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702: The Fire Extinguisher Built for the Trail | Rusoh Extinguishers

702: The Fire Extinguisher Built for the Trail | Rusoh Extinguishers

Snail Trail 4x4 Offroad Podcast Apr 27, 2026 78 min
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About this episode

Rusoh Fire Extinguishers takes center stage as Corey Jones explains why traditional pressurized units often fail in off-road use—powder compacts, gauges lie, and annual servicing can still miss the real problem. Rusoh’s CO2 cartridge design isn’t pressurized until use, and an internal auger lets you break up powder by twisting a wheel, enabling easier maintenance and reloads. Corey covers UL testing, pricing, reload kits, and why race teams and pit crews trust them (including a Baja fire story). The hosts also push April deadlines for gift boxes and a Divos light group buy, plus May’s giveaway of a Rusoh extinguisher.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Company

Rusoh Extinguishers

"[Episode: 702: The Fire Extinguisher Built for the Trail | Rusoh Extinguishers] reload them yourself..."

Rusoh Extinguishers is the brand making the fire extinguishers they’re talking about. The big idea is that these are meant to be ready again quickly after use.

Car

Bugatti Divo

"...eadlines are approaching. Item number two is the Divos Group Buy. Oh yeah. We're up over 90 units. Yeah..."

The Bugatti Divo is a very expensive, high-performance sports car made in limited numbers. The podcast mentions a group buy, meaning multiple people are coordinating to purchase or obtain them. It’s known for being built to drive hard, especially on a track.

Concept

Group Buy

"Item number two is the Divos Group Buy. Oh yeah. We're up over 90 units. Yeah. People are coming damn close to 90 units."

A group buy is basically a bulk purchase. If enough people join, the company can offer a better price than buying one item by yourself.

Company

Divos

"Yeah. People are coming damn close to 90 units. Yeah. Probably when this is aired, we will be at 90 units. Yeah. We did talk to Spencer over at Divos and we're going to keep it at 25% as the max."

Divos is the company behind this deal. They’re working with the hosts to set the pricing for everyone who joins the group buy.

Car

Ford Ranger

"We're going to keep it at 25% as the max. So that is the final price, which means every single light ranger 500 is, what is it, 53 and some change, $53 some change, which really for this light is a phenomenal"

“Light ranger 500” sounds like the specific product being sold in this group deal. The hosts are saying the price per unit comes out to about $53 after the discount.

Term

USB-C rechargeable

"Yep. I agree. I think it's a fantastic light. I envision just leaving it in my truck and carrying it around with me everywhere I go. A USB-C rechargeable, so it's super easy to charge."

USB-C rechargeable just means you can charge it with a common USB-C cable. So you don’t need a unique charger—any USB-C power source works.

Term

area light

"A USB-C rechargeable, so it's super easy to charge. It's not a spotlight. It's an area light. It'll fill an area up like Divos, pretty much what they are known for."

An area light spreads light out over a wider area. It’s better for seeing what you’re doing up close—like around your truck or inside your tent—rather than shining far down a road.

Term

fire extinguisher

"Yeah. Russo. Russo fire extinguishers. Is it a five pound we have given away or two and a half? Do you want to take a quick break? I'll find it and let you know."

A fire extinguisher is what you use to put out a fire. On a trail, it’s important because if something catches fire, you may not have help nearby.

Car

Wrangler Rubicon

"...lot of really cool information in there, like the Rubicon history episodes that are like, if you come list..."

The Wrangler is an off-road SUV made by Jeep. The podcast mentions Rubicon history, which refers to a special Wrangler version that’s built for tougher trails. It’s popular because it’s designed to handle off-road driving and is widely supported with upgrades.

Topic

Rubicon history episodes

"are highly entertaining and there's a lot of really cool information in there, like the Rubicon history episodes that are like, if you come listen to our show and only have like three episodes to listen to"

They’re talking about a special series of episodes they’ve done about the Rubicon. If you’re new to the show, they suggest those episodes as a good place to start.

Brand

Russo crawlers

"And it's Russo crawlers after their Instagram account for their vehicles. They have a fun little Instagram account. You could check on the, the rock crawlers that they have all the Toyota mini pun, mini trucks that they've built"

They mention “Russo crawlers” as a name tied to Russo’s off-road content and builds. It’s basically their way of showing what they’re doing in the rock-crawling world.

Company

Russo Extinguishers

"and we'll be right on back with Corey Jones from Russo Extinguishers. At 4Wheel Underground, we have something for everyone's 79-04 Toyota vehicle."

Russo Extinguishers is the brand/company making the fire extinguisher they’re talking about. The big deal for off-roading is making sure it’s mounted where you can reach it fast if something goes wrong.

Company

4Wheel Underground

"At 4Wheel Underground, we have something for everyone's 79-04 Toyota vehicle. Whether you've got a Chevy Dana 60, 05 and up Super Duty, fabricated, FJ80, or many truck axles, we've got you covered."

4Wheel Underground is an off-road parts shop. They’re basically saying they carry lots of suspension and under-vehicle parts for common trucks and SUVs used for trail driving.

Car

Super Duty

"Whether you've got a Chevy Dana 60, 05 and up Super Duty, fabricated, FJ80, or many truck axles, we've got you covered."

Super Duty is Ford’s heavy-duty truck lineup. When they say “05 and up,” they mean parts that fit those newer heavy-duty models people often build for off-roading.

Car

FJ80

"Whether you've got a Chevy Dana 60, 05 and up Super Duty, fabricated, FJ80, or many truck axles, we've got you covered."

“FJ80” is off-road slang for a Toyota Land Cruiser from the 80-series generation. People like it because it’s tough and there are lots of aftermarket parts available.

