Ultimate Vehicle Fire Extinguisher

[Scott Brady]

I am working on equipment lists for each of our 4wds and motos, and the discussion on fire extinguishers developed. It is of course easy to drive to Autozone and buy the first thing on the shelf, but are there better options, higher quality options that are designed for the rigors of backcountry travel and extreme vibration and variations in temperature.

I would love to see what some of you have decided on.

Back in the day (when I was a fireman), I had a halon extinguisher in my Jeep. Not so easy to source any longer.

This is what we have in the J8. It is standard issue for the military application

I have some cheap units in the other cars. They are just too small and the mounting too cheesy, so I am looking at other options.

I was also curious of the best overall volume for the extinguisher. i.e., has there been any standards set for recommended size?

 

[Scott Brady]

These Drake mounts are nice:

 

[Corey]

I run two bottles.
One is a cheap Kidee one for using outside of the rig such as a brush fire or something burning in camp.

The second one parked next to my Powertank is a HalGuard HG250R Red Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher
http://www.h3rperformance.com/products.htm
http://www.h3rperformance.com/hg250r.htm
It is to be used inside of the rig as it will not harm electronics or wiring.

HalGuard™ Premium Clean Agent and MaxOut™ Proven Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Most automobile fires begin in the engine. Short circuits, leaking fluids and faulty fuel delivery systems are common causes. Fires can also start in exhaust system manifolds, catalytic converters and even brakes.

Regular automobile maintenance is the best defense, but even a properly maintained vehicle is vulnerable in an accident. When a fire does strike, swift action is key. A quick blast of HalGuard™ or MaxOut™ fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a minor annoyance and a major catastrophe - on the highway or at the racetrack.

H3R Performance offers a wide range of Halotron charged, portable HalGuard™ extinguishers. In addition to automotive use, HalGuard's clean properties make it ideal for protecting computers and other sensitive electronic equipment.

H3R Performance offers four MaxOut™ dry chemical extinguishers. Besides automotive use, they are effective fire protection for boating (models MX250R and MX250C), the home, garage, or office.

Here are the specs on it:

Double the size and fire-fighting-power of the smaller units. Provides you with additional extinguishing force for added security.

No thermal shock to electronics
No mess or damage to vehicle or surfaces
Liquefied gas extinguishes hard-to-reach fires
Does not impair operator's vision
EPA approved
Listed and rated 2B:C by Underwriters Laboratories
Rechargeable
Made in U.S.A.
2-strap mounting bracket
6' - 10' discharge range
High quality steel cylinders
All metal valve construction
Compact, lightweight, easy to use
Five year limited warranty

 

[colodak]

I have a standard red kidde mounted on the center hump behind the front seats, easily accesible, usuallu my medical jump bag is laying right on top of it so they are both at the ready

 

[Pedro]

having been involved in a couple car fire incidents, I will say that those extinguishers are far too small. They are better than nothing, but the smaller ones in my rig are basically for putting out people, or killing the fire down for a bit so someone can get out.

For the rally events we carry 20lb (whatever the new Halon equivalent is) extinguishers. the rest of the time I have 2 of these: http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

I have used one on an oil fire with success, but it would have benefited from the hose if it were so equipped.

 

[4xdog]

Seems there was an extensive discussion on this a year or so. Or maybe I'm getting loopy and it was on the vintage Triumphs list.

IIRC, there was a lot of discussion about the Halgard kind, especially the blingy version...
http://www.h3rperformance.com/hg250c.htm

Don

 

[Scott Brady]

Nice find with the Halguard. That seems like the ticket
http://www.h3rperformance.com/hg250b.htm

 

[theksmith]

2 small halons, door mounted:

keep meaning to get a slightly larger chemical one to put in the back too.

 

[craig333]

I use foam myself. Only downside is since its mostly water you may have some freezing issues in some climates. Well the initial cost is high but its the only system that is user refillable. Doesn't have the wind issues halon has. Far superior to any other agent on class fires. By far the best choice if you had to use an extinguisher on a person. Environmentally friendly and non toxic.
http://www.macthefireguy.com/fire_safety_products.htm
http://www.rvsafetysystems.com/Handheld Fire Extinguishers.htm

Went to take some pictures of my installs and my camera batteries were dead /sigh. Coming tomorrow.

 

[toddz69]

Whatever type of extinguisher you decide on, try to find a spot where it's easily accessible by both the driver and co-dog in an emergency. Every second counts.

Todd Z.

 

[washington taco]

I use a 5 lbs Kidde with Coast Guard approved mount. Didn't think I would ever use it until the 4th when my daughter set a stump on fire with fire works, went through my 20lbs shop bottle then the rig bottle to finish it off. MORE is better.

 

[theksmith]

I use a 5 lbs Kidde with Coast Guard approved mount. Didn't think I would ever use it until the 4th when my daughter set a stump on fire with fire works, went through my 20lbs shop bottle then the rig bottle to finish it off. MORE is better.

exactly why i need to still get a larger chemical one mounted in the back somewhere. my small halon ones are excellent for in-the-cabin fires, but halon wouldn't work well on an exterior fire - nor likely would a couple small bottles be enough for anything exterior either.

 

[Corey]

Seems there was an extensive discussion on this a year or so. Or maybe I'm getting loopy and it was on the vintage Triumphs list.

IIRC, there was a lot of discussion about the Halgard kind, especially the blingy version...
http://www.h3rperformance.com/hg250c.htm

Don

Nice find with the Halguard. That seems like the ticket
http://www.h3rperformance.com/hg250b.htm

Same exact one I carry by my Powertank, but in two different colors.
I ordered mine through Jegg's.

 

[craig333]

Truck.

Jeep

And if I feel I need more I'll grab one of these

Definitely need to have them readily available. Seconds count and its no time to be searching around for one. Plus, remember if you're using a powder extinguisher to make sure it hasn't gotten compacted. Shake them at least every other month.

 

[GTABurnout]

Interesting topic.

I have always wanted to be prepared in case I came across the need for an extinguisher. But with the extreme heat here in AZ I have been timid about leaving one in my truck thru summer. Whats the consensus on leaving an extinguisher in a truck in AZ type heat? (115+ out side will make it 120+ in a car.)