Thread: Fire Fighting trailer

They're trying to decommission all of ours too. ATM we can still use then so long as a, they get an annual inspection. b, the tow vehicle is heavy enough to handle the weight. I'd say they will be gone by next year though.
I have no doubt they're dangerous, but if use properly wont cause any issues.

Originally Posted by Rangier Rover

They're trying to decommission all of ours too. ATM we can still use then so long as a, they get an annual inspection. b, the tow vehicle is heavy enough to handle the weight. I'd say they will be gone by next year though.
I have no doubt they're dangerous, but if use properly wont cause any issues.

Our Captain was told by an RFS inspector that ours was the last one in NSW, but apparently that is wrong from what you say. It has not been used at fires by brigade members for many years--the last time a deputy Captain remembers it being used is 1986, but I know someone respondfed to a small grass fire with it several years ago-- but it was hired to locals for a donation to our brigade, when they were burning off, and that will continue, but the brigade no longer owns the trailer--the Community now owns the trailer. We will still ask them to donate to the brigade when they use it for whatever.
Our captain was asked to remove the plates from it that said it was a RFS unit.

The users guide that I am writing will basically say it must not be towed behind a one tonner, or small medium large 4WD. Will say it will be okay behind tractor or truck over 4.5 GVM, as long as specs on tractor/truck say it can tow more than two tons off-road.

Let us know if yours are going to be actioned off, would not mind one at home.

Originally Posted by JohnF

<snip>The users guide that I am writing will basically say it must not be towed behind a one tonner, or small medium large 4WD. Will say it will be okay behind tractor or truck over 4.5 GVM, as long as specs on tractor/truck say it can tow more than two tons off-road.

Let us know if yours are going to be actioned off, would not mind one at home.

A Range Rover classic is rated as 4000Kg tow capacity, but I take the point from a safety perspective.

AFAIK the reason the RFS didn't like trailers is that it they can cause problems turning around with a rapidly approaching fire front? I seem to remember that a crew was lost in the '90s for exactly this reason.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

A Range Rover classic is rated as 4000Kg tow capacity, but I take the point from a safety perspective.

AFAIK the reason the RFS didn't like trailers is that it they can cause problems turning around with a rapidly approaching fire front? I seem to remember that a crew was lost in the '90s for exactly this reason.

4000kg on road. But with unbraked trailer 1000kg off-road if I remember correct.

Did not know of the crew being lost in the 1990's--I have bad knee/foot and am very slow walking down hills, and live in a very hilly area, so did not join the brigade until 2001.

I was hitching one day, and got a lift with a girl who was in the brigade, and she told me that she had been sent to Sydney by the Brigade to do an Aircraft Traffic Controllers course, to direct Aircraft Water-bombing Bush-Fires.

I said I would love to do something like that, but am probably too old for them to want to spend all the money to train me.

She replied "We always need radio operators," so I joined our local RFS brigade finally realising the brigade is not all about running down hill with the hose.

And have tried to keep up with happenings since--but have not kept up with older happenings, such as the crew you mentioned.

There were a number of incidents in the 80's and 90's where crews or team members were lost. Lithgow was one, another in Kuringai, but I have it in my head that a crew was lost or a very near-miss when turning around on a narrow track with a trailer. Sorry I can't remember location or year and I may be confabulating. (Quick find me a psychaitrist, I have Solihullitis and confabulate! Is there any hope doc? )

They resulted in the mandated change to diesel instead of petrol and also the RTA started requiring the trucks meet standards and be registered. The current issue Isuzu's at the time were overweight and had to be modified. If the trailer is unbraked, then there is a significant part of the problem.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

There were a number of incidents in the 80's and 90's where crews or team members were lost. Lithgow was one, another in Kuringai, but I have it in my head that a crew was lost or a very near-miss when turning around on a narrow track with a trailer. Sorry I can't remember location or year and I may be confabulating. (Quick find me a psychaitrist, I have Solihullitis and confabulate! Is there any hope doc? )

They resulted in the mandated change to diesel instead of petrol and also the RTA started requiring the trucks meet standards and be registered. The current issue Isuzu's at the time were overweight and had to be modified. If the trailer is unbraked, then there is a significant part of the problem.

Two incidents always very close in my mind, the first involving a personal loss, were Waterfall in 1980 and Grays Point 1983. Also another on Lady Carrington Drive, but cant remember the year, but also in the '80's.

All ours are currently sitting out the back of the Fire Control Centre waiting for the tender process to be completed. I'm thinking of buying one for our Snowy Mountains property.

The RFS here converted all the new trailers (with the square tanks) to fuel trailers for deployments

Not suitable for fighting fires.WAY TO DANGEROUS is there are hills/narrow tracks involved.
Water carting/watering trees is all its good for.Goodluck to the one who has the job of maintaining it!!!!!.
Andrew