White Magic Triton LS truck mount caught fire today (2nd time)

[rob allen]

Got a call from one of my techs that was using the White Magic Triton LS carpet cleaning truck mount in the box truck. Said he was cleaning when he smelt fire. Went out to the truck and found the box truck on fire. He quickly shut off the machine and extinguished the flames. (If you don't already,I highly recommend keeping a fire extinguisher on each truck) The heat exchanger apparently shifted (bolts were missing,either cracked off or never installed was my mechanics estimation). The heat exchanger burned through the LineEx and caught the 2x6's on fire. Scared my technician. He came back and we repaired it. Also we installed a safety stainless steel plate under it. This is the second time it has caught fire. The first time was due to loose wiring and it shorted. So I cannot emphasize enough-KEEP a fire extinguisher on your trucks. Yes insurance will cover it but downtime and hassles will drive you in the red. Also,never buy new model truck mounts until they have been field tested. I also would not buy a truck mount that is built in a garage in someones back yard. If some large manufacturers with engineers have problems how much more so back yard builders. Just my .02 and opinion.

Rob

 

[gtech12v]

Thank you for the inf.
I try to check for loose connections and bolts on a weekly basis

 

[Glides-R-Us 1-757-486-3532]

White Magic claim their machines are hot. Now I know why.

 

[Frank DiGi]

Sorry to hear that Rob... Thank god you tech knew what to do and was not worst.. I do keep 2 fire extinguishers on the truck.. One in the front and one mounted on the door.. Got love White Magic Triton LS ....Now I will be checking mine... I had them use lock-tight and stainless steel bolts on mine and made sure they used primer on the drilled out holes...

 

[Priceless]

Didnt you have a thread about propane fires?You can drop a rag on heat exchangers and it will start a fire.I think guys with propane are usually more aware of the inners of the van where as a guy with the HX thinks he has no worries.Wrong!
PS- A fire extinguisher is mandatory

 

[Gnu]

Rob the stainless plate is a great idea but it too can do the same thing. Get FireShield from your building supply house. like lowes. Your in a good enough situation you should have a halon system installed too. I have the same sytem in the vans that you would find in a restaurant. I had one go off by accident I caught a hose on the trigger mechanism what a massive mess. but If the was any sort of fire within 100 foot it would have been put out for sure. In a regular its not too big in a box van you wouldnt even know the system was there.

Also Rob making tm's for production they kinda loose site of the possibilites where as a garage manufacturer may actually use the products and see the room for improvemnts. Like heat sheilds for the hx.

 

[GACARPETCLEANER]

Hey at least he smelt it. If he got out there to late you may have lost a truck. Good thing, Good Tech.

 

[Richard Baldwin]

Yep, I second keeping a fire extinguisher on the truck, we have ours mounted on the shelving in the back. We dont keep one in the front because it may pose more of a hazard there than it would be worth.

 

[jwhatley]

Quoted from Rob:

"Also,never buy new model truck mounts until they have been field tested. I also would not buy a truck mount that is built in a garage in someones back yard."

Great sound advice!

Pat nice point, but really does not put fourth the problems one can have with small biz trying to R & D equipment totally in the field & at the customers expense.

One can argue for both sides - just know - I would NEVER do it again.

PS. Who was the Tech with the smooth claim rational thinking?

 

[JStafford]

That sucks Rob. I am glad that your tech was "fast thinking" and got the situation under control.

 

[Jason Whaley]

White Magic claim their machines are hot. Now I know why.

That was a good one Ken!


Sorry to hear about your troubles Rob... That really sucks!

I remember when my porty caught fire. Cost me $800.00 to fix. What a piece of crap that machine was.

 

[PortableMan]

White Magic claim their machines are hot. Now I know why.

Thats funny

Robert is that truckmount propane or kerosene?

 

[JStafford]

Thats funny

Robert is that truckmount propane or kerosene?

It is HX.

 

[sbsscn]

Sorry to hear that happen to you Rob. Good news is no one got hurt.
I bet this will give you ideas (and me too) on safety devices (already thinking on them).

 

[JStafford]

...

Here is one manufacturer of fire suppression systems. There are a few out there. After reading this thread, I may save my pennies and put one in each truck.

 

[C Pennington]

Freak accident sounds like... I have 4 WM and have been very ,very happy. I also have heard of other models (El Diablo example) catch fire....each case is different. Incidents can happen due to owners tweaking there units , poor installation and a bonehead(worker) in the factory who made it. Sorry for your troubles... Im thankful not to have any incidents with White Magic, HM, PC TM's and a Doo daddy TM.

 

[gtech12v]

Rob , Do you have by any chance a copy of the owner manual for the triton i need to know how the blower oil sight tube is install ordered from white magic bu need help with the install may be a close picture of the sight tube will do Thanks .

 

[sbsscn]

You can down load the manual PDF. File from white magic

 

[johntalley]

wow ...not cool ..

good thing he is not like alot of guys I have worked with .. party hard the night before would not have seen it till it was to late .. Good call on his part