I will go to the Motorhome on the weekend and get the fire extinguisher frame and measure the depth of the wood I want to attach it too. B&Q here I come...

 

[oppy]

Thank you Wildebus for your advice.

I tend to laugh at myself for not knowing things like this. Hence me asking the question and there will always be someone else out there wondering the same thing, so I am happy to ask the basic questions.

The washer idea is a good one too I am thinking that will protect the wood a little too. I will go to the Motorhome on the weekend and get the fire extinguisher frame and measure the depth of the wood I want to attach it too. B&Q here I come...

Fret ye not, it's a great place to start from, and now that you are here you have found the fount of all knowledge, if you don't know, well just ask. Speaking as one who has asked all the stupid questions, you'll get the odd silly answer, but generally your problems will be solved by our family

 

[pj palance]

Fret ye not, it's a great place to start from, and now that you are here you have found the fount of all knowledge, if you don't know, well just ask. Speaking as one who has asked all the stupid questions, you'll get the odd silly answer, but generally your problems will be solved by our family

here here bear in mind that blood is, shall we say thicker than water. keep going and stay safe. ok.pj.

 

[trevskoda]

Just remember to mount it not facing forward as in a crash it will leave its clamp and become a missile, it should face the back and behind a panel.

 

[Mick H]

I know you are all going to laugh at me but I am willing to take the risk / hit.

I have bought a new Motorhome and also new to Motorhoming upgrading from Tents. I have purchased a Fire extinguisher that has come with a holder along with a fire blanket. I am trying to make sure I am as safe as possible.

I have figured out a spot to fit the Fire blanket and use a heavy duty removable hook so no damage to the Motorhome.
The problem is the fire extinguisher didn't come with any fixings for me to use. I have located a spot by the door it can safely go without being knocked accidentally, but it means attaching it to the wood paneling.

Is it ok to use wood screws? What is the best length? Are they strong enough? Should I use a nut and bolt? i'm not practical like most of you.

How have all of you attached your fire extinguishers? Pictures would be appreciated.

I am really conscious of the warranty on the new Motorhome probably over conscious, hence asking for advice for you lovely people.

Thank you in advance.

It's great, that you are alert to safety issues, but, personally, I would not fit a fire extinguisher. In the event of a fire, everyone should immediately leave the vehicle, and keep well away, and call the fire brigade. Fires can spread rapidly.
Many years ago, a national company, that I worked for, had all the previously installed fire extinguishers removed, because of this reason. It is far safer, to vacate the van, than attempt to put out the fire. You would be putting yourself in a very dangerous, and avoidable position.
Safety is paramount. Fires, in a small, confined space can, and often do kill.
If you still go ahead, make absolutely sure, that it is securely fitted, and not liable to become a dangerous projectile, whilst travelling.

 

[Ardachaidh]

@ladydunraven And have you got a fire/smoke/carbon monoxide alarm fitted?

 

[Tim120]

@ladydunraven And have you got a fire/smoke/carbon monoxide alarm fitted?

New van so should have.
Sound advice from Mick H.
Used to be the mantra, Get Out, Stay Out, Call Us Out, Still true.

 

[edina]

It's great, that you are alert to safety issues, but, personally, I would not fit a fire extinguisher. In the event of a fire, everyone should immediately leave the vehicle, and keep well away, and call the fire brigade. Fires can spread rapidly.
Many years ago, a national company, that I worked for, had all the previously installed fire extinguishers removed, because of this reason. It is far safer, to vacate the van, than attempt to put out the fire. You would be putting yourself in a very dangerous, and avoidable position.
Safety is paramount. Fires, in a small, confined space can, and often do kill.
If you still go ahead, make absolutely sure, that it is securely fitted, and not liable to become a dangerous projectile, whilst travelling.

My insurers, Adrian Flux, have the need to carry a fire extinguisher written into my policy. A lot of friends didn't know about the clause and it seems other insurance companies have the same.

 

[GMJ]

We have one that came fitted which is located at the front of the MH behind the passengers seat. I also put one in the back of the MH in an accessible drawer as well, as the one at the front is of no use if the fire is between us and it.

