Last updated on May 15th, 2023 at 11:38 am

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If you’re a tried and true camper, there’s no doubt you follow the creed of “safety first”. This applies to any of you RVers out there planning a trip and wondering whether or not you should bring a fire extinguisher along on the journey. Even if it’s just a weekend trip, bringing a fire extinguisher with you is a must!

For your peace of mind and the safety of yourself and other campers, having a properly charged, rated, and easily accessible fire extinguisher is necessary should you be planning to take your rig out of storage.

But what type of fire extinguisher is best for your RV, and how can you best prevent and prepare for the possibility of a fire? I’ll answer these questions and more below, and also review 6 of my favorite RV fire extinguisher options.

If you want to skip ahead and see which ones made the list you can check them out here:

What Are The Different Types Of Fire Extinguishers?

Did you know that not all fire extinguishers are created equally? If you’re just hearing this for the first time, don’t worry; I had no idea either! There are different classes of fire extinguishers, and some can be more than one class for your convenience. Here are the different types of fire extinguishers and if they are recommended for use in your RV.

Class A

This is going to be your most basic type of fire extinguisher. This type is only recommended for putting out basic fires started from wood or paper, easily combustible materials. Most of these fire extinguishers involve straight-up water or a basic type of powder to cover the fire.

This type of fire extinguisher may not be the best choice while camping, since it can’t put out any extreme fires. You may also consider it not worth the cost given that water and dirt are usually easily accessible while camping, and using these free resources to put out a basic campfire seems a lot smarter to me!

Class B

If you’re looking for a fire extinguisher that can put out an oil or fuel fire, check out a class B extinguisher. These can put out gasoline and oil-based fires, but not cooking oil fires. This class of extinguisher can be useful to keep in your tow vehicle. This class is often combined with class C extinguishers!

Class C

A great class of extinguisher to have inside of your rig, a class C fire extinguisher, is made to handle electrical fires. This particular extinguisher is full of an electrical fire suppressant, designed to halt the conduction of electricity, wherever the fire may be occurring along an electrical system.

Class D

Class D is the most complicated form of fire extinguisher, meant for extinguishing combustible metals. This may be a bit more science class than is necessary for your RV, as it is primarily meant to put out fires started by sodium, magnesium, and titanium.

Class K

I’ve got a Class K fire extinguisher in my rig because I’m a cook. You can remember what Class K extinguishers are meant to extinguish by remembering the name: K can stand for kitchen! These extinguishers release a foamy substance that suppresses any kitchen grease, oil, or fat-based fires. These extinguishers are extremely handy, as grease fires can happen quickly and your instinct will most likely be to use water on them.

What Else Should I Consider?

Once you know how many extinguishers you need and what class you should be keeping an eye out for, is there anything more to consider? There are a couple more useful tips I have in my back pocket because I’m all about safety first!

How Big Does My RV Fire Extinguisher Need To Be?

This is a tricky question to answer, especially since the more fuel you have, the more space it takes up. And we all know how important having space in your rig is! 

While shopping for extinguishers, there will often be a number listed before the class type. This number usually correlates to the amount of water it might take to put the fire out, or alternatively the square footage of the fire. If your extinguisher says “10B”, it can put out a fire that’s roughly 10 square feet in size.

Of course, you can’t predict how big a fire will be (and hopefully it won’t get very big at all!), but if you can fit a slightly larger fire extinguisher inside of your rig, I definitely recommend it.

Will These Chemicals Damage My RV?

While fires will cause some sort of damage to your rig no matter what, it’s a shame if a fire extinguisher further damages your RV. There are some types of fire extinguishers that don’t cause further damage to your RV, especially your rig’s delicate electrical systems.

I would personally avoid dry-chemical-based extinguishers, as these are guaranteed to leave behind a big mess, as well as harmful inhalants. There are extinguishers labeled as “clean”, and these use clean gases to extinguish fires. These are less likely to damage your finishings or electrical system within your RV. 

What’s The Difference Between Rechargeable Extinguishers And Other Options?

You may begin shopping and find that you can’t decide between a single-use extinguisher and a rechargeable one. A rechargeable fire extinguisher is essentially a refillable one, and this may be a valuable option for those of you not planning to replace your fire extinguisher often. Single-use extinguishers are useful but must be disposed of if they are used.

