Fire Extinguisher Installation Behind Center Console

Not everyone perceives a need for a fire extinguisher, and although I've never personally experienced a vehicle fire, I have witnessed several and assisted in one. In the old days, with vehicles with point to point wiring they were more common. However with off road vehicles having extensive electronic mods, some better designed and executed than others, the potential is always there.
There are a few threads on here showing other options for fire extinguisher locations, but since this one seems unique, I thought I'd post it with a new thread so it can be easily found if anyone wants to see it in the future.
The other location options I've seen are: (1) in the jack & tool compartment (2) On the cover of the jack & tool compartment (3) in the rear passenger side cubby (4) on the retaining bar of the rear passenger side cubby (5) on a steel bracket mounted using the seat bolts to either front seat, in front. The best location, imho, is to mount a fire extinguisher within reach of the driver on a steel bracket. You don't want it to become a projectile in an accident.
Having said all that, I mounted mine behind the centre console, by removing the rear panel and installing the bracket with 4 button head SS bolts. Although it is not mounted on steel, this location is extremely secure and won't easily become dislodged. Just be careful when removing the panel, to use a plastic body clip tool, and don't break any of the fasteners. It comes right off with patience and care.


Once its off, and the wires disconnected you can correctly position the fire extinguisher bracket on the work bench, bolt up the bracket and then snap everything back together.

There are a lot of options with fire extinguishers, and this location works best with 1.4 lb H3R - I chose a Halguard model because it uses a clean agent. I supplement this with a fibreglass fire blanket. It's not a lot of fire suppression. But it's for emergency response. If anyone has experienced the aftermath of a dry chemical model, they'll know it can create a lot of damage. I figure if a shot of halotron, and a blanket doesn't work, at least I've tried.

 

I mounted mine in the passenger side cubby. Not the best location for fast access but at least it's in the vehicle. It's halogen too as I have seen the mess of a dry chemical extinguisher. I like the idea of the fire blanket and I'll pick one up next time I'm at HD or somewhere they are sold.

 

Is there any issue with folding the back seats down?

 

The seat cushion on the passenger side compresses against the fire extinguisher, so they will fold but you can’t access the unit with the seats folded down. A disadvantage if you travel with the seats down or sleep in the back on a long trip. I don’t do that, so it’s not a problem for me. If it’s a matter of loading something in there for a quick trip you can also remove the extinguisher temporarily and it gives you a bit more room for the seat. Nothing is perfect!

 

Nice job.

Mine's not within reach but it's present and accounted for...

 

That's one of the spots I looked at but ultimately put mine in the back storage area.

 

I highly agree that not only having a fire extinguisher on board, but also having the right type(s) and having quick access as those first few seconds are the most critical. For example, a standard ABC type fire extinguisher might be good outside of your vehicle, but the powder residue is highly corrosive to wiring and will ruin your engine bay. It's best to use a Halotron based extinguisher, though they are pricey.

When camping, I have both extinguisher types with me.

I realize this is an older post but another option is made by the people over at Desert Does It, the makes of the seat jackers. If you already have seat jackers, you just need their under seat molle panel and extinguisher quick mount.

Here's a pic of mine installed in my Tacoma. I am using a Halguard extinguisher. This has since been transferred to my 4Runner:

 

I too have mine mounted on desert does it.

 

I got mine in the back on the mollie panel by rago. It was rattling a little at first but I got it straight now.

 

One thing I've always wondered, how do these do with 100+ degrees in the summer and sub-zero in the winter?

 

Are element fire extinguisher sticks safe for corrosion? A video mentioned they produce Potassium Oxide and Water Vapor, sounds very caustic to me. What about sodium bicarbonate based ones?

 

Mine fits in the driver's door cubby. Having secondaries stashed away is ok, but I want my primary as easy to access as possible.

 

Compact 2lb’er fit well here, screwed into the floor plastic. (I think some folks said that two or 2 1/2 pound extinguisher is not even sufficient for vehicle fires but fck ‘em, lol. Better than nothing, maybe?)

 

Mine's between the drivers door and the seat.
A good yank on the velcro strap and I'm in business.

 

I want to know too.

 

Ditto

I guess I’ll find out

 

The commercial grade fire extinguishers we sale at work are rated from -65 to 120 degrees for an ABC and -40 to 120 for clean agents. I’ve definitely seen them used at higher than 120 degrees.

I keep mine in the original box since it’s square and doesn’t roll around. I took different heavy duty brackets hook originally but never used them.

 

An EMT I know said to wack the bottom of the extinguisher a few times with a rubber mallet every 6 mos or so. Keeps the stuff from solidifying/compacting.