Fire extinguishers, which one and how do you store it?

I want to get a fire extinguisher to keep in the truck. I'm not sure what size extinguisher is needed but something in the 4-5 lb range seems right. What I'm struggling most with is where to store it and what bracket is sturdy enough for vehicle use.

I use the backseat of my truck so I don't want it just floating around back there. I can't mount it in the bed because I use a tonneau cover. I'm considering putting it on my bed rack but I don't know if the weather and sun exposure would be overly detrimental.

To help me figure this out show me which fire extinguisher you have and where/how you store it in your truck.

 

would suggest storing in a place easy to get from the outside. Next to fuel cans and first aid equipment. For the course of a trip, weather/sun will be okay. probably. How do you have a tonneau cover AND a bed rack though?

 

I have the OEM bed rack and a Max Modular (KB Voodoo) bed rack with their tonneau brackets.

I think on the bed rack on the driver's side is a decent place for it as far as availability in an emergency goes. If the weather exposure isn't a deal breaker that should work. Who makes a good storage bracket that can hold an extinguisher while bouncing around on a trail?

 

I actually just posted a picture of my setup: pics 1 and 2 should be enough to see what I did. Drilled one hole into my VooDoo rack to mount the quick fist
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/taco-life-hacks.665214/#post-23316600

As far as longevity, I had the same unit in that spot for a year with no major issues (had it in the cab for a year or two before this). I did notice a bit of discoloration on the plastic handle when it got replaced due to recall. The recall was due to a design flaw in the plastic handles, so as far as I know the new units should be steel handles and pull pins.
https://www.kidde.com/home-safety/en/us/support/product-alerts/recall-kidde-fire-extinguisher/

 

Alternatively
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...er-mount-free-to-all-doublecab-owners.605401/

 

This is my setup on the back of driver side

 

Thinking about mounting one back in the bed as well.

 

I like that - is that an E50 or E100?

 

It's an E50. I carefully drilled the holes, then used some random machine screws, washers, and nuts I had lying around.

I get asked a lot why I have a road flare stuck to my seat.

 

I carry a "household" size one.

I used to have the smaller auto sized one until I had to use it. I pulled up behind a guy on the side of the road who had smoke coming from under his car. He popped his hood to see flames. It was a transmission fire. He used his extinguisher mostly on the engine bay and some under the car and from the wheel wells. It didn't go out. I then started in with mine mostly under the car.

We knocked the fire way back but couldn't tell if it ever actually went out since it was the transmission and we couldn't see it nor get direct blasts from the extinguisher on it. I kept up with short blasts until my extinguisher ran out.

A major factor here was the transmission. Even if we put out the flames, the transmission was hot enough to likely restart the fluid on fire. I'm not sure if a larger extinguisher would have helped. Also the other guy didn't use a good technique and did long blasts.

In any event, I was surprised on how fast both extinguishers emptied and decided I needed a bigger one.

I'm not real pleased where I store mine either. Since I have a platform in my bed it is stored under the platform at the tailgate. I have to open my cap and drop the tailgate to get to it. Perhaps I'll add an "auto" size in the cab.

 

I have a Element E50 on the rear of the drivers seat, a cheap e-bay 1 pounder in each rear door pocket and a 2.5 pounder at the left rear of the box in quick fists.
About once or twice a month I see a newer rig burned to the ground while off roading in different forums and sights. I've been lucky and not needed to use mine.

 

Woah. That seems like a lot. What are these guys doing that they’re burning their trucks?

 

Some are electrical, some are fuel related. Newer rigs can have up to 40+ PSI in the fuel lines, a pin hole passes a lot of fuel. Better to have and never use than to need and not have. Newer rigs have substantial wire harness axle to axle, damaged at rear axle could cause fire in the engine bay. It's a very remote chance, most of use have insurance that would cover most of the loose but why take the chance.

 

I have mine behind my rear driver's side 'behind seat' storage compartment with my first aid kit and maglite.

Spoiler

Sam

 

Got a big one behind the rear passenger seat, fits nicely.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/diy-headrest-fire-extinguisher-accessory-mount.642388/

Here’s my write up for my behind-the-seat DIY headrest. Tough as nails, safe (accident-proven), and convenient.

 

I think I've got my solution. I ordered a Kidde 210 4 lb extinguisher and a DOT/USCG approved mount for it. I just need to figure out how I want to bolt it to my bed rack.

Pics to follow once I've got it together.

 

I have an Amerex 5lb ABC extinguisher in the bed mounted with a drake fab bracket. I recomend getting a good quality indsutrial type extinguisher like an amerex with the metal head and components, they are only a few bucks more and made in the USA (I have been to the factory).

 

Here it is. Kidde pro 210 4lb extinguisher in a Kidde DOT/USCG approved mount. I believe the mount is supposed to be used upright but it feels sturdy enough the way I have it mounted. The extinguisher rattles a bit in the mount so I'll probably glue some foam in to steady it. I'm also brainstorming a way to make a cloth cover for it to minimize UV exposure, but the cover has to be quick to remove and snag-free.

 

What's the story behind these? I'm not familiar with them but I like the size. They are a bit pricey but I assume worth it?