The main deciding factor between these two options is the price. Rechargeable extinguishers are usually more expensive, and no matter what, both options need to be used within 10 years. However, rechargeable options can be refilled if the fuel gets too old, but there is often an additional fee incurred at the time of refilling.

Where Should I Store RV Fire Extinguishers?

There’s no point in owning a fire extinguisher if you can’t easily reach it and use it in case of emergency. So try to store your fire extinguishers in easy-to-reach places, including wall-mounted areas. Some fire extinguishers may come with wall-mounted holders, some may not. No matter what, avoid storing these devices at the back of a closet or cupboard of your RV. Time is always of the essence with fires!

What If I Can’t Control The Fire?

Given an RV’s delicately balanced propane, battery, and electric systems, if you can’t put out a fire quickly or safely, you need to leave immediately. RVs can and will explode given the volatility of propane, and if your fire started in an unsafe location, I would suggest abandoning ship.

Keeping a bag packed with your important items, near the door, is what most people do during fire-related emergencies. Being able to get out quickly and safely is key to fire safety!

6 Best Fire Extinguishers For Your RV

If you’re feeling confident about your fire extinguisher needs, it’s time to check out some of the best possible fits for your rig! Keep in mind the types of fires you are most likely to be putting out, and how much fuel you might need. Now, let’s shop!

Best Overall: FIRST ALERT REC5 Fire Extinguisher

Being able to purchase a product for my RV that’s high-quality and affordable price is a big goal for me. That’s why I’ve kicked off our list of the best RV fire extinguishers with this FIRST ALERT REC5. It’s UL-rated 5-B: C and has a durable metal head so I know it’s strong and easy to aim exactly where I need it to. 

This particular fire extinguisher is designed to fight flammable liquid and electrical fires, essential as these are common types of RV fires. I like to keep things natural where possible, and so this extinguisher using sodium bicarbonate as an extinguishing agent is beneficial since it’s non-toxic. It is a bit messy to clean up, but I think the mess is worth it since this extinguisher is harmless and non-toxic.

Installing new items to my RV can be difficult, especially if instructions are poor or brackets aren’t included with the product. This FIRST ALERT extinguisher, however, comes with a bracket and strap for secure placement, designed to meet all the ups, downs, and bumps of RV travel.

I like that the metal pull pin has a safety seal to help prevent accidental discharge and discourage tampering, a game changer in my eyes as it keeps the extinguisher ready to use if needed. It also has a corrosion-resistant, easy-to-read, color-coded metal gauge for easy monitoring and a waterproof label with simple-to-follow instructions great for beginners. 

You can check out more reviews along with the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

Best On A Budget: FIRST ALERT KITCHEN5 Fire Extinguisher

I would argue that most preventable RV fires happen in the kitchen, just due to classic human error during cooking. This kitchen fire extinguisher, also from First Alert, is UL-rated 5 B: C, has a durable metal head, and is compact enough to fit in a cabinet or in the included attractive mounting bracket! 

Designed to fight flammable liquid as well as electrical fires, this extinguisher uses a sodium bicarbonate extinguishing agent, remaining non-toxic. Using this extinguisher probably wouldn’t be great for my rig’s electrical system, however, I would rather the extinguisher get used and put out a fire than allow a fire to burn in order to protect my electrics!

With a metal pull pin and included safety seal, I know any accidental discharge is limited, which is important when storing the extinguisher in an active kitchen cabinet. I find the push button pressure check useful, along with the waterproof label and simple instructions, as they are easy to understand. 

Plus this kitchen extinguisher comes with a 10-year limited warranty, and First Alert has been the most trusted brand in home safety since launching the first residential smoke alarm in 1958! This gives me the confidence I need that this fire extinguisher will protect me and my RV from any future fires.

You learn more and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

Most Compact: First Alert EZ Fire Spray

Compact, easy-to-use RV accessories are gold in my eyes, and that’s exactly why I’ve included this First Alert EZ Fire Spray Fire Extinguishing Aerosol Spray on our list. I love that it’s smaller and easier to use than traditional fire extinguishers, all I have to do is use the wide-spray nozzle exactly where it needs to go and the extinguisher will discharge 4 times longer than regular extinguishers.

