We have had 3 other rigs before the one in our Sig below.I have NEVER been concerned about emergency escape - except I now know that in the event of a fire happening while we are asleep, the smoke/fire/co2 alarm will alert us when there is a problem.BUT...if we are in the bed down the back and the fire is in the mid-kitchen (seems most fires are fridge or stove related), how do you get out?? The answer is in the bedroom window that is easily opened with two levers and drops out - when you push it! OK - what now?? Have you tried to get out of the rig via that window?? Most likely not! And if you did, how far is it to the ground?? On my rig it is about six feet - too far to step and too difficult to get to the ground (DW is 5'1"). Jump to the ground?? the window is too small to be able to jump!!I'm trying to figure out a safe and easy way to exit the rig bedroom in an emergency. Other than cutting into the side and putting in a door (Yes, I have seen MoHo's with a bedroom door) what are your thoughts and plans??? (Other than pretending it will never happen to you)All replies are appreciated!!

I've thought about this before too. The way I see it I'm going to break a leg, arm or something crawling out this small window that high off the ground. Hopefully I will have enough time to throw out a bunch of pillows/bedding to break our fall. But mostly I hope it never happens.

When the smoke is rolling over your shoulder and the flame from fire is nipping at your backside you will be motivated and JUMP.Be it head first, feet first, or just a tuck/roll you WILL go out that window.FIRE is a motivator. Get OUT any way best as you can and RUN.RVs smolder then whoosh......and fire will spread quickly.Fire extinguisher is great for stove top fire, electric motor fire, MAYBE getting to door (REAL MAYBE).I have fought fires on Oil Rig, aboard NAVY Ship and in Power Plants.RV...I'm getting out and RUNNING.

throw a blanket over the lip feet first stomach down and drop out and down

Go to You Tube Mac the fire guy made a video about this.Also gives a seminar at Rallies how to do it..

You mean like having 2 entrance doors in the coach like mine conversion has? ;)But we also have a camper and the escape window from cabover bed is 7 feet above the ground. Window is too small to turn in it, so I hope to remember to go legs first. Still broken leg is better than burning alive. Than I think if you camp in populated areas, people will catch you jumping.

Emergency Escape - What to Do?? | Good Sam Community

GMandJM
Explorer
Aug 23, 2015
Fire escape ladder

Another Fire Escape Ladder

(Not an Advert)
Cloud_Dancer
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2015
newman fulltimer wrote:
throw a blanket over the lip feet first stomach down and drop out and down

We verbally practice this method,....frequently. Hopefully, it will be helpful.
I'm also thinking about replacing the NORCOLD frige cooling unit with a new HELIUM unit.
okgc
Explorer
Aug 23, 2015
We have the rear ladder extension section stored & easily accessible in our bedroom closet for emergency use.
This was previously suggested in an RV online forum.
ccxnola
Explorer
Aug 23, 2015
THANKS for all of the good replies!!
I know that if necessary, we'll get out - but I would like to do it without harm to mind & body.
The cover over the window opening is a good idea - and to toss out some pillows may help, but I'm not sure that would do much good.

PLEASE - check your equipment - be sure the alarm (smoke/fire/co2) works and BE PREPARED - it costs little to know what to do when a few seconds can make a BIG difference!!
Naio
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2015
I would do the stomach / feet first thing.

Pillows on the ground would just give me something to sprain my ankle on in the dark.

If your legs are 3 feet long then it's only a 3 foot drop before your feet hit the ground.
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2015
I would highlight the suggestion about smoke, CO and propane alarms and don't hesitate triple the requirements.
In my years of RVing I never heard about somebody dying in RV fire, but I did hear tens of times RVers dying of CO poisoning.
I wonder if official statistics are available, but point is that most will wake up to fire in RV, while propane is quiet killer, when CO is not only quiet, but also smell-less.
charlie_good_ti
Explorer
Aug 23, 2015
I never lock rv at site so in case of fire neighbors can get in.I did lock it while at a rest area an got out an locked my self out!Wife is unable to get key dueto medical condition.Lucky i had under storage open an could get ladder out an lucky i hat bedroom window cranked open .After skinning my arm i managed to get red handles released an got in rv.Later this summer our rv caught fire while waitinng for fuel an was totally destroyed.Wife was in couch behind me an i quickly got her out .TRUST ME YOU ONLY HAVE SECONDS TO REACT!
So from now on there will be red latches not latched ---little duct tape will keep them from swinging but easy to push open---there are three smoke detectors in side0---I think it might be wise to place one under little space under bed ---an one in front of dash on outside while parked but remove them when traveling.This might give few more seconds to get out.
But do have a plan an do check those detectors often.
charlie_good_ti
Explorer
Aug 23, 2015
I never lock rv at site so in case of fire neighbors can get in.I did lock it while at a rest area an got out an locked my self out!Wife is unable to get key dueto medical condition.Lucky i had under storage open an could get ladder out an lucky i hat bedroom window cranked open .After skinning my arm i managed to get red handles released an got in rv.Later this summer our rv caught fire while waitinng for fuel an was totally destroyed.Wife was in couch behind me an i quickly got her out .TRUST ME YOU ONLY HAVE SECONDS TO REACT!
So from now on there will be red latches not latched ---little duct tape will keep them from swinging but easy to push open---there are three smoke detectors in side0---I think it might be wise to place one under little space under bed ---an one in front of dash on outside while parked but remove them when traveling.This might give few more seconds to get out.
But do have a plan an do check those detectors often.
charlie_good_ti
Explorer
Aug 23, 2015
I neglected to say 2 more smoke detectors in addition to 3 inside.
Trails_And_Tail
Explorer
Aug 23, 2015
We have a spare tire mounted on top of the rear bumper, right under the rear window escape hatch. We plan on going out feet first and face down using the tire to keep from just falling.

Forum Discussion

Emergency Escape - What to Do??

About Motorhome Group

Related Content

Emergency escape thoughts...

Emergency escape window height

Replacing Emergency Exit Cover

Escape Hatch Condensation

Escaping heat next summer?