OAUSA Net - January 19, 2017 - Fire Extinguishers

[DaveK]

Fire extinguishers are one of those things that get little attention, are often neglected, and rarely used. Once the need arises however, the fire extinguisher quickly becomes one of the most important pieces of equipment that we carry. The Net will focus mostly on fire extinguishers that can be carried in a vehicle, but the information that we discuss can also apply to others uses, such as home and office.

I will be posting pictures and links to various sources for product information, fire suppression techniques, and suggested mounting options. Check back again in the next few days for updates. Also, remember that you can do an advance check-in for the net by posting here.

[toms]

New Product
This is a new product to be shipping the first week of February 2017. BTW - for Toyota Land Cruiser owners, they have quite a few items. Seems they are moving into 4 runner products as well.

Introducing the 5th Gen 4Runner Fire Extinguisher Mount
The Wits' End Fire Extinguisher Mount for the 5th Gen 4Runner solves the problem of mounting a fire extinguisher inside the cab of the 4Runner where it can be accessed by the driver within a few seconds. The only logical spot is the tried and tested spot of behind your calves. Unfortunately the only way to do this is to utilize the hard points offered by the bolts that hold the front seat rails down.

What this gives you is a sturdy mounting platform designed to hold nearly any 1.0 or 2.5lb fire extinguisher in place safely without effecting the use of the seat unless you are particularly height challenged. You may be limited in exactly how far you can move the seat forward, but have found no issues with anyone below 5'6".

pre-order pricing is $70 and expected to ship mid-Feb. Pre-order pricing ends first week of Feb. Normally $85.00

http://absolute-wits-end.com/entire-product-line/

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Wits end 4 runner fire ext seat mount.png (1.21 MiB) Viewed 13560 times

[kevinhum55]

Early Check in
W6RIP
Kevin

[DaveK]

Mounting your fire extinguisher in your home is usually pretty easy. Between closets and garages, there's usually a spot that is easy to access and easy to install. Mounting a fire extinguisher in your vehicle however, is another matter. For the most part, vehicles are smaller these days, and since we still need to carry the same amount of gear for traveling and camping, the available space to mount a fire extinguisher becomes harder and harder to find. This is where the inventiveness and ingenuity of the 4 wheel drive and camping crowd have come into play.

Solutions on how and where to mount your FE are out there and we have seen many. One of the great benefits of these nets is that we get a chance to see some terrific solutions and ideas from you. We know what has worked for us, but we encourage everyone who has come up with mounting solutions to post pictures and a description.

Tom's mounting solution (in post #2, above) is a terrific solution, and whether you buy a pre-made bracket or make one your self, it is all very simple. For reasons that will be discussed during the net, there are good reasons to have more than one FE in your vehicle. Aside from the fact of having a FE in your vehicle, one of the most important considerations is selecting a location that is quick and easy to access. Having a bracket that allows quick release of the FE is important as well.

Here are a few mounting examples:

Pillar Mount - Halon

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Pillar Mount - Halon

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Pillar Mount - Dry Chemical - In A Quick Release Bracket

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[DaveK]

There are not a lot of choices when it comes to pre-made mounting brackets. In most cases, the FE manufacturer includes a bracket with the unit. For the off-roading crowd, you want something that is as robust as possible and that means that it must have sufficient mounting holes for a secure attachment and as many straps as possible. The H3R company offers 4 different kinds of brackets, and one of them should work for your needs.

From the H3R website ( http://www.h3raviation.com/mounting_brackets.htm ):

1. Single strap steel bracket

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2. Double strap steel bracket

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3. Single strap steel bracket with a floor

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4. Extreme duty, double strap, quick release bracket

This is the description by H3R:

Speed is critical when deploying a fire extinguisher. Count on our new Extreme Duty quick release fire extinguisher brackets to allow fast action while withstanding rigorous use. Ideal for aviation, terrestrial and marine applications.