It’s therefore ideal for fighting common household fires and providing 32 seconds of discharge to ensure the fire is out! The video below shows a fantastic demonstration of the EZ Fire Spray in action, so you can get a feel for what this product is capable of.

The nozzle sprays a wide area, giving me greater control to put out a fire involving paper, fabric, wood, cooking oils, electrical appliances, or equipment faster. This is enough to cover my bases in terms of common RV fires, and the ability to purchase this compact can in multiple packs, makes for perfect distribution throughout my rig where needed.

The portable extinguisher spray is ideal for the kitchen, boats, a range of RVs, and travel, and the biodegradable, nontoxic-foam, fire-extinguishing formula wipes away with a damp cloth for easy cleanup. What could be better than that?! I would highly recommend keeping this extinguisher away from children; since it is so easy to use, there are no safety pins traditionally found on fire extinguishers!

Read more reviews and see today’s price on Amazon by clicking here. 

Best Rechargeable Option: Amerex B417

This Amerex Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher can handle an awful lot and is rechargeable for ultimate convenience, something I want from an RV extinguisher! It’s ideal for use on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, gases, and energized electrical equipment, which means I don’t need to worry about purchasing lots of additional extinguishers as most RV fires will be put out by this. 

I find the all-metal valves and wall mounting brackets make the fire extinguisher simple to use and install. It’s fairly straightforward and looks just like most fire extinguishers you see in homes and businesses, meaning it works just as well as common fire-grade extinguishers, recommended in reviews by many professional firefighters! 

While this rechargeable option may leave a dry residue, I found that it’s fairly easy to clean up with a bit of time and patience. It is on the larger side which isn’t the best for me and my small rig, but it does offer great fire protection, and is an ideal long-lasting rechargeable option, perfect for RV and other home uses!

You can see the latest reviews and prices on Amazon by clicking here. 

Best Multi-Class Extinguisher: Kidde 21005779 Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher

Suitable for use on Class A (trash, wood & paper), Class B (liquids & gases), and Class C fires (energized electrical equipment), this Kidde fire extinguisher can definitely handle the worst of my RV fire worries.

The PRO 210 is fitted with a pressure gauge allowing me to see at-a-glance status and is manufactured from a lightweight aluminum cylinder with a tough aluminum valve assembly. This guy is rated 2-A:10-B: C, and is fully rechargeable, which means I shouldn’t have to replace it in a year, something important to me as RVing already costs a lot! It utilizes a multipurpose dry chemical, which means some cleanup, but I think it’s worth it for peace of mind that I’d be safe if ever flames were to arise.

Some other handy perks I like with this extinguisher are the pressure gauge allowing for immediate pressure status check, the addition of powder coated aluminum cylinder for corrosion protection, and the wall hanger, which makes installation a breeze. It is a bigger large extinguisher, but it really packs a punch and is therefore great to have in an RV. 

Learn more and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

Best Clean Chemical Extinguisher: Amerex B385TS Fire Extinguisher

This Amerex extinguisher is well worth the cost, as it’s a top-of-the-line piece of kit and is deemed a clean fire extinguisher. Utilizing Halotron I, a clean fire extinguishing agent, this extinguisher discharges a rapidly evaporating liquid, which is non-conductive, non-corrosive, and leaves behind no residue, so I don’t need to worry about spending hours cleaning up my rig after use!

Halotron I is the clean agent market leader with a history of successful real-world protection of valuable assets. I particularly like that it’s been determined to be the most environmentally beneficial halocarbon agent on the market today, meeting wide performance standards, as I like to keep things as natural and eco-friendly as possible. The primary raw material in the agent is HCFC-123, which has an outstanding profile of near-zero ozone-depleting potential and a low global warming potential.

I often worry that in the event of a fire, my rig’s delicate electronic systems may get damaged, but this extinguisher has been tested in high-tech data centers, so it should be able to handle RV fires with ease. It’s designed for Class B fires such as gasoline, oils, paint lacquer, and tar along with Class C fires involving live electrical equipment, which means I’m covered for multiple fire types for one cost!