Part

Chevy Dana 60

"At 4Wheel Underground, we have something for everyone's 79-04 Toyota vehicle. Whether you've got a Chevy Dana 60, 05 and up Super Duty, fabricated, FJ80, or"

A Dana 60 is a type of axle used on many off-road trucks because it’s strong. Saying “Chevy Dana 60” usually means a GM truck build using that axle.

Concept

three-link, four-link, parallel, and triangulated suspension kits

"Three-link, four-link, parallel, four-link, parallel, and triangulated suspension kits, we've got you covered. Under-bed coilover mounts, through-bed coilover mounts, trailing arms, cantilevers, custom-tuned coilovers, and air bumps, we've got you covered."

These are different ways to set up a truck’s suspension using link arms. The goal is to keep the axle moving the way you want so the truck stays stable and keeps traction off-road.

Part

coilover mounts

"Under-bed coilover mounts, through-bed coilover mounts, trailing arms, cantilevers, custom-tuned coilovers, and air bumps, we've got you covered. Frame stiffeners, subframes, skid plates, shock towers, and more to come."

Coilover mounts are the strong points on the truck where the coilover shocks bolt in. If they’re not built right, the suspension won’t work correctly and the truck can get damaged over rough trails.

Part

cantilevers

"Under-bed coilover mounts, through-bed coilover mounts, trailing arms, cantilevers, custom-tuned coilovers, and air bumps, we've got you covered."

Cantilevers are shaped suspension parts that help position or “leverage” the shock and links. They’re used to tune how the suspension feels and how it moves over rough ground.

Part

trailing arms

"Under-bed coilover mounts, through-bed coilover mounts, trailing arms, cantilevers, custom-tuned coilovers, and air bumps, we've got you covered."

Trailing arms are parts that connect the axle to the truck frame. They help control how the axle moves when you hit bumps so the tires stay planted.

Part

custom-tuned coilovers

"Under-bed coilover mounts, through-bed coilover mounts, trailing arms, cantilevers, custom-tuned coilovers, and air bumps, we've got you covered."

Custom-tuned coilovers are shocks set up for your specific truck and driving style. The tuning changes how stiff or soft the suspension feels and how well it controls the truck on bumps.

Part

air bumps

"...custom-tuned coilovers, and air bumps, we've got you covered. Frame stiffeners, subframes, skid plates, shock towers, and more to come."

Air bumps are like adjustable “end-of-travel” cushions for your suspension. They help soften the last part of suspension movement so the truck doesn’t slam into hard limits.

Part

skid plates

"Frame stiffeners, subframes, skid plates, shock towers, and more to come. Make sure to use coupon code snailtrail at 4WheelUnderground.com"

Skid plates are protective panels mounted under the vehicle to shield vulnerable components like the oil pan, transfer case, and fuel lines from rocks and trail debris. They’re a common “must-have” for off-road builds because underbody damage can be expensive and dangerous.

Topic

KOH

"...since your first year out at KOH down there with the extinguisher company, the official fire extinguisher for KOH."

KOH (King of the Hammers) is a tough off-road event where trucks and buggies get beat up for long stretches. If an extinguisher is used as an official safety item there, it suggests it’s meant for serious trail/race situations.

Topic

mini trucks and off-roading

"...to A, talk about your mini trucks and off-roading because obviously Jimmy and I come from mini truck..."

They’re focusing on off-road safety gear for the mini-truck crowd—people who build and drive smaller trucks on trails. It’s basically setting up what kind of vehicles and use-cases they’ll talk about.

Topic

Hammers

"Yeah. So this year was our third year at Hammers. And I think I do remember you coming by the booth..."

“Hammers” is the nickname people use for the King of the Hammers off-road event. Saying it’s their third year there implies they’ve been testing and refining their gear based on what happens at the event.

Concept

powder compaction (won't fire)

"So even the traditional servicing of a unit, the whole reason we have to do it annually, is because the powder inside starts to get compacted... it is so compact that it won't fire off."

They’re saying the powder can get packed down so tightly that it can’t get out when you need it. That’s why these extinguishers need regular maintenance.

Term

siphon tube

"So the problem is as we bounce around, it just compacts to the point that there's a small little siphon tube on the inside that it won't be able to travel up. And then that's why you get the little puff of nitrogen and that's it."

The siphon tube is the internal pickup that draws the extinguishing agent during discharge. If the powder compacts, the siphon tube can’t pull enough agent upward, leading to weak discharge or only a brief “puff” instead of a sustained spray.

Term

nitrogen puff

"...it won't be able to travel up. And then that's why you get the little puff of nitrogen and that's it."

They’re describing what happens when an extinguisher doesn’t work right: you get a short burst instead of a real spray. That usually means the powder isn’t moving the way it should inside.

Term

CO2 cartridge operated

"So first thing we got rid of basically all of our extinguishers are CO2 cartridge operated. So they're not under pressure till the moment you go to use it."

Instead of being pressurized all the time, this type uses a CO2 cartridge that only pressurizes when you trigger it. That can help the powder stay ready to spray when you actually need it.

Concept

non-pressurized extinguisher

"We knock the pole pin out and then the next time we bump the extinguisher, now we discharged it... So makes it a safer option. It also helps with compaction because it's not under pressure all the time... Yeah. So when did you guys launch the auger and non-pressurized extinguishers?"

Some fire extinguishers are always under pressure. This can make them more likely to accidentally discharge or make the powder settle. A non-pressurized design aims to be safer and easier to keep ready for use.

Term

auger

"every one of our extinguishers have an auger on the inside. So the auger on the inside is connected to a wheel on the bottom of the extinguisher... that'll break up the powder... you twist the wheel, and it breaks it up."

