Fire Extinguisher?

Has anyone figured out a good fire extinguisher and location to mount it in our Tundras? I live in Idaho and go into the high desert where there is brush that can catch fire from hot engine or catalytic converters. (Installing cat shield soon)

I'd like to find something that fits behind the rear seat and is easily accessible.
Suggestions or pictures appreciated. Thanks.

 

I keep a 5lb one under my back seat.

 

It's not cheap, but I know Desert Does It has a bracket that mounts to their seat jackers.

 

I have mine at the base of the passenger seat. You can make a bracket for it easily.

 

In a roadside emergency situation, best to have your gear on pass side away from the traffic.

 

Element fire extinguisher ftw

 

Yep, have heard good things about Element.

https://elementfire.com/

 

Got mine at the ready at driver seat

 

Same place I have mine in the Tundra and 4Runner

 

Currently running a Bracketeer on both Tundra and FJ in the passenger seat. No issues so far and no passenger has mentioned issues with legs/feet getting bungled up with the extinguisher.

Edit: Sorry, @Paul Moll. Realized that you stated pics as well.

Here's mine from the usual seating position:


And seat all the way back:


And a closer look of the extinguisher and bracket setup:

 

Was gonna snap a shot, but heavy cold rain here and it obviously isn't a big deal really. Just have the factory extinguisher mount bolted to the Desert Does It seat jacker block. EZ because the hole is already drilled and tapped. Only small issue is the floor mat is not easily removed and inserted during routine interior cleanings. Anyway, attached is a picture of the unit I used. Over the years I have emptied somewhere between 5 and 10 similar units to assist others with automotive related fires. Worst one was a couple of college age females in a small hatchback that attempted an interstate u turn through tall dry grass and soft ground at a very slow rate. Always concerns me when I see people go to big events and park in the dry grass and such. When I was young, my dad ran out of gas on the highway and we did the walk of shame. Then I was cranking it over as he was sprinkling the carburator. It backfired and poof! Dad immediately threw his shirt on it, but that wasn't enough. Lesson stuck with me, and I have always been a fan of fire extinguishers. I keep them in cars, trucks, garage, camper, patio, kitchen, hallways. Plus I frequently give them as gifts to others who I see without what I think is enough.

 

Same here. It takes up a fraction of space and weighs a lot less than a traditional fire extinguisher. Plus they supposedly work better.

 

Rey, does that thing have an expiration date marked on it? It says on their website that it has an infinite shelf life. Curious if there are any marking on it..

 

Please hold let me go check

 

Negative on any expiration numbers. Great quality piece.

 

Disagreed. When I've messed with the element it's not at all intuitive how to get it going. We had some in a racecar and I did not like them at all, if I light on fire I don't have to think how to use a normal fire extinguisher nor do I require dexterity if my hands get burnt, the element needs to be uncapped and struck and all these steps require dexterity and visually aligning things. A child can use a normal fire extinguisher, an adult without experience with an element or incapacitated is going to take far longer to activate it.

 

Very valid points for sure

 

Has anyone had to use a fire extinguisher on a vehicle before?

I have not, but after speaking/reading with those that have, A lot of the little car fire extinguishers go out too quickly. I'm wondering if it'd be worth the upgrade of getting a larger fire extinguisher for the sole purpose of cya should you ever need more. Any thoughts?

For me, glass breaker/crowbar and welding gloves (trying to rpy open a hot door) seem like just a good a fit as to rescue anyone in an emergency

 

Several times, see post #14

 

Thanks for the gentle reminder, not sure how I scrolled past. Definitely worth getting

 

I mounted mine in my decked drawer system. It’s not big enough to fully extinguish any fire, but enough to buy someone time to get out.

 

If you are going to the trouble and expense of putting any type of safety equipment in your truck (or anywhere else, for that matter) you should definitely take the time to train with it and figure out how to use it before you need it. I question whether and how an incapacitated adult can use an old school fire extinguisher at all or any easier than an Element.

People are resistant to change, and they tend to stick with what they know and are used to. That's fine, too - any fire extinguisher is definitely better than none in the case of a fire in, on, or around a vehicle. Element type fire extinguishers have their limitations as well as their advantages, the better question to me is do the pros outweigh the cons in a vehicle type fire?

The OP stated that they were concerned with creating brush fires from the cats or engine heat. An Element type extinguisher would not be ideal for that type of Class A fire out in open air, especially if there is a wind blowing that would disperse the gas. It still could help knock down a fire in brush to some degree but is certainly not the optimum choice for that circumstance.

I went with an Element under my seat to specifically put out a fire in the enclosed space of the cab or engine bay that could be caused by an accident or electrical fire, which is a likely source of ignition for our trucks. The Element can be better for this type of incident as it does not displace oxygen in a space that may be inhabited by humans when deployed. If the doors are jammed and the windows up you will likely not suffocate yourself like you could with a CO2 extinguisher. Also, it doesn't create a breathing hazard, make a huge mess and destroy electronic equipment like a dry chemical extinguisher can when used in an enclosed space like a truck cab or engine bay. There is also benefit in the 50 second discharge time versus a shorter standard 5 lb. extinguisher discharge rate, as well.

I do carry a standard 5 lb. extinguisher in my Diamondback Cross Bin box for use on the type of fires the OP mentioned. The right tool for the right job is always the best bet.

Yes, on vehicles and in enclosed spaces on ships and land.

 

I installed the Bracketeer on the front drivers side seat.....
http://www.thebracketeer.com/

https://amerexfireextinguishers.com/products/amerex-2lb-abc-b417?variant=29047979217

 

Same.

 

I wanted to get an Element until I watched this:

https://youtu.be/dCaPUYKs5Zc

 

See post 25. Some good points there.

On another note. In the video I noticed he was not really "sweeping" the fire like I was always trained. Again just a little change in technique might have made a bigger impact on the grease fire. Around the 30 second mark he almost had it snuffed because he started to sweep.
I was a bit shocked with the wood fire. It seemed to snuff the flames but the heat from the coals seemed to restart the wood. It was a bit unexpected.

 

Thank you all for the great posts. This is very helpful.

I have a 2.5 pound marine grade extinguisher on my UTV. Choose marine grade so that it's very weather tolerant. Inside the Tundra I don't see a need to go marine grade. But 2.5 pound may not be enough in some situations. The larger ones, 5 pounds for example, are quite a bit larger and probably more intrusive into the passenger compartment. Still need to check on what will fit where. But the one good take away I have is to keep it on passenger side of truck so as to have it on the non-traffic side. Good point.