Learn more and check out the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. 

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher?

Fire safety is an important tool that we should all be taught, even at a young age. Knowing how to operate the fire extinguisher available to you inside your rig is a big deal! It’s one thing to have the safety device; it’s another thing altogether to learn how to use it.

Every fire extinguisher should come with instructions on the device itself, or in an accompanying manual. Thankfully, using a fire extinguisher is usually fairly simple to understand, and there’s a handy acronym to go along with it: P.A.S.S.!

The P Stands For: Pull

All fire extinguishers come with a pin or other safety mechanism that must be pulled out before the device will depressurize and operate efficiently. Should you choose to practice with your fire extinguisher, don’t pull the pin until there is a fire present, as it will affect the pressure inside the canister.

The A Stands For: Aim

Fire extinguishers will always have a nozzle or even a hose used to aim your substance. Most fire safety professionals recommend aiming your fire extinguisher at the base of a fire and also recommend standing a safe distance away. This distance will vary depending on the extinguisher you own, and you should always use your best judgment for safety distance away from flames.

The First S Stands For: Squeeze

There should be an activating lever attached to your extinguisher, usually near where your safety pin is. Squeeze this lever to activate the fire extinguisher, but of course, make sure you’re aiming firscanable to squeeze the lever safely should you want to practice with your extinguisher, so long as the pin is still in place.

The Final S Stands For: Sweep

Finally, aiming for the base of the fire, sweep the nozzle from side to side, addressing the scope of the fire. You are welcome to move closer or further away as the fire shifts; make sure to keep an eye on places you have already extinguished. Flare-ups are incredibly common with fires, and don’t assume a fire is out until it is good and out!

How To Prevent Fires In An RV?

When I bought my vintage travel trailer, it was the definition of unsafe. Whether it was because it was built in the 70s or just neglected over the years, my rig was not up for full-time living right away. I had to add in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, propane leak detection, and, you guessed it, a fire extinguisher. 

But this isn’t the end of an RV safety checklist, especially if your RV isn’t brand new off the lot. If you’re concerned about your safety in your new rig, especially when it comes to fires, this is my own personal safety checklist I used when remodeling my vintage trailer!

Again, this doesn’t cover everything and if you want to take a bigger perspective on safety you’ll want to look at things like locks and other security measures as well. 

1. Inspect The RV Electrics

Inspect any wiring that you have access to. Should any of it be fraying or aged, seek repairs before taking your rig out for camping. Electrical tape is a great temporary fix, but only from your home on the way to the RV or electrical repair shop! Electrical malfunctions are a huge cause of fires in RVs, especially as they get more advanced technology inside of them.

2. Inspect The Propane System

Have your propane system regularly inspected by a professional. A faulty propane regulator or a leak in a propane line can be a serious concern and should be addressed before you hit the road. You may or may not notice the smell of propane, so having this dangerous fuel line inspected well in advance is a good idea.

3. Keep Any Detectors Up To Date

Installing smoke and carbon dioxide detectors is step one. Maintaining an RV is an annual affair, as there’s plenty of maintenance to perform no matter the season. Your detectors should fall under annual maintenance; test them, check the batteries, and ensure they are still working, especially before your next big trip. 

3. Ensure Everyone On-Board Can Use A Fire Extinguisher

Make sure everyone in your family knows how to operate a fire extinguisher. Unless you are traveling with young children, you should not be the only one who knows how to use this necessary piece of equipment! We’ll go over this more in-depth later.

4. Make Sure Everything Is Tidy And Clean Up Fuel Spills

Having a tidy campsite is key. Keeping things organized around the exterior of your rig is a great habit to get into, especially if an emergency occurs. Cleaning up any potential fuel spills is also crucial, as fuel spills can make fires considerably worse. Keeping firewood a safe distance away from your RV is smart, as well as any outdoor grills or other flammable things.

5. Use Extension Cords Safely

Using an extension cord? If you only have a 30 AMP rig (like me), chances are you’ll need one for utilizing any large appliances. Make sure you have a properly rated extension cord as well as knowing the best practices for its use. For example, two extension cords shouldn’t be plugged into each other. Overloading your RV’s electrical system is just asking for trouble!