An auger is like a screw inside the extinguisher. When you twist a wheel, it moves the powder around so it doesn’t clump up. That helps the extinguisher stay usable without taking the powder out.

Term

state fire marshal licensing

"...like we do with the traditional unit now where we need special tools, special licensing through the state fire marshal to be able to do that."

In some places, only licensed people can do certain types of fire extinguisher service. The segment suggests traditional units require more regulated steps. Their design is presented as reducing the need for those licensed internal procedures.

Concept

internal maintenance / service interval

"You never have to take the powder out of the extinguisher like we do with the traditional unit now where we need special tools, special licensing through the state fire marshal... You just did the equivalent of an annual maintenance and a six-year internal maintenance for California, the equivalent to the service."

Fire extinguishers need periodic service to make sure they’ll work. Some designs require taking the powder out and doing special work. Here, they’re saying their design can meet the required service equivalent without removing the powder as often.

Concept

UL process

"But to sell something in the United States, obviously as a life safety device, especially a fire extinguisher, right? That's not looked lightly upon. The UL process to go through Onurator's laboratory to do the testing takes multiple years and multiple millions of dollars"

UL is a safety testing program run by an independent lab. If a product passes UL testing, it means it’s been proven to work safely the way it claims—especially important for life-saving gear like fire extinguishers.

Concept

banned in the state of California by the office of the state fire marshal

"unfortunately, that kind of, yeah, they're actually banned in the state of California by the office of the state fire marshal."

Some fire-safety products aren’t allowed everywhere. California can restrict certain extinguisher types, so what you can buy and carry may depend on local rules.

Concept

race sanctioning events

"And most race sanctioning events, they are not allowed to even be in the car as a secondary option, let alone as the primary option."

Racing organizations have their own safety rules. Even if you have a fire extinguisher, the event may not allow it unless it meets their requirements.

Term

five pound ABC

"So, but yeah, so 2015, I believe is when we got through UL with the five pound unit. So the five pound ABC was what we first got through UL, got something that we're able to sell."

“Five pound ABC” tells you two things: how much extinguishing agent it has (about five pounds) and what kinds of fires it can handle (ABC). It’s a common, general-purpose type of extinguisher.

Company

FDIC

"We went out to FDIC, which was like the large fire department show and kind of started there and then building out from there."

FDIC is a major fire and emergency services industry event where manufacturers and suppliers showcase products. The speaker’s reference suggests they used the show as a launch and networking platform to build market presence.

Part

tailgate panels

"We're making air hoses for vehicles and tailgate panels."

A tailgate panel is the part of the truck’s rear door area. People replace or upgrade them for better fit, protection, or to mount gear.

Part

air hoses for vehicles

"But we're not making stuff that's life saving devices, right? We're making air hoses for vehicles and tailgate panels."

Air hoses are flexible lines used to deliver compressed air for vehicle systems (commonly for pneumatic accessories). In off-road setups, they’re often part of the broader trail equipment ecosystem where reliable airflow matters.

Concept

fire marshal approval

"So yeah, we started at, especially in California, right? They fire marshal level and then worked our way down, make sure we got their blessing, their approval. We're one of the only fire extinguishers actually get posted on the California office and state fire marshal's website..."

A fire marshal is the official who enforces fire-safety rules. Getting their approval usually means your product meets the safety requirements they care about.

Term

D pillars

"You know, we've, we've talked about it in the past. You know, you go to discharge a fire extinguisher because there's a very real emergency happening typically when fire is involved with off-road vehicles. And how many people just have their fire extinguisher mounted to their floorboard or mounted to their D pillars, mounted"

The D-pillar is part of the vehicle’s body near the back side of the cabin. People sometimes mount accessories there, but you want to make sure it’s bolted on securely so it doesn’t come loose.

Term

gauge

"...the problem with the traditional extinguisher too is it's got the gauge on it...if it's reading in the green, I must be good..."

The gauge on many extinguishers indicates internal pressure, but it can be misleading if the gauge mechanism fails. The episode explains that gauges can get stuck showing “in the green” even when the extinguisher has lost pressure.

Concept

powder compaction (can't discharge)

"...its ability to actually get the powder and pressure out...it's trapped in there behind a rock of powder that it cannot discharge."

Inside some extinguishers is powder that has to flow out. If it gets packed/clumped up, it can turn into a “block” and won’t come out properly.

Concept

shaking/impact can make powder compaction worse

"...if it's in the back of the vehicle bouncing around, isn't that sort of like shaking it up? ...it actually makes it worse."

You might think shaking a stored extinguisher would help it work, but the episode says it can actually make the powder pack tighter. That makes it more likely to clog and not spray.

Term

extinguisher services: inspected and recertified annually

"...it needs to be inspected and recertified minimum once a year...And that's at least just looked at by a licensed personnel."

They’re saying that for businesses, fire extinguishers need yearly checks. A trained person verifies it’s still safe and ready to use.

Term

internal service every six years (discharge powder)

"...and then every six years, we actually do like an internal service where you have to fire off the powder on the inside..."

The episode states that every six years, an internal service is required where the extinguisher is effectively “fired off”/discharged to service the internal powder and components. This helps address issues like powder compaction and ensures the extinguisher can discharge properly.

Concept

compaction rate

"break the powder up. If it's on a vehicle, it has to be done every single year. It has to get fired off because the compaction rate is so much higher."

They’re talking about how tightly the extinguisher’s contents get packed inside. If it’s packed too tightly (or in the wrong way), it can make the extinguisher harder to discharge when you need it.

Concept

service truck

"But we bring the service truck as well... we bring our service truck every year and we do the servicing just for the same price as we would charge if your shop was in Riverside"

A service truck is a mobile setup that allows extinguisher servicing on-site rather than requiring teams to haul gear to a shop. The hosts describe bringing it yearly so race teams can maintain compliance and reliability.

