Trailer Fire

[bvansnell]

This item was posted on Fiberglassrv.com recently:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/in...opic=39710&hl=

Are we certain that such an accident could not happen in an Escape trailer?

[thoer]

I think it could happen in ANY trailer, fiberglass or otherwise, just like any home can burn. Another reminder of why we need to be careful!

[bvansnell]

You should check on the latest postings on this subject:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/in...ic=39710&st=30

The opinion seems to be that we need to check the operation of propane fridges regularly to make sure that they are working properly. This includes ensuring the burner is not blocked with debris and that the flame is the right colour.

[majaross]

How would you unhitch in a hurry if your trailer caught fire when hitched, especially if the chains and bars on a WDH were attached?

I've wondered if it would be workable to simply pop the cotter pin that secures the hitch pin, pull the hitch pin out, then drive away, letting the gooseneck pull out of the receiver, and letting the electricals either pop off or simply break if the plug was latched in place. That assumes that the trailer and its peripherals are a "goner" anyway, so collateral damage wouldn't matter if it lets you save the TV. The only obstacle I can think of to this procedure would be that there might be enough tension on the pin that you couldn't get it out quickly, depending on whether or not you were parked with some fore-and-aft strain on the hitch.

I notice the poor soul who experienced the fire was hitched up when it started, and managed to get his truck free of the blaze, as well as removing the propane tanks.

[bvansnell]

This link is a useful one for proper care of propane fridges:

http://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/dirEnglish...propane_en.asp

There are several reasons to disconnect the trailer from the towing vehicle when parked:

1. This prevents the trailer battery from discharging the battery on the towing vehicle
2. It allows proper levelling of the trailer
3. It is safer to have the propane tank and propane devices further away from the towing vehicle in case of fire and it is easier to move the towing vehicle in case of fire.

Brian