MOTORHOMES BEDDING AND SEAT FOAM SAFETY

[Guest Tim Nelson]

Dear Motorhome owners, I heard an unsettling interview on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme yesterday (5 May) that the foam used in continental Motorhomes (Imported from Germany, France, Italy and Spain) for bedding and seats was not the same as used in Caravans. This means that the fire safety regulations used for Caravans are not applicable to Motorhomes and so the foam used can be highly dangerous giving off Toxic fumes should it catch fire. The reported reason for this is that the Motor home is classed as a car not a living vehicle? I was about to buy a French Rapido Motorhome but this bolt from the view is giving me second thoughts. Does any one else have any views on this matter and is it generally well known through out the Motorcaravan/Motorhome world. I would welcome views from Current Imported Motorhome owners and information as to whether this situation is applicable to UK Build Motorhomes to assistme in making an informed decision before I part with any cash. Many Thanks in advance to any one with any further information. Regards, Tim Nelson

[Guest MelB]

Tim I seem to remember reading something about this in one of the mags not long back, can't remember which one as I get several, but I don't think motorhomes generally (both foreign and UK) have to conform to the same standards as caravans, although some of them probably do. If I find the article I'll let you know.

[Guest Paul]

According to another board where this very subject and broadcast is being discussed. Apparently, it is being said that only continental motorhomes are affected as UK manufacturers use fire retardent foam within the caravan section, as that is all that is supplied in the UK now and as most m/home manufacturers build caravans as well, it is uneconomic to purchase two types of foam from differing suppliers. However the cab seats are probably not fire retardant as they are part of the base vehicle and unless they have been reupholstered in full by the converter (not just the cloth) they would still be under the non fire retardent regulations for motor vehicles. Must say I feel glad I had mine reupholstered by Tockfeild, with fire retardent foam, a while back!!

[Guest alan]

I should have thought that if you reach the stage where your bed is on fire you are unlikely to be still inside the motorhome anyway.

[Guest Derek Uzzell]

"To comply with the Safety Regulations 1988, upholstery fillings in TRAILER caravans built since that date have 'combustion modified' foam in all cushions, mattresses and seat backs. Motorcaravans are not covered by these regulations as they are classed as motor vehicles, falling within different regulations, but fumes emitted from burning upholstery foam can cause severe respiratory problems, so it is wise to have the foam upgraded. In a trailer caravan, all upholstery covers have to possess a resistance to cigarette or match ignition too, and new models carry a label verifying their integrity. A motorcaravan can be treated similarly; this resistance, however, will be lost after dry cleaning - re-treatment by a specialist is then needed." As the present 'foam' situation has, apparently, been ongoing for 17 years, Radio 4's shock-horror story can hardly be considered a revelation. Neither should motorcaravanners have been unaware of it, as the previous two paragraphs are quoted from my 2001 version of John Wickersham's "The Motorcaravan Manual". I suspect that Paul's analysis is right - that UK motorhome manufacturers use fire-retardant upholstery materials not so much from altruism but because it's convenient to do so. I've absolutely no idea whether all UK converters use 'safe' materials, nor whether all non-UK motorhome builders employ inflammable products. The only way to confirm this would be to research the matter with the companies and/or test samples of the materials themselves. Do Adria, Burstner, Hymer, Hobby and Knaus, etc. caravans marketed in the UK have different foam/fabric to those sold abroad (the current debate seems to suggest so) and what's the position then with their UK-sold motorhomes? What about RVs? As Paul points out, even if fire-retardant upholstery is employed in a motorhome's living-area, upholstery/trim materials in the cab will normally remain original or be of 'vehicle' type. (Thinking about it, if you are going to have a fire in a motorhome, there's a fair chance it will be electrical. And where do manufacturers love to put batteries and electrical gear? Why, under the cab-seats of course!) Personally, I view this as a 'rather'. I'd rather all motorhome converters used non-inflammable foam and upholstery fabrics throughout their vehicles, but a manufacturer's failure to do so won't instantly exclude their products from my shopping list. When choosing to buy a Hobby, I was aware of the foam/upholstery issue but I've not explored what materials Hobby use, nor (to be honest) does it really concern me. From a life-saving point of view I'd opt for anti-lock brakes over fire-retardant upholstery and, in fact, a converter's inability to offer ABS would indeed dissuade me from buying their motorhomes. Life's one long risk-assessment journey and, if people find this idea terrifying, they'll end up never getting out of bed in the morning. (Which reminds me: I wonder what sort of foam my old Dunlopillo mattress is made of!)

[Guest Tony S]

The 'nanny state' mentality strikes again. It's odd though isn't it, that when it comes to something really important, such as continuing radiation leaks at Sellafield, or letting people eat potentially contaminated beef for years,successive British governments have been very lax. The 'raison d'état', of course dicates that if new legislation, or enforcement of existing laws, means a significant loss of income to the state, health and safety will be ignored.

[Guest Tin Nelson]

Thanks to all who responded. On reflection I tend to agree with Derek, that provided we are aware of the issue it is a "rather" and I agree ABS is more important. The seating foam could always be replace in due course with foam meeting the UK safety Standard. Many thanks agin. Tim