Concept

tech inspection

"they're going through tech. And now they fail tech because their extinguisher wasn't serviced in the last year, they don't have an extinguisher."

Before a race, officials check that your safety gear meets the rules. If your fire extinguisher isn’t up to date, you can get turned away or fail inspection.

Term

valve stem

"and the valve stem will bend inside the head because it's so compacted... you'll literally bend the aluminum valve stem around the head and will not discharge."

The valve stem is like the extinguisher’s “trigger mechanism” inside. If it gets bent or damaged, the extinguisher may not spray at all when you pull it.

Concept

service or you need a 26 manufacturer year

"And then as we got into 26 this year, obviously tech dingdom and said, Hey, no, you either have to have a service or you need a 26 manufacturer year."

They’re talking about racing rules that control which fire extinguishers are allowed. Even if it looks fine, you may need it serviced or it has to be within the required age/certification window.

Concept

compacts at that rate

"a lot of those, yeah, we're only a year old and they were having that issue because it just compacts at that rate."

They’re saying the extinguisher can change or wear out over time, even if it hasn’t been used. That’s one reason rules may require servicing or replacement after a certain period.

Concept

discharge it once a year and get it completely serviced once every six years

"How long you said a typical fire extinguisher, you need to discharge it once a year and get it completely serviced once every six years."

They give a suggested maintenance routine: use/discharge it once a year and have it fully serviced every few years. The goal is to make sure it still works when you actually need it.

Concept

15 to $20 per extinguisher

"Yeah, so anywhere between 15 to $20 per extinguisher, depending how many you have. Obviously, if you only have one or two extinguishers..."

They mention roughly how much it costs to service an extinguisher—about $15 to $20 each, depending on how many you have. That cost can affect whether people replace or maintain them.

Term

tamper seal

"When they go through tech, they'll just make sure that there's a small tamper seal on there, just like a traditional extinguisher just to make sure it hasn't been punctured and charged."

A tamper seal is like a little “proof” that nobody messed with the extinguisher. Inspectors look for it to make sure it’s still in the same condition as when it was set up.

Term

2.5 pound extinguisher

"...that's now almost half the price of that two and a half pound extinguisher they put on the car."

The “2.5 pound” part is how much fire-fighting material is inside the extinguisher. Smaller vehicle units are often measured this way so you can compare sizes and costs.

Term

shelf life

"And how what's the shelf life of the 18 year shelf life of 1818. And that's if you're getting inspected by the fire marshal... So even if you hit that 18 year mark, it's not that the whole unit's bad, you would purchase the reload kit."

Shelf life is how long a fire extinguisher should still work when you keep it stored. This segment says the extinguisher can last a very long time because the main parts are tested long-term, and you can replace the CO2 when it’s time.

Concept

cost benefit analysis

"Let's get into those price because I want to what I'm ultimately trying to do here is I'm trying to give people a cost benefit analysis, right? Of getting these fire extinguishers versus getting a traditional..."

Cost-benefit analysis means weighing what something costs versus what you get out of it. Here, they’re trying to figure out when the better extinguisher pays for itself compared to buying or servicing cheaper ones.

Term

breakeven point

"...service it and kind of raise your breakeven point and versus and then what is that cost associated versus knowing that your fire extinguisher is going to actually discharge..."

The breakeven point is when you’ve saved enough money to “catch up” to what you spent. They’re using it to estimate when the better extinguisher becomes cheaper overall.

Company

Granger

"So you can get them through Granger, you can get them through Lowes,"

Granger is mentioned as a place you can buy the extinguishers through a supply company. It suggests the product is available through normal business/industrial channels too.

Company

Lowes

"So you can get them through Granger, you can get them through Lowes, they're a little more expensive..."

Lowe’s is a store they say you can buy these from. They’re warning it usually costs more there than other options.

Term

traditional extinguisher

"So a traditional extinguisher, if you're going to go and buy not just like the cheapest Home Depot aluminum piece..."

A traditional fire extinguisher is the standard kind you can buy for home or business. The point here is that the hosts think you should buy a “real” one, not the cheapest basic option.

Company

Amorex

"...like an Amorex, a Badger, a Buckeye would be like the traditional kind of commercial grade extinguisher..."

Amorex is one of the brands the hosts mention as a more legit, commercial-style fire extinguisher. The takeaway is to buy a reputable extinguisher, not a bargain one.

Company

Badger

"...like an Amorex, a Badger, a Buckeye would be like the traditional kind of commercial grade extinguisher..."

Badger is another brand the hosts name as a solid, commercial-style extinguisher. They’re using it to show what “good” looks like.

Company

Buckeye

"...like an Amorex, a Badger, a Buckeye would be like the traditional kind of commercial grade extinguisher..."

Buckeye is one of the brands they mention as a reputable extinguisher. The point is to pick a dependable extinguisher that’s meant for regular use and inspections.

Term

State Fire Marshal inspection

"But right cost savings. So by that second year now, if you are somewhere that's getting inspected by the State Fire Marshal..."

The State Fire Marshal is the government office that enforces fire-safety rules. They’re saying that after a couple of years of required inspections, the better extinguisher option can pay for itself.

Term

annual maintenance

"...it's now made up that difference. And by year eight, it's paid for itself by saving that. And we didn't haven't really got into it yet. So not only do you have the ability of kind of spinning that wheel... and doing your annual maintenance..."

Annual maintenance means you have to service the extinguisher regularly, usually once a year. The hosts are saying the right extinguisher design can make that upkeep easier and cheaper over time.

