Which on-board extinguisher system?

[Eck]

I'm wondering what type of extinguisher is best for on-board the Bronco. Also, I'd like to be able to attach it to the roll cage most likely right behind the driver seat.

Am I being ultra paranoid though that with the top off, anyone could just steal it? I know these things aren't cheap and locking it in doesn't give exceptionally quick access to it.

Anyone have a "better" solution?

[DanHall]

Mine is just hanging on the cage with a plastic quick release buckle. Anybody could walk off with it but nobody ever has.

[landshark]

Mine is mounted under my legs where the old manual tank selector would be. Hard to see. Easy to reach hasn't been in the way. Can't remember what extinguisher I have but it supposed to be a good one.

[Eck]

So I've read that the HalGuard extinguishers are the best but very expensive. My other question is how often do you really need to charge them? I've read every 12 months but that sounds pricey.

I've thought of putting it in the roll bar above the seats right in the middle facing forwards so it's not really seen with a bikini top.

[Justin]

Depends how you mount it. That sounds like a good thing to whack your head on. I'm planning to put mine on the roll bar behind the driver's seat.

[Eck]

Depends how you mount it. That sounds like a good thing to whack your head on. I'm planning to put mine on the roll bar behind the driver's seat.

I thought of putting it there as well but they say you should be able to reach it from your seat. My thought of putting it overhead directly centered between the seats and it wouldn't hang down, it would be mounted parallel to the bar. Not sure you'd be in danger of hitting your head on it there.

[Justin]

You'd be amazed at how much people move around in a wreck. I've cared for enough hospice patients with closed head injuries-not how I want myself or any of my friends to go out. At some point I'm going to redo my cage so that there's more head clearance. Trei, that's one of the things I really like about your cage design. The other place mine might get mounted is the back of my console so that it's within reach.

[Eck]

This plus this mount so that its tucked up even with the roll bar.

[Justin]

Gotcha, that works. What mount is that? I like it.

[sykanr0ng]

This one is not mine, but I like it enough that I will probably do something like it:

[Jesus_man]

My buddy makes these:
https://ors4x4.com/product/black-quick- ... her-mount/

Here's where mine is at. Difficult to reach it from the seat and pretty redneck, but it's worked.


There are certainly better extinguishers out there, but I don't recall what the most economical is.

[akaFrankCastle]

I'm running a similar set up to JD, but one in each upright. Both are cheapos from the parts store. Both can literally be torn out of the plastic keepers if needed.

Last year in Denver, while participating in a class, we brought in the oldest extinguishers we could find and tested them. Many of those brought in were 20+ years old. One was probably made in the very early 70's according to the markings on it. Everyone that we tested worked without a problem. The 70's model had been stored in an elderly man's pick up since the day he bought it.

[Dukietown]

I'm running a similar set up to JD, but one in each upright. Both are cheapos from the parts store. Both can literally be torn out of the plastic keepers if needed.

Last year in Denver, while participating in a class, we brought in the oldest extinguishers we could find and tested them. Many of those brought in were 20+ years old. One was probably made in the very early 70's according to the markings on it. Everyone that we tested worked without a problem. The 70's model had been stored in an elderly man's pick up since the day he bought it.

That's interesting and reassuring. I'd read that having them mounted vertically was a bad idea because the powder inside will get packed down into the bottom and not discharge when used. Sounds like that wasn't the case for you.

[Eck]

Gotcha, that works. What mount is that? I like it.

It's a H3R roll bar mount.

One place I found through Google:
http://dragpartsusa.com/i-10832468-h3r- ... oC0wLw_wcB

[Gunnibronco]

I'd read that having them mounted vertically was a bad idea because the powder inside will get packed down into the bottom and not discharge when used. Sounds like that wasn't the case for you.

I read to beat on the bottom of your car mounted fire extinguishers with a rubber mallet every year, to break up the powder. I did it and could hear the difference after pounding on the extinguisher for a while.

I didn't read it was better to store them horizontal, interesting. I might move mine, if I can find the floor/cage space.

[mickphatmac]

Have you ever gone into a building and seen a fire extinguisher lying flat on it's side???

[Dukietown]

Have you ever gone into a building and seen a fire extinguisher lying flat on it's side???

No but I've also never seen a building go bouncing down the highway or trails.

[Gunnibronco]

Yeah, the vibration settles the powder into a solid lump at the bottom of the extinguisher.

[sykanr0ng]

There is a very recent thread over on CB about this, some that have had to use theirs say strongly to go with cleaner types, they seem to think the corrosive powder residue is almost as bad as just letting it burn.

[mickphatmac]

I don't believe it for a minute! (It packs down when my Bronco goes over bumps! HA!)
You guys believe everything you read? Just ask Zac, I'm with him!

Dry Chemical portable fire extinguishers consist of a powder composed of very small particles, usually sodium bicarbonate-, potassium bicarbonate-, or ammonium phosphate-based with supplements added to provide resistance to packing, resistance to moisture absorption (caking), and proper flow capabilities.

If your fire extinguisher doesn't work, it's because the seals to the nitrogen propellant have dried out and all the gas leaked out, not because the inert dry chemical has compressed. It doesn't compress.

Maybe mount it out of the sun, and not on your Black Hot Roll Bar with the top off... Just sayin?

[akaFrankCastle]

I think they're referring more to the act of settling and compacting. Similar to what happens to a bag of quick Crete over time. Except accelerated due to constant vibrations.

FWIW, I never said it wasn't possible. Only that I've seen 20+ year old extinguishers work without issue. And also that an old timer kept one in his truck since the 70's and it worked. I cannot attest to how he might have stored it or in what position.

[ZOSO]

I've worked very closely with a fire contractor at work on the fire extinguisher's. I asked all the important questions like above. Here's my take on it.

Only time they need to be serviced for household/vehicle use is when the gauge says no charge. Only reason building spaces require inspection monthly/yearly is due to fire code. The extinguisher in my 74 has a date of 1970 stamped in it. I brought it in and they said they would not hesitate to use it. As for the contents settling. Yes it does happen. Especially with the older ones. So just make good practice of it to take it out regularly and inspect it. Give it a good shake and tap the bottom some with a rubber hammer. I mean really whats it gonna hurt? Take 5 minutes and make sure that is ready for use before any wheelin trip.

[Eck]

This is good info. I think I'll go with the HalGuard as its supposed to be non corrosive and non cleanup. The price really only deterred me if I was going to need to have it serviced annually but a "one-time" cost of $150 isn't bad when you're considering what it'll help you avoid.

[landshark]

[sykanr0ng]

Make sure it doesn't come loose until you want it in your hand:

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showpo ... ostcount=3