The retrofitting, rebuilding, remodeling, decorating andupgrading of older trailers is growing in popularity throughout thecountry. Their uniqueness and attractiveness is spreading with arise of clubs and organizations who display their handiwork duringrallies and shows. High-quality workmanship is the norm, and muchof the finish craftsmanship is excellent.

These original units have for the most part, been restored withparts and accessories from original trailers, in some cases afteryears of searching for hard-to-get items. However, some of theacquisitions and re-installations can include now-prohibited itemssuch as propane interior gas lighting, unvented propane spaceheaters, stove cook tops or range ovens used for comfort orinterior space heating. Since many trailers were originallyproduced before detector requirements, they may not comply withtoday's recommendations.

Defined as luxury camping or glamorous retro camping, “glamping”campers are found throughout the U.S., Australia, Europe, and otherparts of the world. Aside from vintage trailers, this trendincludes yurts, some tiny houses, tents and others. Occasionally,some of the retro units are paired with vintage towing cars thatare often displayed together. An advertisement for one event onlyallowed vehicles 25 years or older.

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Safety standards for trailers

As early as 1940, the National Fire Protection Association haddeveloped a fire prevention standard for trailers. In the 1960s,the Trailer Coach Association evolved into NFPA 501C and is nowNFPA 1192 Recreational Vehicles. NFPA 1192 is published and revisedby committee action, and proposals are voted on approximately everythree years. Inspections occur when units are new, and are handledby the factory, Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA)and various state governmental organizations. Manufacturersadhere to this standard for the safety for the purchaser.

The NFPA fire safety standards include requirements to installand maintain safe electrical systems and installations; properlyinstall and maintain smoke detectors, LP-gas detectors and carbonmonoxide detectors; fire extinguisher requirements, includingplacement and location, as well and placards or decals notingauxiliary exits. All of these are for the purpose of life safetyand to rapidly get all occupants safely outside in case of afire.

Unfortunately, retro builders and prospective buyers of usedrecreational vehicles (RVs) may not be familiar with these safetyrequirements. At a recent retro RV show displaying over 30“glamping” units, only one older smoke detector was observedpositioned in place among the trailers on display; no other firesafety or warning devices had been installed. NFPA 1192 addressesonly new model trailers – the RV code does not apply retroactivelyto pre-code dates; and the code is voluntary.

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Fire dangers in trailers

LP-gas interior lighting appliances were discontinued in thelate 1960s or early 1970s, due to carbon monoxide poisoning,injuries and fatal fires that occurred.

Detectors used for most RVs include carbon monoxide (CO), andare now required whenever gas appliances are used inside. LP-gasalarms, also known as propane detectors, are found installed in allnewer recreational vehicles, and when properly installed, have asuccessful record of saving untold lives from fire andexplosion.

Smoke detectors are not used in all RVs, and many firefatalities occur when smoke or combustion products overwhelmvictims. Too often, occupants remove detector batteries because thealarm makes noise, or to use them for other purposes.

Most RVs are required to have a secondary means of escape, whichis usually a window with special opening hardware. Many of thesewindows have dedicated opening levers and a permanent label withthe word “Exit” in red, one-inch high letters. The owner or sellershould demonstrate to the occupants how the latches open and remindthem to exit feet first through the windows as safely as possiblein case of an emergency.

Reselling trailers

Sales of pre-owned trailers between private parties, frequentlyimply “buyer beware, as-is” with no warranty. However, if adefective or recalled product is knowingly sold to an unsuspectingbuyer and an accident results – there may be some liability to theseller. The ConsumerProduct Safety Commission and the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration may provide information regardingrecalls.

A prospective buyer, seller or builder of an older vintage,retro or glamping trailer should be familiar with the in-placesafety requirements published by the National Fire Protection Association;notably NFPA 1192 Standard on Recreational Vehicles, NFPA58 Liquid Petroleum Gas Code, NFPA 70 Electrical Code, NFPA 10 FireExtinguishers, and articles from various manufacturers andsuppliers.

Information on how to maintain these products in accordance withmanufacturer's requirements is available through the manufactureror retailers. Most camping equipment dealers and repair facilitiescan assist with the latest requirements for fire safety.

Ins and outs of smoke detectors

Proper installation, periodic inspection and maintenance ofsafety detectors are a must, and detectors should be tested on aregular basis and replaced as necessary per RV parts manufacturerguidelines. As products have different manufacturers and functions,detector life spans do vary. A general rule of thumb is to checkall detector batteries monthly. Some detectors have a five-yearlifespan; smoke detectors are generally 10 years. For continuedpeace of mind, replace batteries when applicable and gently cleanwith a vacuum to remove dust and cobwebs.

Interior flammability is also important to consider. Light,flashy fuels are generally used for interior wall finishes,including wall coverings and foam cushions, and can allow a fire tospread extremely fast in some cases. Fire tests we have conducteddemonstrated an RV can burn to the metal frame in less than 10minutes; therefore, immediate knowledgeable about exiting isparamount to prevent fatalities or injuries.

The object of camping, glamping or other recreation is to enjoynature and have peace of mind, which is achieved by having unitsprovide a safe and secure environment.

Since fire detectors significantly reduce the risk of potentialfires, injuries and fatalities, and insurance underwriters areinterested in preventing such catastrophes, including a fewcheck-off boxes during the insurance application and underwritingprocess can make it easier for insurers to identify which trailersmay have a lower or higher fire risk. Some insurers have alsorecommended permanently disconnecting potentially dangerous openflame propane fixtures and capping the flow the source as anothermeans to reduce fire risks. Using appliances deemed unsafe fordecoration only will further minimize any safety risks.

These suggestions will help protect occupants from heat, fire,poisonous products of combustion or smoke when combined with fireextinguishers and easily identifiable marked auxiliary exits.Insurers, inspectors and owners can collaborate to ensure a saferrecreational environment for all.

Joseph Bloom ([email protected]) is a retired L.A.County fire captain who owns Bloom Fire Investigation, a fire causeand origin agency with substantial RV fire investigation andlecturing, serving the U.S. and Canada for over 35 years. He haspresented numerous RV-fire seminars and provided information to theinsurance industry, law firms, manufacturers, and insurance claimspersonnel throughout the country.