There is more to owning a motorhome than just adventure on the open roads. Both off the road and on, you will need to maintain your winnebago with the general upkeep that is needed in order to keep it safe and running great. These include taking care of mechanical and structural issues and taking steps to assure the vehicle is safe and protected from elements of harm. One of these elements is the possibility of fire damage. Fires are unfortunately common when it comes to camping out and are one of the most common accidents that occur on the road. Fortunately there are a number of simple fire safety tips that, if followed, will greatly reduce the chance of fire and the danger it poses to your safety, that of your traveling companions, and your camper.
Keep Your Campfire At A Safe Distance
One of the top ways winnebagos sustain fire damage is from out of control campfires. When you’re camped out at the RV park or in the wild, it is only natural that you will want a campfire to relax next to at night. Always take into account the position of your camper when it comes to the fire. Keep the fire a safe distance from the camper so that the flames will not get close the perimeter, the overhand, or any other element of the vehicle or its setup. Also be sure to keep the camper down wind from the fire so that sparks and flames won’t blow in the wind and hit the vehicle. Move any items from the perimeter of the camper that may be flammable as well. Be smart when the fire is burning and always keep an eye out for sudden wind changes. As long as you follow these rules you will be going a long way toward assuring your vehicle will never experience a fire.
Be Safe With The Grilling
Nearly everyone loves to grill when camping out. You don’t have to forsake this pleasure in order to avoid fires as long as you follow some simple safety tips. Just like with campfires, always keep your grill at a safe distance from your camper. Keep the grill downwind from the camper so that sparks can’t blow back on the vehicle. Another important thing to remember is let the grill cool down completely before storing it back in the winnebago. Wait at least several hours and knock off any hot ashes. Placing a still-hot grill back in the camper can lead to fires, so no matter how quickly you may want to leave camp make sure to let the grill cool all the way down first. This will go a long way toward assuring your camper stays fire free I its lifetime.
Candles And Incense
It is perfectly understandable to wish to freshen up your camper during a long road trip. Unlike at home, you will want to steer clear of candles and incense. Having these burning items in the camper is a serious fire hazard even though it may not seem like it at the time. All it takes is a bump in the road or a strong wind and you could be facing a fire in your camper. Take the safe route and don’t even bring any candles or incense out of the road. Use spray air fresheners and other methods that don’t involve flames. One good method is to bring along fabric softener wipes and place them at different positions throughout the camper. This will keep the space smelling fresh, as will plug-in air fresheners and sprays.
No Smoking Please
Just like with the candles and incense, there should be a strict no smoking policy within your vehicle. No matter if it’s cigarettes, a pipe, or anything else, if you need to smoke then keep it outside the camper. Wait until you’re at camp or park for a smoke break. This may seem like an inconvenience at the time, but you will be thankful down the line when you’ve been fire free in your journeys. All it takes is a dropped cigarette or a stray ash and you could easily have a fire on your hands.
The trick to staying fire free in your winnebago is to simply stay smart. Anything that uses a flame should be kept far from the camper. This includes fires, grills, smoking devices, candles and incense, or anything else. Of course you can have a lighter on board for your fires but just keep in in a safe space and don’t flick it on board. As long as you stay alert and aware and follow these steps you will be significantly less likely to experience a fire in your vehicle. Unlike with many aspects of camper maintenance, staying fire free is simple as long as you know what you’re doing.