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RV Fire Extinguisher Calculator

Determine the right fire extinguisher size and placement for your RV

⚠️ Safety Improvements Needed

Your fire safety could be improved. Consider upgrading your fire extinguishers or adding more units to better protect your RV and family.

Recommended Size
5 lb
Primary extinguisher
Units Needed
3
Total extinguishers
Total Cost
$200
Estimated investment
Safety Score
50/100
Current rating

RV Details

Equipment & Features

Usage Pattern

Recreational (Occasional)
Frequent (Monthly)
Full-Time Living
Occasional
Frequent
Constant Travel

Current Fire Extinguisher

✓ Age is acceptable
⚠️ Too small for your RV
Minimum required: 5 lb

Recommended Fire Extinguishers

Primary Extinguisher

Main living area - ABC rated

5 lb
3-A:40-B:C
Coverage Area
Up to 500 sq ft
Estimated Cost
$50

Main Living Area

critical

Primary extinguisher, easy access

5 lb
$50
Rating: 3-A:40-B:C • Coverage: Up to 500 sq ft

Kitchen Area

critical

Most common fire source

5 lb
$50
Rating: 3-A:40-B:C • Coverage: Up to 500 sq ft

Generator Compartment

high

Engine fire protection

5 lb
$50
Rating: 3-A:40-B:C • Coverage: Up to 500 sq ft

Engine Compartment

medium

Mechanical fire protection

5 lb
$50
Rating: 3-A:40-B:C • Coverage: Up to 500 sq ft

Total Investment

4 extinguishers recommended

$200

Fire Class Guide

A

Class A

Wood, Paper, Cloth

Common materials like wood, paper, cloth, and plastics. Most RV fires involve Class A materials.
B

Class B

Flammable Liquids, Gas

Flammable liquids and gases including gasoline, propane, and oil. Critical for engine and generator areas.
C

Class C

Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment fires. Important for RV electrical systems, appliances, and wiring.
K

Class K

Kitchen Fires (Grease)

Kitchen fires involving cooking oils and grease. Essential if you have a full kitchen.

🔍 ABC Rating Explained

Most RV fire extinguishers are "ABC" rated, meaning they're effective on Class A, B, and C fires. This is the most versatile type for RVs. Numbers before letters (like 3-A:40-B:C) indicate effectiveness - higher numbers mean more firefighting capacity.

📍 Placement Guidelines

Critical Placement Rules

  • • Mount near exits - never behind obstacles or in cabinets
  • • Keep 5-15 feet from potential fire sources (stove, heater)
  • • Mount at eye level or slightly below (3-5 feet from floor)
  • • Secure firmly - RV vibration can cause mounting bracket failure
  • • Clearly visible and accessible within 3 seconds

✓ Good Locations

  • • Near entry door
  • • Kitchen wall (not above stove)
  • • Hallway to bedroom
  • • Near driver's seat
  • • Generator compartment

✗ Bad Locations

  • • Inside cabinets
  • • Behind furniture
  • • Directly above stove
  • • In overhead storage
  • • Bedroom closets

💡 Pro Tips

  • • Use quick-release brackets designed for RVs (handle vibration)
  • • Paint bracket location bright red or add glow-in-dark markers
  • • Train all family members on PASS technique (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
  • • Keep fire blanket in kitchen for grease fires
  • • Install smoke and CO detectors in addition to extinguishers

🔧 Maintenance & Inspection

Monthly Check

  • ✓ Pressure gauge in green
  • ✓ No visible damage
  • ✓ Mounting secure
  • ✓ Pin and seal intact
  • ✓ Hose not cracked

Annual Service

  • ✓ Professional inspection
  • ✓ Weight check
  • ✓ Internal examination
  • ✓ Tag/date verification
  • ✓ Recharge if needed

Replace When

  • ✗ 10+ years old
  • ✗ Discharged/used
  • ✗ Corroded/damaged
  • ✗ Pressure low
  • ✗ Failed inspection
Important: Even if unused, fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10-12 years. The chemical agent can settle and lose effectiveness over time.

🚨 How to Use: PASS Method

P

Pull

Pull the pin to break the tamper seal

A

Aim

Aim low at the base of the fire

S

Squeeze

Squeeze the handle to release agent

S

Sweep

Sweep side to side at fire base

⚠️ Safety First

  • • Stand 6-8 feet away from fire
  • • Keep your back to an exit
  • • If fire grows, evacuate immediately
  • • Call 911 before fighting the fire
  • • Never fight a fire larger than a trash can
  • • Get everyone out if unsure

🎯 Practice Makes Perfect

Consider taking a fire extinguisher training class. Many fire departments offer free training. Practice with your family so everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.

🛒 Buying Guide

Recommended Brands

Amerex
Commercial grade, durable
Kidde
Reliable, widely available
First Alert
Good value, easy to use
Buckeye
Heavy-duty, long-lasting

Features to Look For

✓ Metal construction - More durable than plastic
✓ Pressure gauge - Shows if charged
✓ Quick-release bracket - RV-specific mounting
✓ Rechargeable - Can be refilled after use
✓ UL Listed - Safety certified
✓ Clear instructions - Easy to read label

💰 Price Comparison

1 lb (1-A:10-B:C)
$25
Up to 100 sq ft
2.5 lb (1-A:10-B:C)
$35
Up to 250 sq ft
5 lb (3-A:40-B:C)
$50
Up to 500 sq ft
10 lb (4-A:60-B:C)
$75
Up to 1000 sq ft
20 lb (10-A:120-B:C)
$120
Up to 2000 sq ft

💡 Money-Saving Tips

  • • Buy rechargeable extinguishers - cheaper long-term
  • • Purchase multi-packs for better pricing
  • • Check RV supply stores for RV-specific brackets
  • • Compare prices online vs local hardware stores
  • • Don't buy the cheapest - quality matters in emergencies

⚠️ Important Safety Information

This Tool is for Guidance Only: Fire extinguisher requirements may vary by state, insurance policy, and RV manufacturer recommendations. Always check your RV owner's manual and local fire codes.

Professional Advice: Consult with fire safety professionals or your local fire department for specific recommendations for your RV and travel plans.

Emergency Response: Fire extinguishers are for small, contained fires only. If a fire is spreading rapidly, evacuate immediately and call 911. Your life is more important than your RV.

Training Required: Know how to use your fire extinguisher before you need it. Practice with your family and consider professional fire safety training.

Regular Inspection: Monthly visual checks and annual professional inspections are essential. Prices shown are estimates and may vary by location and retailer.