Term

cartridge based

"They're also all cartridge based. So you're also able to"

Cartridge-based extinguishers use a replaceable insert (a cartridge) that holds the fire-fighting material. That can make it easier to service and keep the extinguisher ready.

Concept

Baja

"...maybe you're out in the middle of the Rubicon, you're down in Baja because you're running a race event."

Baja is a desert region in Mexico where a lot of off-road racing happens. It’s rough and remote, so fire safety equipment has to work fast.

Topic

BFG pits

"...So like we cut tied in with the BFG pits, guys, two years ago at Hammers and they've been running them in all the BFG pits."

In racing, the pits are where teams do quick repairs and service. The episode is saying these extinguishers are used in that kind of fast-paced environment.

Term

reload kits

"...when they're now down in Baja, they've got two to three reload kits for every extinguisher in that trailer."

A reload kit is what you use to get an extinguisher working again after it’s been used. The hosts are saying they can reload fast so they’re not waiting around.

Term

dead weight

"...it's dead. It's dead space, dead weight now. I didn't even think about that aspect of everything too."

Dead weight means extra stuff you’re carrying that doesn’t help you anymore. They’re saying if an extinguisher can’t be quickly put back into service, it’s basically wasted weight.

Concept

recharge this extinguisher

"...we're able to refill and recharge this extinguisher, no special tools, no special licensing needed, it's all done yourself..."

Recharging is how you make an extinguisher usable again after it’s been used. They’re saying you can do it yourself without special equipment.

Term

California State Fire Marshal

"...there's kind of an online training... And then they're now approved by the California State Fire Marshal to do your certifications..."

The California State Fire Marshal is the government office that sets rules for fire safety. The episode is saying their process includes approval and certification requirements.

Concept

powder can never be too in a fluid state

"And it's because that, that powder can never be too in a fluid state. That's what's going to get it to work the way it's intended."

They’re saying the extinguisher works best when the powder inside stays loose and flows easily. If the powder clumps or compacts over time, the extinguisher may not spray enough agent to put out the fire.

Term

powder started to get compacted

"...it's been six months, now it's been a year... And now you go to fire it off and it doesn't discharge or maybe that powder started to get compacted."

Compaction means the powder inside gets packed down like it’s settled. If it’s packed too tightly, it may not come out properly when you pull the extinguisher.

Concept

10 pounder

"...So it was a 10 pounder. Okay. So that 10 pounder alone, I mean, when he shot it off, the car disappeared. You couldn't see the car at all. There was a lot of powder and a lot of pressure..."

Racing fire extinguishers are measured by how much they weigh, which relates to how much fire-fighting agent they carry. They’re saying the 10-pound one feels like a bigger one in how quickly it knocks down a fire.

Concept

encapsulating the entire race car

"...that was, that was pretty cool to see that extinguisher in action and how effective it really was in just immediately encapsulating the entire race car and putting that fire out."

They’re describing a method where the extinguisher quickly covers the burning car with fire-fighting material. That helps stop the fire from spreading and helps put it out faster.

Concept

3A 40 BC rating

"So the ABC is like the five pounders of three a 40 BC rating, which a 40 B pan is basically a pan of heptane fuel that you have to put out with the extinguisher to get that rating."

That rating is basically a score from fire tests. It tells you how well the extinguisher can handle common materials (A) and flammable liquids/electrical-related fires (B/C).

Concept

heptane fuel pan

"...which a 40 B pan is basically a pan of heptane fuel that you have to put out with the extinguisher to get that rating. And I can show you some of the videos..."

They test extinguishers using a controlled pan of very flammable liquid (heptane). If the extinguisher can put out that standardized fire, it earns part of its rating.

Concept

fully encapsulated suits

"And it was kind of before I got into the fire service and all that stuff. It's truly impressive, like the fully encapsulated suits that the individuals have to be wearing, just to be that close to the fire, to do the testing, to put it out."

Those are special protective suits that let people work near real fire during testing. It’s meant to keep them safe while they prove the extinguisher actually works.

Term

reloadable cartridges

"it's definitely impressive. Yeah. So reloadable cartridges, which again, super awesome... you can have that fire extinguisher... back up and running right after using it."

Instead of throwing away the whole fire extinguisher after it’s used, you can replace the internal cartridge parts. That’s what makes it “reloadable” and lets you get back on the trail sooner.

Term

195 psi

"...because it's not under pressure, uh, there's no special tools or licensing needed... traditional units are at 195 psi."

195 psi is how hard the extinguisher is pressurized inside. Higher pressure usually means more strict rules for refilling, because it’s riskier to open or service.

Term

training

"...obviously just the safety side of it is why then they're like, Hey, you got to have training. You've got to have licensing."

They’re saying you may need special training or permission to refill certain extinguishers. The point is that the traditional high-pressure units have stricter rules for safety.

Term

transfer case gears

"Dual cases, transfer case gears, big axles, all of these things. And then we like to get cheap with what, if this thing catches on fire..."

In a 4x4, the transfer case helps send power to the front and rear wheels. The gears inside it are expensive parts, so a fire is especially costly.

Concept

4x4 off-road rigs catching fire / total loss risk

"...what, if this thing catches on fire and whether it burns to the ground or invest in a mine. We get it a lot of time, especially at Hammers..."

They’re talking about how fires can get out of control fast on off-road vehicles. Since these rigs are expensive and modified, a fire can mean losing the whole vehicle.

Term

big axles

"Dual cases, transfer case gears, big axles, all of these things. And then we like to get cheap with what, if this thing catches on fire..."

Axles are what connect the wheels to the drivetrain. Off-road builds often use stronger axles, and they’re not cheap to replace if a fire destroys them.

Term

car seat

"...now you have a family member in there, right? You've got your son and how quickly can you get him out of that car seat?"