6. Have The Correct Number Of RV Fire Extinguishers

If you own a big rig, you should own more than one fire extinguisher. My 19-foot travel trailer is essentially a one-room affair, so I don’t have to worry about having more than one inside. Most RV professionals recommend having a fire extinguisher in your rig’s bedroom, kitchen, and in an easily accessible and labeled location outside.

I also have an extinguisher outside of my little home, just in case any campfires get out of hand! If you’re doing a lot of grilling or other cooking outside your RV, you’ll want to make sure you have an easy-to-access extinguisher near your grill as well!

7. Beware Of Fire Season

Know when your fire seasons are. Living in Oregon, we’ve had a devastating few years of wildfires, many of which could have been prevented with just a little bit of fire safety and education. If you are choosing to camp during fire season or throughout a time of dryness and high winds, it’s your responsibility to practice safety, perhaps even more safety than you would have originally considered.

During extreme fire seasons, many campgrounds don’t allow campfires, and for good reason. If you believe it will not be safe to have a campfire, don’t. Always completely extinguish your cigarettes before disposal, and never leave a fire unattended, no matter how safe you think it will be. 

Additional Fire Safety Equipment

Fire extinguishers are an important piece of safety equipment to carry with you in your RV, but if you want to take safety to the next level, I would advise carrying a few additional bits of kit. Fire safety equipment tends to be affordable, and in my eyes, it’s a small price to pay for ultimate safety and could save you and your loved ones if the worst was to happen and a fire started in your rig.

Fire Blanket

Since I began my RVing journey, I have always carried a fire blanket with me. This is partly because I like to be ahead of the game and keep my rig as safe as possible, but also because some extinguishers can leave behind a big mess – not great for small spaces like a travel trailer!

Fire blankets are mess-free and are suitable to be used on small fires such as fires in kitchens that are often caused by oil. It’s important to not use fire blankets for larger fires as they likely won’t help the situation, so if flames are roaring, I’d recommend grabbing the fire extinguisher and calling the emergency services if needed.

Fire blankets come in a range of sizes, so if you have the space and the budget, it’s a good idea to buy a couple of different sizes. Thankfully, I’ve never needed to use my fire blanket, but I feel comforted that if I ever needed to deal with a fire, I have suitable equipment to tackle the flames!

Smoke Alarm

If you use your RV for vacations rather than living in it full time, you probably have a smoke alarm (or a few) in your house. These are essential pieces of equipment for fire safety, as fires can happen at any time of the day, and if you are sleeping, you need to be made aware that something isn’t right. 

We’ve all heard that dreaded beeping alarm coming from a smoke alarm, as it can also happen when batteries are low. Trust me, I agree it isn’t the nicest sound in the world, but it could save your life one day! Installing a smoke alarm in your RV, along with having a fire extinguisher and a blanket is wise, especially if you have a big rig, and you’re a heavy sleeper too!

Carbon Monoxide Detector

These alarms sound when they detect higher levels of carbon monoxide than normal. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm in your RV is useful, especially if you have appliances that use fuel, or you have a wood-burning stove. It’s recommended to install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and in my eyes, an RV is no different and ultimately should have one too. 

Fire Safety Stick

As I’ve said before, anything portable for RVs gets my attention! That’s why the fire safety stick is a piece of fire safety equipment worth considering for your RV. As it’s such a small device, carrying a fire safety stick won’t take up much space, and it works by utilizing a potassium power that helps extinguish small fires – much like a conventional fire extinguisher. 

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit isn’t necessarily a specific piece of fire safety equipment, but it’s a must for RVing! Spending time out in nature might mean you get some scratches, burns, or insect bites that may need some light treatment. I carry a small, portable first aid kit with me wherever I go, and although this may be overkill for some, I like to be safe rather than sorry! 

Just be sure to replenish the first aid kit if you use any bandaids or saline eye wash as you never know when you might need to use them again!

Conclusion

Fires are no joke, and your safety should always be a priority. Buying a fire extinguisher (or a few!) is a great idea should your rig not already have one. Hopefully, this article will help you find the right one for your RV, allowing you to enjoy camping with a bit more peace of mind!