troll3193
SouthWest, MI USA
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Joined: 07/07/2004
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got home this afternoon after a two hour trip. Was unpacking our front pass through storage area and noticed a burning smell.
This is what I found...
there is a light in the compartment and in this area I store our outside plastic rug rolled up and in a garbage bag. Been carrying it that way for 4+ years...
Somewhere along the trip things must have shifted and turned the light on...
Melted through the trash bag and three layers of the plastic carpet...
I don't use the light, so I just removed the bulb.. I consider myself lucky to have caught it. Could happen in any style of unit with a light in a storage compartment. something to watch out for..
Bryan
2006 RAM 3500 MegaCab w/Cummins Turbo Diesel
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JCWWBT
Georgia
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Joined: 12/08/2007
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scary!!! glad you caught it! Thanks for sharing.
1996 Itasca Suncruiser 37RW
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Kel116
Alberta Canada
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Joined: 12/24/2003
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OMG that was one close call you had there.
I have accidentally left lights on in my basement storage before and never did I worry about a fire.
Thanks for your post it may save someone's life maybe even mine.
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Hurricaner
Hurricane Utah
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Joined: 02/17/2007
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It's not hot enough to catch something on fire. But obviously it was not enough to melt plastic.
Sam
Sam & Kari
Hurricane, Utah
2004 34' Damon Challenger 315
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Good catch!! I had a hole melt/burn through a neoprene wetsuit that was laying in the back of my van....the sun had just the right angle or something, and it worked like a magnifying glass with the back window. I caught that as it was beginning to smolder. Strange things!
I think you're right to pull the bulbs in them. As you said, you don't use them! I know that I'm gonna go check all mine first chance I get!
Thanks again!
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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That is why pop up trailers have a switch that kills the lighting circuit whenever the top is lowered. Sounds like you came out pretty lucky to have found the light on with no actual fire.
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fj12ryder
Platte City, MO
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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We had the same thing happen with our pop-up in the front storage. Made a nasty mess, but we were more careful after that and we started taking the bulb out too just to be on the safe side. Our Starcraft had power to the storage compartment even with the top lowered.
Howard and Peggy
"Don't Panic"
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tvman44
Southwest Louisiana
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I knew those lights got hot, but didn't realize they got that hot! 
Papa Bob
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NCHornet1
Mt. Airy, NC.
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WOW, glad you caught it when you did. Mine don't even get warm, let alone hot enough to melt something. Removing the bulb was a good idea. I would also check the wiring inside to make sure all is ok.
NCH
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Pirate
Fall Branch, TN
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Ever since I read about this fire danger here years ago, I decided to just remove all of my basement bulbs. I carry a flashlight if I need in at night now. Those suckers get hot.
97 Itasca Suncruiser F-53
2006 Vantage Mobility Dodge Grand Caravan
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