Looking for recommendations for type of fire extinguisher and best locations to mount

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Alwaysthinkin

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Given the recent posting about fires in our vehicles I decided to purchase a fire extinguisher. That got me thinking that need through and find I have some additional questions:

1) Looking for tips on where to place fire extinguisher in a 4th generation
2) Best type of extinguisher for vehicles that will minimize damage to electronics
2) Roadside flares. Most of the striker style road flares are only good for 15 minutes, that barely covers unloading everything to access jack if on vacation. Thinking reflective warnings might be best.

I did a search in this forum and didn't find much. Anyone have ideas or suggestions?
 

TDBDLB

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I mounted a marine grade extinguisher in my Gen3 on tray in very back.
There are many electric flare systems now available from cheap to pricey.
Example
 

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I ended up getting a 2.5 lb halon fire extinguisher that is rated at 5BC. It was the smallest that I could find with a 5BC rating to meet DOT requirements for our F350 that wouldn't cause an issue with electronics. Mounts easily under the back seat in our F350. Major drawback is they are pricey.
 

Trainmaster

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Tried the Bracketeer. A good invention ruined by shoddy, cheap Chinese construction. Flimsy, poorly machined crap that kept coming loose and rattling around. Funny that their data sheet says Made in USA. The box says China, along with the quality and gold sticker.
 

rd618

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I was in the same boat with the flare conversation. Found these, and love them. Only used 1-2x, but they really work amazing. I found 5-6 to be the perfect number (especially if you pace them out appropriately, you'll want a few extra), so I split these up between two cars, and the magnet is great because it sticks to the side of the car, really helps with visibility and much brighter than the stock hazard lights.


As for the fire extinguisher, I'd suggest being careful with auto fires they are usually fast and hot. Far faster than most people can help control and the primary focus should be getting out of the car. Futzing with an extinguisher might cut into that precious time, so just be cautious. But here's a good, detailed resource for extinguishers:
 
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Fastcar

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I have thought about looking into a mount where a fire extinguisher can be placed within east reach of the driver.

Something like this comes to mind:
I'm in total agreement. In case of an accident or rollover I'd want the fire extinguisher within reach of the driver. I can't think of anything much worse than being trapped in a burning car with a fire extinguisher just out of reach in the back. Also looking at some of the brackets the extinguisher would probably become a projectile in an accident
 

rd618

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That web site just points you to Amazon "partners" and earns commissions on what they push. Paid promotion, so to speak.

Good catch, I don't usually click through, but did find their content pretty useful when I was researching them
 

Deadman

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If you set off an extinguisher inside the car, I would think you might die from the toxic fumes and such from the extinguisher, but maybe I'm wrong. They used to be nasty..... But ya, its that or burn up, so....
 

Motorcity muscle

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Couple of things, need the extinguisher within reach, like to mount it on the passenger side of the trans tunnel up high above the foot well just under the console. If you need to use it inside the car, grab it and open the door and get outside the car before using. Like some have stated, car fires get hot fast and you may not be able to get the fire out with a small extinguisher, that's why we pay for insurance. Most car fires are a total loss, so do not expect to much, be safe and get out of car.
 

leeghoti

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I don't have a recommendation but there are a lot of extinguisher mount options on carid.com
Anyone who works out of their vehicle should have an extinguisher in the vehicle but not with the intention of putting out car fires, rather for whatever/wherever they are working.
 

iamretired

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I was in the same boat with the flare conversation. Found these, and love them. Only used 1-2x, but they really work amazing. I found 5-6 to be the perfect number (especially if you pace them out appropriately, you'll want a few extra), so I split these up between two cars, and the magnet is great because it sticks to the side of the car, really helps with visibility and much brighter than the stock hazard lights.


As for the fire extinguisher, I'd suggest being careful with auto fires they are usually fast and hot. Far faster than most people can help control and the primary focus should be getting out of the car. Futzing with an extinguisher might cut into that precious time, so just be cautious. But here's a good, detailed resource for extinguishers:
I got those orange road lights also I keep one in each of both front door lower pockets. like the magnet on them also to stick to sides or back if needed. I am an old LEO, loved the old Co2 extinguishers, but the little home unit size don't last long for a automotive fire. Seeing trapped people in a car fire was the worst call of my life!
 
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Alwaysthinkin

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Thanks to all for your response. I'm still researching this topic but have been focused on some other things life is throwing my way.

Beginning to think this topic could be a Masters Thesis! Please remember my research is as a lay person and not someone who is an expert on the subject. Also, car fires are not new and I found no evidence the Expy is anymore dangerous than any other vehicle. If you are really worried you can install a fire suppression system in your car. That is an entirely different post!

In thinking about @Deadman post about dangers of using a fire extinguisher in a confined space I started thinking about what conditions you might be forced to use a fire extinguisher. That had me thinking about pilots in a small plane. What do they use? Reading more I found the recommended agent for planes is Halon, Halotron 1, Halotron BrX, and FM-200. Note: there are other agents but not that I have found in portable fire extinguishers.

Halon was restricted in the 1990's because it proved to be damaging to the ozone layer, but it is still available. Halotron 1 was the first agent created to replace Halon. Negative side to Halotron is it requires approximately twice as much agent to accomplish the same purpose as Halon. Both types of extinguishers are non-conductive, non-corrosive, and leaves behind no residue. That is a good thing inside airplanes and our expensive vehicles. FM-200 looks to be close to twice the cost of Halon/Halotron. Halotron BrX is supposed to be the update to Halotron 1. Still learning more....

