Yesterday I happened to glance at one of our RV’s fire extinguishers. Like many safety devices, fire extinguishers have a lifespan. You can usually find their expiration date printed on the side or on an attached tag. Many fire extinguishers also have a pressure gauge showing the pressure level inside. If the gauge indicates low or no pressure, it’s time to replace the extinguisher, even if it hasn’t reached its expiration date.
10-year rule
Even if no date is visible on the extinguisher, it’s a good rule of thumb to replace it every 10 years. RV fires can happen without warning, and the last thing you want is to discover that your fire extinguisher is ineffective when you need it most.
If your extinguisher has expired but is not discharged, don’t toss it into a regular trash bin, as the pressurized device could pose a danger. There are steps you need to follow for safe disposal.
Safe disposal
For partially or fully charged fire extinguishers:
- Start by contacting your local fire department. Some departments accept drop-offs to use for training or demonstrations.
- Reach out to a hazardous waste disposal facility. These facilities specialize in safely handling dangerous materials, including fire extinguishers.
- Take the extinguisher to a local recycling center. You’ll need to ensure that it’s been fully discharged. To do this, squeeze the lever in an outdoor area to ensure that all pressure has been released. Afterward, the canister can be taken to a recycling center.
Practice fire safety
Before discarding your old extinguisher, you may want to use it as a tool to practice your fire safety skills. Most people rarely get the chance to use a fire extinguisher before an actual emergency. Having the experience of operating one in a non-emergency situation can be incredibly valuable.
I’ve seen instances where RV owners weren’t familiar with their fire extinguishers or weren’t confident enough to use them during an emergency. Don’t let that happen to you—practice!
Safe environment
If you decide to practice using your expired fire extinguisher, ensure you’re in a safe environment. Find a wide-open area, preferably with a backup water source like a garden hose, and practice extinguishing a small, controlled campfire in a fire pit. Make sure children and others also get a chance to learn how to use the extinguisher safely, so everyone is prepared.
Proper fire extinguisher use
To discharge a fire extinguisher, start by pulling the pin at the top of the device. Once the pin is removed, avoid pointing the nozzle at anyone. Aim it at the base of the fire and squeeze the handle, sweeping back and forth until the fire is completely extinguished. This video may also be helpful.
Fire extinguisher type
Different types of fire extinguishers are designed to fight different types of fires. RVs are typically equipped with BC fire extinguishers, which use dry chemicals to put out fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment.
The label on your extinguisher will indicate what types of fires it’s meant to handle. Disposal facilities may also need this information, as many centers will only accept fully discharged units.
Can you recharge a fire extinguisher?
Not all fire extinguishers need to be thrown out after one use. Some are rechargeable, and you can save money by recharging instead of buying a new one. Rechargeable units typically feature a metal discharge head, a pressure gauge, and a label that indicates they are rechargeable.
The cost for recharging ranges from $20 to $50, depending on the extinguisher’s size and the type of chemical required. This may be more cost-effective than purchasing a brand-new unit.
Check yours today!
It’s easy to forget about your RV fire extinguishers, but they’re essential safety tools. If you can’t remember when you last checked yours, take a moment to do it now. If your extinguisher is old or expired, be sure to dispose of it safely, recharge, and/or replace it right away. Here are dozens of options.
Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher while RVing? Share your experience in the comments!
RELATED
Ask Dave: What is the best RV fire extinguisher?
##RVDT2497
Location is the most important thing…
A fire extinguisher in the back of the side box under a stack of water hoses is useless in an emergency.
Mount one next to the bed and another by the door. If you drive a towable, have a 3rd in the truck too.
My brakes caught fire several years ago coming down Wolf Creek Pass. Luckily I got stopped, but I emptied all 3 extingushers putting the fire out.
Hi Bob ya beat me to it! I also replaced those 2 1/2 pound BC extinguishers with 5 pound ABC type. I found a great spot for one outside in the propane compartment. I had to fabricate a mounting plate & buy a holding bracket for it & got a “FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSIDE” sticker from where I buy my extinguishers!
Snoopy
I called 3 different fire departments about disposing of my fire extinguishers. All said they do not take them. One actually told me to empty the extinguisher and put it in my trash. I know for a fact that our trash hauler will not accept any type of pressure vessel.
I also called a local hazardous waste management company. They charged a $30 minimum for hazardous waste.
That sounds ridiculous. When they make it so hard (or expensive) to get rid of these things, it just means the old extinguishers will end up in a dumpster behind some big box store.
I agree. My extinguisher’s are steel which could be recycled. I just spoke with a company that sell fire fighting equipment and they said to discharge them and put in the trash. Where are you going to discharge one that won’t make a big mess?
I guess it depends on where you live (big city, small town, or rural). There are ways, but, well, you know . . .
As a volunteer firefighter, it is highly recommended to shake the extinguisher once a year to keep the contents loose.
Great tip! Especially those cheap ones. They “cake” on the bottom.
Sorry thats not true at all. The myth of needing to shake or invert extinguishers is so common, Amerex, the world’s largest manufacturer of fire extinguishers, has had to release a notice telling people NOT to do this because it can damage the extinguisher. I always have done that until my last purchase of extinguishers from a extinguisher service company!
Snoopy
Shaken, not stirred. I have looked at several sites for some better information on shaking fire extinguishers during the monthly inspections. Amerex and Kidde did not have any definitive info on their sites, so I have emailed both. Several fire department sites say “some” extinguishers need to be shaken, but are not any more specific that that. I have also e-mailed my State Fire Marshal’s office. I’ll provide an update soon with some answers.
Thank you, MrDisaster. That would be very helpful, considering all of the conflicting information out there. Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
There is a rather new type of extinguisher out that is kind of expensive but does offer longer time and less mess than traditional ones. They are shaped like a flare and start like one but put out a gas for 30 to 60 seconds depending on the model that acts as a retardant.
Thanks, George. Here’s an article from Tony Barthel about the Element Fire Extinguisher, which might be what you’re referring to. Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Camped next to a “fire Chief” a few years back. He taught us that we should have 3 fire extinguishers…the original one mounted to the wall, a 2nd in the bedroom (fifth wheel) and a 3rd in the tow vehicle! Lesson we have never forgotten and we have followed his advice!
Thank you for the reminders, Gail! Yes, I have used a fire extinguisher. I am not sure that it was necessary. A part of our RV’s engine was sparking, but not actually burning. We could not tell for sure, so I partially discharged a fire extinguisher into the area. Have a great week and safe travels!