Post by Trail Hugger on Mar 27, 2017 18:47:22 GMT -8
Of All The Tools We Bring along on the trail, there's really only one that can help save the entire vehicle, and that's the fire extinguisher. Most everybody carries an extinguisher, but often that's only because nearly every organized run requires it. Little, if any, thought is given to an extinguisher's actual effectiveness-if the gauge registers in the green zone and it gets us through the safety inspection, life is good.
Yes, life is good. We have 4x4s and trails to drive on with our friends. There's the occasional breakdown and stuck that adds to the fun and camaraderie, and for the most part everybody has the tools, winches, parts, and know-how to get going again. With one notable exception: a fire. Chances are that several people will come running with their extinguishers only to find that they don't work. Dry chemical extinguishers' media can compact inside when subjected to vibrations, whether it's mounted upright or on its side, and let's face it: Trail rides have a few bumps along the way. After a few years in the vehicle the extinguisher may well be useless. This is one of the reasons these extinguishers are supposed to be inspected every year in commercial buildings, even when just hanging on a wall. It's a good idea to bonk a dry chemical extinguisher against a tire, tree, or something a few times before attempting to use it.
Yes, life is good. We have 4x4s and trails to drive on with our friends. There's the occasional breakdown and stuck that adds to the fun and camaraderie, and for the most part everybody has the tools, winches, parts, and know-how to get going again. With one notable exception: a fire. Chances are that several people will come running with their extinguishers only to find that they don't work. Dry chemical extinguishers' media can compact inside when subjected to vibrations, whether it's mounted upright or on its side, and let's face it: Trail rides have a few bumps along the way. After a few years in the vehicle the extinguisher may well be useless. This is one of the reasons these extinguishers are supposed to be inspected every year in commercial buildings, even when just hanging on a wall. It's a good idea to bonk a dry chemical extinguisher against a tire, tree, or something a few times before attempting to use it.