They are only there to help us get out of the MH if a fire breaks out because, as has been said above...it's the only safe thing to do.

We also carry a fire blanket which travels in the microwave when on the move and it easily accessible when the hob/oven is being used.

 

[wildebus]

Just because there is an extinguisher fitted doesn't mean you HAVE to use it regardless of the situation.
Called options.

 

[Deleted member 5650]

There's a lot of sound advice here about extinguishers from where not to fit it, how to fit, whether to fit or not to fit and use it or not. There is just one point that I can add and that is, if you have one, and intend to use it, read the instructions on how to use it before you need to use it. It's no good discovering the fire and then having to read the instructions or using the appliance wrongly in the first place. In the confines of a motorhome/van a dry powder extinguisher may do the job so long as you point it in the right direction but its still best to know what your fire drill is before it happens. If you've ever been in a confined space when a dry power has gone off you'll know that you won't want to hang around. Wow did I really write all that? I don't feel well

 

[Nick-Mandy]

Fire Extinguishers have expiry dates as well as a "Green Okay" gauge.
Before you fit, check this out as it maybe an idea to just buy a new one, which will come with a cage and screws
A very good compact fire extinguisher will set you back £16-£22 from any motorist store.
Same a fire blanket, don't cost much for piece of mind.

Also, a small fire can be put out. If you leave it for the fire service to arrive, it could develop into a major fire and completely ruin your camper.
Saying that, don't ever tackle an out of control fire.

 

[RichardHelen262]

Like GMJ I have one fastened to the passenger seat base at the front of the motorhome and another in the front of a cupboard at the rear end of the motorhome which is easily accessible.
Because the passenger seat base is metal it was easy to secure by two self tapping screws.
If you are going to fasten it to a wood panel the chances are it is only chip board, so I would also use double sided tape down the length of the bracket as well as the screws to help support it and to stop it vibrating loose

 

[bartman]

The advice to get out is very sound. I remember from my working days that the advice on the official fire safety course was only to tackle a very small fire with an extiguisher, and then only from the doorway to ensure a quick exit was possible. On being asked what constituted a small fire, the deadpan reply was "a wastepaper bin". Anything much larger than that, he said that as a retired fire officer he would just get out.

 

[ladydunraven]

@ladydunraven And have you got a fire/smoke/carbon monoxide alarm fitted?

Came as standard and i test at the beginning of each trip.

 

[ladydunraven]

My insurers, Adrian Flux, have the need to carry a fire extinguisher written into my policy. A lot of friends didn't know about the clause and it seems other insurance companies have the same.

My insurers also require a fire extinguisher. It is more there to put the grass out if the fire tries to spread. getting out is the first priority, stoping it from spreading to other Motorhomes is second.

 

[ladydunraven]

There's a lot of sound advice here about extinguishers from where not to fit it, how to fit, whether to fit or not to fit and use it or not. There is just one point that I can add and that is, if you have one, and intend to use it, read the instructions on how to use it before you need to use it. It's no good discovering the fire and then having to read the instructions or using the appliance wrongly in the first place. In the confines of a motorhome/van a dry powder extinguisher may do the job so long as you point it in the right direction but its still best to know what your fire drill is before it happens. If you've ever been in a confined space when a dry power has gone off you'll know that you won't want to hang around. Wow did I really write all that? I don't feel well

First thing i did on purchasing was read it and put a copy of it in my prep to do list, so i refresh myself on each trip.

 

[ladydunraven]

Fire Extinguishers have expiry dates as well as a "Green Okay" gauge.
Before you fit, check this out as it maybe an idea to just buy a new one, which will come with a cage and screws
A very good compact fire extinguisher will set you back £16-£22 from any motorist store.
Same a fire blanket, don't cost much for piece of mind.

Also, a small fire can be put out. If you leave it for the fire service to arrive, it could develop into a major fire and completely ruin your camper.
Saying that, don't ever tackle an out of control fire.

I have put a reminder in my calendar [ phone ]. For a replacement and to check the gauge on each trip as part of my prep to travel checks. Easy to stop and get a new one that way on your way to a place and find out you cant use it.