Forum Discussion
- I too thought when one opened the escape window that they would just fall out and so I never (5 years now) tried to open them....until now, thanks to watching the video. The hatches worked ok, but the window itself was stucked shut. I'm 215 lbs and it took some effort to get it open. All I can say is thank you for the video and everyone like the video said... make sure you can open those escape windows. I'm also going to order one of those escape ladders.
- I have not seen a RV burn but I have seen a couple of 30> boats burn. Once fiberglass gets going it burns fast & VERY hot.
- That was a great video!
- Thanks for posting Graydon,
I had been meaning to inspect Our Emergency Exit window but had not done so until Today.
I'm thankful that I did it on a Warm Sunshining Day as One of the Red Handles shaft was badly corroded and was a bear to twist. It broke off the Window frame in the process.
I was under the misconception that this Window would drop off if the Handles were turned, so naturally I never tried to open it until Today after watching the Video.
Not only did the Handle Come off but the Window required a whole lot of pressure to actually swing open.
Naturally I cleaned and Lubricated the Window Frame as well as reriveting the Locking device to the Frame after treating it to a proper Rust Treatment.
I will now be checking the Exit window on a much more frequent schedule. Ivylog wrote:
Thanks for posting this as I went out and tried mine. It was a lot harder to open than one would expect when it has not been used. The rubber seal was stuck and it took several times of pushing hard on it to open. I sprayed the rubber seal with silcone spray and now it's no problem to open. Thanks again.
This makes me glad I open mine often just to ventilate the RV just like I do when I open all the other windows. So I am very familiar with pulling that red handle. Never really thought about it getting stuck, but this is good info to have.
As for my exit plan, we will pull that red handle and hurl ourselves thru that window. Luckily we are both small. I have no idea how they expect anyone large to fit thru that hatch in some RV's. It doesn't seem the most well thought of plans on the part of manufacturers.- The best advice I can offer in this thread is if there is ever any concern that a fire may be present, RUN LIKE HELL out of your motorhome. I've seen a number of RV fires and can tell you first hand that a coach will erupt into a major conflagration in a matter of seconds. Trying to fight the fire with a fire extinguisher is probably the most foolish thing you could ever consider doing. You just don't have time. Get out. Get away. And be glad that your insurance company just bought a motorhome.
Additionally, be absolutely familiar and comfortable with the emergency exits of your coach. Most have an escape window, but how many of you have ever attempted egress out the window? How do you plan on getting out? Have you ever tried? Have you ever even opened the emergency exit? You would be surprised how many people have never actually pulled on those red handles, or never actually tried getting out through the opening. Do each of your family members know how to use the emergency exits? How about any guests you may have on board? Everyone should practice at least once a year with the emergency exits. At the very least, it's a good idea to exercise the components so you know that everything works if/when the time comes to use them.
Quick story ... I had a unit for sale on my lot a number of years ago. Apparently there had been a minor water leak at one of windows in the rear bedroom at some point in the past. This window also happened to be an emergency exit. Red handles, appropriate placards, the full enchilada. Well, previous owner decided to "fix" the apparent water leak by sealing it shut with black RTV or similar silicone caulk. No clue how long the unit had been driving around like that, but his seal job effectively rendered the emergency exit useless.
Make sure you know where your exits are. Make sure all your family members know where the exits are and how to use them. Operate the exits regularly. Practice getting out through each of the available exits.
I know, it sounds like a lot of work, but it could save your life one day.
Photo courtesy Mac McCoy. - Can't imagine beinng able to get out of the so-called escape window of our 5er. I did buy a second, larger, fire extinquiser to kept by the door. The original is within hands reach from the bed.
- I feel more safe in our new TT because it has 2 doors. Our 2 previous TT's only had the 1 door. Thanks for the video, reminder as to have a plan and know what to do if something God forbid did happen.
- We attended Mac Mcoy's seminars at the FMCA rally in Indie last month. It should be mandatory seminar for campers. He had several volunteers trying to exit from a motorhome and no one was very fast. He also had an excellent seminar on the use of fire extinguishers that should also be mandatory for all campers. Having a dowl rod, flashlight or head lamp and extra extinguisher by the escape window is a good idea. Also some of the new campers we looked at have very small escape windows - look before you buy.
- "Another thing to think about is that in some cases the RV door may be the closest exit, but a lot of us latch the bolt lock at night. Some fire situations limit your vision. It is a good idea to practice finding the bolt latch lever, knowing which way to turn it, and opening the door latch all with your eyes closed." and LYING ON THE FLOOR as crawing out is your best bet when it gets really hot.