Of course, the other option is a dry agent fire extinguisher, this is the type typically purchased and the type I have scattered around my house.
One thing that has become clear is that dry agent fire extinguishers can be downright nasty on you and anything it comes into contact with. These dry agent fire extinguishers are almost all corrosive in nature. Puts out the fire but leaves a big time clean up. I read where they are particularly a problem with aluminum. Reports are you can't just wipe clean, you have to pop rivets to get to all the metal and then re-rivet. Jeez, and I have these all over my house. Point is, as I understand it is, you'll put out the fire but most likely ruin anything you use it on. So much for protecting my electronics (think all audio/video equipment) let alone cook tops and such.

More to come, but clearly the Halon/Halotron group is the least likely to harm electronic equipment or metal. It is not great for your body but better than burning up in a fire! It is also more considerably more expensive. The dry agent is bad on metal and electronics AND your body. Of course they are the least expensive type of fire extinguisher.

Preliminary guess is I'll be looking at installing a Halon group fire extinguisher in my Expy, location unknown at this time. Then I'll be looking at replacing several of my home dry agent fire extinguisher with a Halon group extinguisher.

More information is readily available on the internet. One site that sales Halon Group type extinguishers is https://www.h3raviation.com/ . Sorry I ran on so long....
 

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Center console.
 

mrmustang

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Given the recent posting about fires in our vehicles I decided to purchase a fire extinguisher. That got me thinking that need through and find I have some additional questions:

1) Looking for tips on where to place fire extinguisher in a 4th generation
2) Best type of extinguisher for vehicles that will minimize damage to electronics
2) Roadside flares. Most of the striker style road flares are only good for 15 minutes, that barely covers unloading everything to access jack if on vacation. Thinking reflective warnings might be best.

I did a search in this forum and didn't find much. Anyone have ideas or suggestions?
Coming from a racing background, we switched from Halon/chemical extinguishers about 20 years ago and switched to a AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) based fire suppression system. For your Expedition, I'd suggest a 1 liter unit like the following (there are others): https://competitionmotorsport.com/lifeline-afff-hand-held-hpde-extinguisher

Chemical extinguishers will negate your requirement that it does not damage electronics or other items not on fire (you set off a chemical extinguisher in the interior and you have now totaled your vehicle. In addition, if someone breaths these chemicals in, it will harm your lungs. Halon works well in an enclosed environment, where it is designed to remove oxygen from the fire, but once you have a large, open area, you have issues with the large oxygen source. With the AFFF systems, being water based (plant based as well), yes you'll need to dry out anywhere you use it, but it will not create a HAZMAT type scene, and you will not harm yourself, your friends and family, or your vehicle with it's use.

Where to mount is trickier, as you want to be able to have quick access to it. I'd suggest upright behind the drivers seat area for quick access inside or outside the vehicle. Either that, or on the passenger side transmission hump, again within quick access to the driver.

As for flares, I've used the old school, typical strike and fire roadside flares in the past, but on my way back from the DC area last week (a failed 15 hour drive to buy an antique car, but got a bottle of wine and a nice lunch at a local winery from my wife as consolation), we saw a car broken down at 11pm using a set of three LED style flares. To me, they worked very well, got your attention, while not burning my retinas. A quick search shows a plethora of choices, "The Drive" did a comparison, and their top choice can last up to 36 hours. They are a bit pricier than the old school flares, but you have to ask yourself "How much is my life worth", same goes for fire suppression systems.

Hope you find this helpful.

Bill
 
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Alwaysthinkin

Alwaysthinkin

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Center console.
Really interesting looking option that deserves consideration. One of the main negatives seems to be the lack of spray thrust, you have to get right up on the fire. Given that concern, some questions regarding how well it would work in windy conditions.
 
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Alwaysthinkin

Alwaysthinkin

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Coming from a racing background, we switched from Halon/chemical extinguishers about 20 years ago and switched to a AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) based fire suppression system. For your Expedition, I'd suggest a 1 liter unit like the following (there are others): https://competitionmotorsport.com/lifeline-afff-hand-held-hpde-extinguisher

I appreciate your input @mrmustang and did look at the link you provided. Seems a real consideration. The unit the link takes you to is listed as an A and B fire suppressant but not C.
So, question to the forum is how important is a C rated (electrical fire) fire extinguisher in our SUV's?
 

mrmustang

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Coming from a racing background, we switched from Halon/chemical extinguishers about 20 years ago and switched to a AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) based fire suppression system. For your Expedition, I'd suggest a 1 liter unit like the following (there are others): https://competitionmotorsport.com/lifeline-afff-hand-held-hpde-extinguisher

I appreciate your input @mrmustang and did look at the link you provided. Seems a real consideration. The unit the link takes you to is listed as an A and B fire suppressant but not C.
So, question to the forum is how important is a C rated (electrical fire) fire extinguisher in our SUV's?
Unfortunately, from experience several years ago, it does. Almost had a friends Birkin "7" go up in flames. Grabbed my portable from my race trailer, and stopped the car from a severe meltdown. Dash and main harness were the only casualties. This after two separate racers grabbed their portable "Halon" units. The one I linked to is just one of several companies that make them.

Fire Freeze (Cold Fire) is the company where I sourced my race systems, bought them through Bruce's Speed Shop in Rockaway, NJ.

I bought it after a local demonstration (while still living in NJ) where they had a chunk of burning magnesium and put it out with one of their large hand held units.

Bill S.
 
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