A car seat is the safety seat for kids in a vehicle. They’re saying that during an emergency, you need to be able to get kids out fast.

Concept

rock crawling

"...he’s obviously got the 86 custom cab that he built. He does all the rock crawling stuff with me."

Rock crawling is off-roading over rocks at very slow speeds. You have to go carefully because you don’t have much traction, and it’s easy to get stuck.

Term

powder doesn't get compacted

"Cause you're, you're constantly having to check them. You're constantly having to make sure that powder doesn't get compacted. You're constantly having to make sure that it discharges."

Many extinguishers use powder, and if that powder settles or clumps up, it may not spray out correctly. That can make the extinguisher ineffective in an emergency.

Concept

rock crawler

"you guys have a full Instagram account just for the rock crawlers, the vehicles. So crawlers, man. So crawlers, check it out."

A rock crawler is an off-road vehicle made for crawling over rocks slowly and carefully. It’s built to keep traction and control when the trail gets technical.

Part

long travel suspension

"I built a second gen Tacoma, uh, total chaos, long travel, DMZ, spring under rear bypasses and kind of went down that rabbit hole"

Long-travel suspension means the suspension can move farther up and down. That helps the tires keep grip on bumpy rocks and ruts instead of losing contact.

Company

Total Chaos

"I built a second gen Tacoma, uh, total chaos, long travel, DMZ, spring under rear bypasses and kind of went down that rabbit hole"

Total Chaos is an aftermarket off-road suspension and fabrication brand known for long-travel kits and components used in rock crawling and desert racing. In the segment, it’s referenced as part of the Tacoma’s suspension build.

Part

rear bypasses

"I built a second gen Tacoma, uh, total chaos, long travel, DMZ, spring under rear bypasses and kind of went down that rabbit hole"

Rear bypasses are a suspension upgrade that helps the truck handle big bumps without getting overwhelmed. They help the wheels stay planted and the ride stays controlled when things get rough.

Part

spring under

"I built a second gen Tacoma, uh, total chaos, long travel, DMZ, spring under rear bypasses and kind of went down that rabbit hole"

“Spring under” is just how the coil spring is placed in the suspension. It’s a common design in off-road builds to make room and help the suspension work the way the builder wants.

Car

Toyota Tacoma

"I built a second gen Tacoma, uh, total chaos, long travel, DMZ, spring under rear bypasses and kind of went down that rabbit hole"

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck that a lot of off-road builders start with. Here, they’re talking about a Tacoma that’s been modified to handle rough trails better.

Car

Volkswagen Rabbit

"...g under rear bypasses and kind of went down that rabbit hole because I was doing the dirt bike stuff in t..."

The Volkswagen Rabbit is a small car made by Volkswagen. In the podcast, it’s mentioned during a story where the host talks about getting into something related to dirt bikes and then “going down a rabbit hole.” That’s why it shows up—it's the car connected to the hobby story.

Term

22R

"...it's 84 solid axle front, carbureted, 22R, um, was my father-in-law's very first truck that we still own to this day."

The “22R” refers to Toyota’s 2.4-liter R-series four-cylinder engine family. It’s known for being straightforward and long-lasting when maintained, which is why it shows up in many older Toyota trail builds.

Term

carbureted

"...it's 84 solid axle front, carbureted, 22R, um, was my father-in-law's very first truck that we still own to this day."

Carbureted means the engine uses a carburetor to deliver fuel. Some off-road folks like it because it’s simpler and can be easier to fix.

Term

solid axle front

"...so it's 84 solid axle front, carbureted, 22R, um, was my father-in-law's very first truck that we still own to this day."

With a solid front axle, both front wheels are connected together. That helps the truck keep grip when the ground is rough.

Term

camper shell

"...It's never been, it's got a camper shell on it, never done anything to it."

A camper shell is a hard top that covers the truck bed. It keeps gear dry and can change how the truck sits depending on the setup.

Term

three links

"...he ended up finding one up in Oregon that was kind of like half done. The front end, uh, was built three links."

“Three links” means the axle is held in place by three suspension arms. That helps the truck move its wheels up and down while staying stable on trails.

Term

four-link in the rear

"...the guy was just going to do 63s out back. Um, he ended up getting it for... and he ended up four-link in the rear."

A four-link rear means the back axle is controlled by four suspension arms. It helps the truck keep the tires planted when the trail gets rough.

Term

14 bolt rear

"...he ended up four-link in the rear. Um, so now it's 14 bolt rear."

A “14-bolt rear” is a strong rear axle setup. People choose it for off-roading because it’s built to take abuse.

Term

Toyota center section

"...so now it's 14 bolt rear. It's got a, uh, Toyota center section with super duty 60 outers."

The center section is where the gears and differential live inside the axle. Swapping it can be a way to keep the right gearing while upgrading axle strength.

Term

departure angle

"...They took like 18 inches out of the bed to make it capable just to help with, uh, departure angle for sure."

Departure angle is the maximum angle a vehicle can leave a ramp or obstacle without the rear bumper or underbody hitting first. Shortening the bed or adjusting body/bumper placement can improve clearance for steep drop-offs.

Concept

Toyota reliability

"...we've always been Toyota people. So like my mother-in-law's got an 01 Sequoia with over 400,000 miles. Like we believe in the Toyota reliability."

“Toyota reliability” is the idea that Toyota vehicles tend to have long service lives with fewer major failures when maintained. In off-road communities, this reputation often influences what platforms people choose to build and keep for years.

Car

Toyota Sequoia

"...like my mother-in-law's got an 01 Sequoia with over 400,000 miles. Like we believe in the Toyota reliability."

A Toyota Sequoia is a big SUV. People like it because it’s usually dependable for many years if you keep up with maintenance.