Tough, Functional & Lightweight

Fire extinguisher quickly releases from bracket
Fiberglass reinforced nylon construction and corrosion resistant hardware
Designed to meet MIL SPEC 810G (test in progress)
Tested to withstand inertial loads in excess of 27G in all directions
Fire extinguisher cannot be accidently disengaged from bracket
Fits H3R Aviation fire extinguishers with 3" diameter cylinders (C352TS/C, C354TS & B385TS/C)
"Pull to Release" flag enhances visibility
Does not obscure fire extinguisher nameplate
Weighs a scant 14 oz!

HD Fire Extinguisher Mount.jpg (57.41 KiB) Viewed 7778 times

[toms]

It’s easy to ignore a fire extinguisher. You mount it one day, and then sort of forget about it. You see it every day as you hop into your vehicle. In effect, it becomes a part of the scenery. While the tank and chemical don’t deteriorate over time, experts recommend that you inspect your extinguisher at least annually, and get it repaired or recharged as needed. (Due to the nature of off-road driving, I suggest you inspect more frequently)

Start by looking at the gauge. Is the needle still in the safe zone? If not, the extinguisher must be recharged or replaced. Go online or check the Yellow Pages for a facility. Keep in mind that you may have purchased a disposable unit. Those can’t be recharged. Invest in a quality Fire Extinguisher with a steel nose and a gauge.

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Experts recommend that you replace or service your extinguisher if you notice any of the following:
• The hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped, or blocked with debris
• The locking pin on the handle is missing or unsealed
• The handle is wobbly or broken
• The inspection sticker or hang tag is missing

The chemical can settle over time, so some people suggest shaking the tank lightly every six months. In addition, make sure to recharge or replace your extinguisher if it’s been used at all. The nozzle can get plugged after a simple discharge, which some people do to test the unit. Plus, you’ve used some of the chemical, so the extinguisher’s effectiveness is diminished.

Extinguishers last years, according to the manufacturers, but without a label, how can you determine when you purchased it? Make a point to replace or service your extinguisher(s) every three to five years. That way you can be assured of a working unit.

Many fire extinguishers come with a paper hang tag. That can rip off easily from all the jostling around in your vehicle. If you take your extinguisher in for servicing, ask the technician to apply a maintenance label. That will stick forever.

Stick on label

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[Jeff-OAUSA]

Dave, Tom,
I'm looking forward to the fire extinguisher net.
Please check me in.

Jeff
WD6USA

[Jeff-OAUSA]

Having a Fire Extinguisher is the first step. The next is making sure one knows how to use it.

We had a Scoutmaster that used to have access to a bunch of expired fire extinguishers. He'd bring them to Scout meetings and give the Scouts a chance to use one on a real fire...usually a liquid fire in an metal oil change pan out in the parking lot. The Scouts, and parents, learned it is more that just "spray and pray" to do a good job of extinguishing a fire.

From what I've heard, engine fires cause many burn injuries when the hood is opened...hopefully someone on the Net will know and can explain how to safely handle the under hood fire situation.

[Voodoo Blue 57]

Having a Fire Extinguisher is the first step. The next is making sure one knows how to use it.

We had a Scoutmaster that used to have access to a bunch of expired fire extinguishers. He'd bring them to Scout meetings and give the Scouts a chance to use one on a real fire...usually a liquid fire in an metal oil change pan out in the parking lot. The Scouts, and parents, learned it is more that just "spray and pray" to do a good job of extinguishing a fire.

From what I've heard, engine fires cause many burn injuries when the hood is opened...hopefully someone on the Net will know and can explain how to safely handle the under hood fire situation.

Some cities Fire Departments offer events where they will show you how to properly use a Fire Extinguisher and provide extinguishers to practice using them. Just check with you local Fire Department.

[Voodoo Blue 57]

Check check me in. Looking forward to another great net!

Thank you Dave and Tom for orchestrating these nets!