Car

Toyota Tundra

"My father-in-law's got an 01 Tundra that we still use as a service truck that's got over 400,000"

A Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck. Using one as a service truck usually means it’s reliable enough to handle daily work.

Car

Toyota 4Runner

"found my 86 4Runner. So the blue one, uh, for a crazy good deal... I ended up finding this 86 4Runner... found my 86 4Runner... I took it out there, like changed the oil and that bolt checked it and went out and ran Turkey Claw and chocolate thunder"

The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged Toyota SUV that’s made for off-road use. In this story, they found an older 4Runner for a great price, fixed a starting problem, and then started using it for rock crawling.

Topic

Palisades Fire and trail build timing

"right before the Palisades fire kicked off last year, uh, I'm sitting at the station... And, uh, so I didn't even get to see it. So that rolled straight into the last year, uh, at Hammers."

They mention the Palisades Fire and how it affected their schedule. Because of work during the fire, they couldn’t even spend time with the truck right away.

Term

crank no start

"he goes and drives out to like Pasadena and in, uh, crank no start, uh, 3500 bucks. And I'm like, all right, I'll take a gamble, solid axle, uh, 86 single case."

“Crank no start” means the engine tries to start, but it never catches. It’s often something like fuel or spark, not necessarily a broken engine.

Term

single case

"And I'm like, all right, I'll take a gamble, solid axle, uh, 86 single case. Um, and then he goes and gets it and we bring it back."

The transfer case is the part that lets a 4x4 go into low gear for slow, controlled crawling. “Single case” is just describing the specific transfer-case layout.

Term

fuse for the fuel pump

"and we bring it back. And it's, uh, it was the fuse for the fuel pump. I was gonna say it was."

If the fuse for the fuel pump is blown, the pump can’t run, so the engine won’t get fuel. Replacing the fuse can get the truck running again if nothing else is damaged.

Concept

making a rig safer and slower

"once I had the kids, it was definitely okay. How do we make this a little safer, a little slower? Yeah. Um, yeah. So yeah."

The host discusses changing driving style and setup to make rock crawling “safer” and “a little slower,” which is a common evolution as families and risk tolerance change. In off-road terms, this often means more controlled throttle, better traction management, and sometimes mechanical changes to reduce stress on the drivetrain and body.

Topic

Dishpan Springs / local rock trails

"...we can leave out of the garage... We've got good amount of those big bear trails. So John Bull, Holcomb Creek, you're on dishpan springs..."

The hosts discuss specific local trail areas used for rock crawling and testing. Mentioning routes like Dishpan Springs gives context for why they’re prioritizing axle strength and comfort on technical terrain.

Concept

axle swap / trail shakedown run

"...I was like, well, let's go do a shakedown run. So we were in the ran dishpan springs the other night..."

An axle swap is a common off-road modification where you replace drivetrain components to better match the demands of trail driving. A “shakedown run” is the early test drive after the swap to find issues (fitment, noises, breakage) before committing to harder routes.

Term

Dana 44 front

"...it's got a, it's got a Dana 44 front. So the guy that I bought it from..."

Dana 44 is the name of a type of front axle. Axles are the big assemblies that connect the wheels to the drivetrain, and the Dana 44 is a common one in off-road builds.

Term

Dana 44 (Chevy 44 / C10 reference)

"...it doesn't have a Toyota front actually got the, uh, the Chevy 44, uh, like a C 10. So which is 67 inches wide..."

They’re implying the axle came from a Chevy C10-type donor. Donor vehicles can affect axle width and fitment, which can impact how well the build survives on tough trails.

Car

Chevrolet C10

"got a, it's got a Dana 44 front. So the guy that I bought it from, it doesn't have a Toyota front actually got the, uh, the Chevy 44, uh, like a C 10. So which is 67 inches wide. It's wide. So wide girl. So, um, yeah, I think went through like three axle shafts and then"

The Chevrolet C10 is an older pickup truck that people often modify for off-roading. The podcast is talking about the front axle on this specific truck, which is a Dana 44, and how the truck’s width affects fitment. That’s why it comes up in a 4x4 off-road discussion.

Term

67 inches wide

"...like a C 10. So which is 67 inches wide. It's wide..."

“67 inches wide” is how wide the axle assembly is. Width affects how the tires sit and clear things, and it can also change how hard the drivetrain works on rough trails.

Term

axle shafts

"...So wide girl. So, um, yeah, I think went through like three axle shafts and then"

Axle shafts are the parts that actually spin the wheels. If you break a lot of them, it usually means the trail conditions or the vehicle setup is putting more strain on the drivetrain than it can handle.

Term

CVs

"[3738.9s] threw our CVs at it within the first year of having that, uh, having 86 and now I'm, [3744.3s] yeah, I'm just at a weird point. I've dumped a pretty good amount of money in that axle"

CVs are joints in your axle that help the wheels keep turning while the suspension moves. Off-road driving can beat them up, especially when the trail twists the drivetrain a lot.

Topic

Fort Ice

"[3773.9s] and, uh, make at least a week out of it. And if our junk's still running after Rubicon, [3778.4s] maybe go hit Fort Ice after and see how it goes. We'll trailer them up there. So."

Fort Ice is another place to go wheeling after a bigger trail. It’s the kind of stop people add if their rig is still holding up.

Topic

Big Bear

"[3820.4s] Oh yeah, for sure. And I want to go down. I've never wheeled big bear. So that's definitely on my to-do list one day. [3829.8s] we'll make sure to let you guys know."

Big Bear is a popular Southern California off-road destination area where people wheel in nearby trails and mountains. It’s brought up as a personal “to-do list” location, reflecting how regional trail planning works for off-road groups.

Topic

Matino Wash

"[3834.4s] There's, uh, there's a ton of good trails, Matino Wash. And there's a lot of, obviously not as scenic as the Rubicon, but as far [3839.3s] Southern California goes, we've got our, we've got our little lakes."

Matino Wash is a local wheeling spot in Southern California. They’re saying there are lots of good trails there even if it’s not as scenic as the Rubicon.

Term

ABC extinguisher

"the, the original extinguisher we came out with there was the five pound ABC. Um, and then got it to market, did all the testing, right?"

An “ABC” extinguisher is designed to handle different kinds of fires: regular stuff that burns, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. That’s why it’s popular for vehicles and workplaces.

Term

UL

"We do have a 20 pound extinguisher. We're going through UL right now with the testing."

UL is a company that tests products for safety. If an extinguisher is going through UL, it’s being checked to make sure it works properly and meets safety requirements.

Term

20 pound extinguisher

"We do have a 20 pound extinguisher. We're going through UL right now with the testing. So really meet that, um, large scale either like fuel delivery vehicles, um, like on the fire engine side, we got to run 20 pound ABCs."

“20 pound” means the extinguisher has more fire-fighting material inside. More material usually means it can fight a fire for longer or handle larger fires.

Term

flammable liquids extinguisher (purple K)

"Um, we have a purple K as well. So for the flammable liquids, that's already out 10 pound and five pounder."

“Purple K” is a special type of extinguisher chemical meant for fires involving flammable liquids. It’s different from the more general ABC style extinguisher.

Concept

OEM / government contract vs off-road hobby market

"74 weld is a perfect example where he's like, no, yeah, this is an Isco, uh, just learned this about Isco, their government contracts, OEM contracts, everything like that. They're like, no, that pays the bills. The off-road stuff is stuff we do for fun"

They’re talking about two different customer types. Government and OEM contracts usually pay the bills because they’re more formal and consistent, while off-road stuff is often made for fun and passion.

Concept

ABC rating

"So the, when it goes to that, that's basically classifications of fire. So when we talk about classifications of fire, A, B and C is kind of your traditional three... most extinguishers for 95% of people, an ABC rating is what you're going to want because it's going to put all three... classifications of fire out for you."

Fire extinguishers are labeled for the type of fire they’re meant to fight. An “ABC” extinguisher is designed to work on three big categories: regular burning stuff, fuel/liquids, and electrical-related fires.

Concept

A rating

"Um, so that your flammable solids would be your A rating. Um, so any type of wood, paper, anything that's a solid material that's burning..."

“A” means the extinguisher is for fires involving regular solid materials like wood or paper.

Concept

B rating

"Um, your B rating would be your flammable liquid. So any type of fuel, oil, anything like that."

“B” means the extinguisher is for fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline or oil.

Concept

D class

"And then a D class is for those flammable metals. So that magnesium, um, and that really specialty market... A D class is the smallest percentage of kind of the fire extinguisher market."

“D” is for fires involving certain flammable metals (like magnesium). These extinguishers are more specialized and less common.

Concept

K class

"And then the K class is for the flammable grease fires. So when you're kind of in a kitchen... that's the K class extinguisher and for those grease fires."

“K” is for grease fires—like cooking oils in a kitchen. Grease fires need a specific type of extinguisher to handle the way the fire spreads.

Term

clumping and the compaction of the powder

"So the problem right now is the whole reason our product came to be is because of the, the clumping and the compaction of the powder, right?"

If the powder inside an extinguisher clumps or packs down, it can make the extinguisher harder to spray correctly. That’s a problem when you need it to work fast.

Term

surface tension

"...that creates a crust when you fire it off onto a grease fire, which basically breaks that surface tension."

Surface tension is how strongly a liquid “sticks together” at its surface. The chemicals help disrupt grease so the extinguisher can work better.

Term

25% off

"for everyone else, um, yeah, on the website there. So 25% off. So use Russo crawlers."

They mention a deal: 25% off using a discount code.

Brand

Russo.com

"Yeah, absolutely. So all of the information, just direct on the website. If you just go to Russo.com, that's kind of the best bet."

They say the easiest way to find the company and contact info is Russo.com.

Concept

snail trail

"Like I said, I, after talking to yourself and Jimmy down there, king of the hammers, I already went down the rabbit hole of a snail trail, the podcast."

“Snail Trail” is the podcast name referenced in the conversation, and it signals the show’s focus on slower, technical trail culture rather than speed. In off-road communities, that “slow and steady” mindset often aligns with rock crawling and careful vehicle setup.

Concept

fire truck

"Why did the fire truck break up with the hydrant? [4552.0s] The hydrant wasn't wet anymore. It felt drained. It felt okay. That's some more concept."

A fire truck is the big emergency vehicle firefighters drive to respond to fires. It’s built to carry gear and get to emergencies quickly.

Concept

hydrant

"Why did the fire truck break up with the hydrant? [4552.0s] The hydrant wasn't wet anymore. It felt drained. It felt okay. That's some more concept."

A hydrant is a water outlet that firefighters can hook into to get water fast. It’s usually connected to the city’s water system.

Term

hail

"It's hailing. Is it really? Yeah. Holy crap. [4585.4s] Wow. All right. That's impressive. Those are big chunks of hail. Yeah."

Hail is ice that falls from the sky in chunks. It can dent cars and crack glass, so it’s something to avoid driving in if you can.

Term

agility ladders

"What's a firefighter's favorite exercise? [4635.7s] This one sucks, but we'll say it. What are those called? [4642.7s] Agility ladders. That would have been a much better answer. It says jumping jacks into the truck."

Agility ladders are a ladder-like training setup on the ground that you step through in different patterns. They help you move your feet quickly and stay coordinated.

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